What department should one visit for filiform warts?

Sep 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Filiform warts are benign skin growths caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). When seeking medical treatment, patients may visit departments such as dermatology, medical aesthetics, dermatovenereology, traditional Chinese medicine dermatology, or general practice at community health service centers. Dermatology is the preferred department for diagnosis and treatment. Equipped with specialized devices, this department can remove warts through various methods including cryotherapy, laser therapy, and topical medications.

Filiform warts are benign skin growths caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). When seeking medical treatment, you may choose to visit the dermatology department, medical aesthetics department, dermatovenereology department, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dermatology department, or the general practice department at a community health service center, depending on your specific needs. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dermatology Department: This is the first-choice department for diagnosing and treating filiform warts. Equipped with professional devices, this department can remove warts through various methods such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, and topical medications. It can also accurately differentiate filiform warts from other skin growths, ensuring targeted diagnosis and treatment.

2. Medical Aesthetics Department: If the filiform warts are located on exposed areas such as the face or neck and aesthetic concerns are a priority, you may choose this department. While removing the warts, this department focuses more on minimizing cosmetic issues such as scarring and pigmentation, offering more refined treatment approaches.

3. Dermatovenereology Department: In some hospitals, dermatology and sexually transmitted disease (STD) services are combined into this department. Since filiform warts are a type of viral skin disease, this department also has professional diagnostic and treatment capabilities, providing standardized antiviral treatments and wart removal plans.

4. TCM Dermatology Department: This department is suitable for patients who prefer traditional Chinese medicine treatments. TCM dermatology uses methods such as topical herbal applications, acupuncture, and fire needle therapy to remove warts. Additionally, it can regulate body constitution, assist in enhancing immunity, and reduce the recurrence rate.

5. General Practice Department at Community Health Service Centers: If the number of warts is small and their locations are superficial, you may choose this department. General practitioners can make initial diagnoses and manage the condition using topical medications or simple physical therapies. The consultation process is convenient and suits basic healthcare needs.

Before visiting, it is recommended to understand the hospital's departmental setup in advance and bring any previous medical records (if available). After treatment, follow medical advice to properly care for your skin and keep the wound clean and dry. If the warts recur or signs of infection, redness, or swelling occur after treatment, seek medical attention promptly.