Plane warts

Plane (or flat) warts appear as multiple, small flat lesions on the face and distal limbs—these are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 3 and 10. See here for a photo of plane warts on the chin. Plane warts usually resolve spontaneously within 6 to 12 months; however, sometimes treatment is desired by the patient.

Figure 1. Plane warts on the chin

Note: Photo sourced with permission from Dr Andrew Ming.

Plane warts on the face are difficult to treat, and are often best left untreated. However, a topical retinoid can be used. Topical retinoids are teratogenic. Avoid topical retinoids in patients who are planning to become pregnant, or who are pregnant. Topical retinoids may be used in patients who are breastfeeding (no data is available, but it is unlikely to be a concern because systemic absorption through the skin is minimal).

Note: Topical retinoids are teratogenic; avoid topical retinoids in patients who are planning to become pregnant, or who are pregnant. Topical retinoids may be used in patients who are breastfeeding because systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.

If treatment is desired for plane warts on the face, use:

tretinoin 0.05% cream topically, once daily for at least 3 months. tretinoin tretinoin tretinoin

If treatment is desired for plane warts on areas other than the face, treat as for common warts.