What department should you visit for filiform warts?

Generally, patients with filiform warts can choose to visit the dermatology department, medical aesthetics department, infectious disease department, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) department, or general practice department, based on their individual needs and actual conditions. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dermatology Department

Filiform warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and are considered benign skin growths, falling within the category of common dermatological conditions. Dermatologists possess professional expertise in diagnosing skin diseases and can make definitive diagnoses through visual examination and, if necessary, dermoscopy. They can also develop targeted treatment plans based on the size and number of warts, such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, or topical medications. Therefore, visiting the dermatology department is the top recommendation.

2. Medical Aesthetics Department

Some patients have filiform warts located on exposed areas such as the face and neck. In addition to seeking treatment, they also care about post-treatment skin appearance. The medical aesthetics department focuses not only on removing the warts but also on skin repair and aesthetic recovery. Treatments such as laser therapy are employed to minimize the possibility of scarring after treatment, making this department suitable for patients with cosmetic concerns.

3. Infectious Disease Department

Filiform warts are caused by a viral infection and are classified as viral infectious diseases. Infectious disease departments specialize in diagnosing and treating various infectious diseases, including those caused by viral infections. Doctors in this department have in-depth knowledge of the pathogenesis and transmission routes of viral infections. In addition to providing treatments to remove warts, they can also offer professional guidance on preventing viral infections and avoiding recurrence, making this department suitable for patients seeking advice on tackling the infection at its source.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Department

The TCM department has a unique approach to diagnosing and treating filiform warts, believing them to be associated with excessive internal dampness, blood stasis, and other factors. TCM physicians use syndrome differentiation to guide treatment, employing internal administration of herbal medicine to regulate the internal environment of the body, and may also use external therapies such as acupuncture and moxibustion to remove the warts. This approach is suitable for patients who prefer traditional Chinese medicine treatments.

5. General Practice Department

If the symptoms of filiform warts are mild and the patient is at a community hospital or other primary healthcare facility, visiting the general practice department is an option. General practitioners can provide initial diagnosis and simple treatments for common skin conditions, such as prescribing topical medications. If the condition is more complex, they can assist in referring the patient to specialized departments at higher-level hospitals, offering convenient preliminary medical services.

Additionally, patients with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism who also have filiform warts should proactively inform their doctor about their underlying medical conditions during consultation, so that the doctor can formulate a safer treatment plan. After treatment, it is important to keep the affected skin area clean and dry, avoid scratching, and prevent the virus from spreading and causing new warts.