Tarpaulin Warts

Symptoms

Planal warts are common in children and adolescents and manifest as only slightly raised, millimeter-sized, round, skin-colored papules that usually occur in groups. They occur mainly on the face, for example on the cheeks and on the back of the hand (the fingers). The “juvenile warts” can also occur in adults.

Causes

It is a viral infectious disease of the epidermis of the skin caused by various human papillomaviruses (HPV). The viruses are transmitted by direct contact with diseased skin or through contaminated surfaces.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made in medical treatment on the basis of the clinical picture and patient history. Other possible skin diseases must be excluded.

Nonpharmacologic treatment

Planar warts can heal on their own and therefore do not necessarily require treatment. The warts can be removed with physical methods under medical treatment. Only well-tolerated methods should be used to avoid scarring.

Drug treatment

The literature mentions some drugs that can be used for therapy. Retinoids such as tretinoin (vitamin A acid) or the isotretinoin gel are commonly used. According to our experience, the isotretinoin gel is well suited for treatment. It is applied once daily in the evening for one to two months. Other options include imiquimod (off-label), cautery, cytostatics and keratolytics (caution: possible scarring in some cases!). Not all drugs are approved for children.