Is flat warts a chlamydial infection?

Flat warts are not caused by chlamydia infection. Flat warts are a skin disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly types 3 and 5 HPV being the main causative agents. This condition primarily spreads through direct or indirect contact; for example, sharing items such as towels or bathrobes may lead to cross-infection. Flat warts commonly occur on exposed areas such as the face and back of the hands in adolescents and children. They present as flat, raised papules ranging in size from rice grain to pea-sized, round or oval in shape, with a smooth surface and usually light brown or the same color as normal skin. Unlike chlamydial infection, treatment for flat warts mainly relies on antiviral medications, immunomodulatory agents, and physical therapies such as laser treatment and cryotherapy. Therefore, flat warts and chlamydial infection differ significantly in terms of etiology, routes of transmission, and treatment approaches.