Are flat warts the same as common warts?

Flat warts are a type of common wart, known as flat condyloma in traditional Chinese medicine. Both are benign skin growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and are somewhat contagious. However, flat warts and common warts (usually referring to verruca vulgaris) differ clinically. Flat warts mainly present as flat, raised papules the size of rice grains to peas, with a smooth surface, firm texture, and light brown or skin-colored appearance. They commonly occur on the face, back of the hands, and forearms. In contrast, common warts typically appear as grayish-brown, brown, or skin-colored papules the size of peas or larger, with a rough surface and hard texture, frequently found on the fingers and back of the hands. Although they differ in certain aspects, both conditions are skin disorders caused by HPV infection and are usually treated with physical therapies, medications, and other treatment approaches.