Flat Warts on the Face

[lissandra]

My son is 5 yrs. old and he has being under treatment for flat warts on his face for the past 3 months.  Retin-A over night.  I do not see the flat warts going away, but spreading more toward his neck.  What should I do?  My next appointment with his dermatologist is at the end of the month.  Is there any relationship between children that are lactose intolerant and flat warts? lack of any enzyme?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Flat warts are benign tumors of the epidermis and usually occur in children. Flat warts are about the size of a pinhead and usually appear on the face, but can also appear on arms, knees, or hands.

If treatment with Retin-A has not proven beneficial then you can go in for other treatments like burning with an electric needle (electrocautery), application of cantharidin, podophyllin, imiquomod or salicylic acid, injection with bleomycin or laser removal of the warts.
In my opinion you should discuss these treatment options with a cosmetologist/dermatologist.
I hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[lissandra]

Thank you so much for your prompt reply to my message.  I will be able to see my son's dermatologist on the 30th of October and I will ask for other treatments available as mentioned above.  Your advise was very helpful.  Thank you again and I will keep you posted. Lissandra.