Symptom 2: Flesh-Colored or Lighter Appearance
Another defining feature of flat warts is their ability to blend seamlessly with the surrounding skin. Unlike some warts that stand out due to their darker or discolored nature, Verruca Plana often presents itself in a color that closely matches the individual’s skin tone or is even a tad lighter.
This chameleon-like ability to blend can often lead to them being overlooked. Imagine scanning your skin for any abnormalities; a flesh-colored wart would easily escape the untrained eye. The subtlety in color contrasts starkly with the boldness of other skin anomalies, often leading to misidentification.
However, this characteristic is not just about aesthetics. The color of a wart can sometimes provide insights into its nature and the strain of HPV causing it. Flat warts’ lighter appearance might be indicative of the particular virus strain at play and its behavior.
Moreover, the lighter color isn’t constant. Over time, with exposure to the sun or other external factors, the color might change, making them more noticeable. Regular self-examinations of the skin, especially in individuals prone to warts, can help in early identification. (2)
