Filiform warts are long and narrow rapid growing tumors of
the outer skin layer. These tumors are however non-cancerous and so pose no
real danger. Filiform warts are usually finger-like shaped and project
themselves from the skin. They can more easily be found in certain areas such
as on the:
• Face
• Eyelid
• Nose
• Lips
• Chin
• Neck
They are more common in elder children than any other age
group. They may sometimes itch or even bleed when they become irritated. This
usually happens when they are intentionally scratched or when they are
accidentally rubbed against clothing.
In certain areas where they may be easily hit, they may
create some discomforts and be a problem.
A filiform wart is caused by a viral infection. This viral
infection is caused by the human papilloma virus or HPV for brevity.
A filiform wart is contagious. It may be transmitted:
• From an area to another area of the same body
• Directly From an individual to an individual
• Indirectly from an individual to another individual
Transmission form an area to another area of the same body
can occur when the individual scratches the filfiorm wart and touches other
parts of the body. This may transmit the HPV, resulting in another growth in
other areas.
Direct contact with another individual may result is
transmission of the virus. This occurs when another wart of another individual
is touched. This many easily happen in children when they are playing team
games such as football or basketball.
Touching an object touched by another person can also result
in contamination. This may happen when individuals use the same towel to dry
their faces. The HPV may be transferred from the face of another individual to
another resulting in a filiform wart.
Filiform warts generally go away by themselves after several
months or a few years.
However since they more generally occur on visible areas of
the individual, they may create some discomforts relating to the aesthetic
aspect. In view of this one may consider treatment.