Flat warts won't go away for 14 years, wife now has them!

[medq88]

I have had flat warts on my arms for at least 14 years.  I also have them on my face, mostly my forehead.  Recently we noticed that my wife has them on her legs.  I have read they are extremely contagious, but on this post site, it says they are not.  I have read, all forms of HPV are spreadable, through contact, if there are abrasions to the skin, etc.  Is there anything I can do to speed up the disappearance of the flat warts?  They were confirmed by my dermatologist, but I was told, they will go away in a year or 2.

[Aeovis]

Now what about freezing flat warts? I personally have a large quantity on my hand that have been twice frozen an still remain. My doctor said they  just must be treated over and over again until they go away-- will that really work?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Flat warts are also caused by HPV and are contagious. Several medications(like podophyllum resin, Podofilox (Condylox), Trichloroacetic and bichloroacetic acids, Imiquimod 5% cream and interferons) are available, which can be applied directly to the surface of the warts.Other treatment options include electrical cautery, surgical removal, Carbon dioxide laser treatment and electrodesiccation.

In my opinion you should talk to a cosmetologist/dermatologist about this and get these warts evaluated. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.