Will common warts grow back after being removed?

Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Common warts, even when picked off, are very likely to regrow, as they are benign growths caused by an infection of the skin and mucous membrane with the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV. Due to their viral nature, they tend to recur easily. Common warts, also known as verruca vulgaris or plantar warts, are typically caused by HPV type 2 and mainly occur between the ages of 5 and 20. They can appear on any part of the body due to autoinoculation and are most commonly found on the hands and feet. These areas are susceptible due to frequent injuries or prolonged exposure to water, which are common triggering factors. After a wart is removed, the surrounding areas might already be infected, potentially leading to new warts appearing over time.

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Written by Zhang Jing
Dermatology Department
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Can common warts be pricked with a needle?

Common warts should not be punctured with a needle. The cause of common warts is a viral infection; they are caused by a type of human papillomavirus and manifest pathologically with hyperkeratosis, incomplete keratinization, and papillomatous proliferation of the epidermis. They do not form a cystic structure. Puncturing them with a needle will not only increase the risk of bacterial infection but also has no therapeutic effect. If you have common warts, the most appropriate action is to visit a hospital for treatment with options such as laser cauterization, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, or surgical removal of the lesions. This can completely remove the warts. If there are many warts or they keep recurring, it is also advisable to consult a doctor to see if medication should be combined with the treatment.

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home-news-image
Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
53sec home-news-image

Will common warts grow back after being removed?

Common warts, even when picked off, are very likely to regrow, as they are benign growths caused by an infection of the skin and mucous membrane with the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV. Due to their viral nature, they tend to recur easily. Common warts, also known as verruca vulgaris or plantar warts, are typically caused by HPV type 2 and mainly occur between the ages of 5 and 20. They can appear on any part of the body due to autoinoculation and are most commonly found on the hands and feet. These areas are susceptible due to frequent injuries or prolonged exposure to water, which are common triggering factors. After a wart is removed, the surrounding areas might already be infected, potentially leading to new warts appearing over time.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
56sec home-news-image

Can common warts be cut with scissors?

Common warts should not be cut with scissors. Common warts are a type of viral skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus resulting in benign growths. Using scissors to cut them can easily lead to further infections, so it is not recommended to use scissors to remove common warts. If you have common warts, you can visit the dermatology department of a standard hospital. If the warts are small, you can apply creams containing retinoic acid or imiquimod cream. If topical medications are not effective, treatments like liquid nitrogen freezing or carbon dioxide laser treatment can be employed. The occurrence of common warts is also somewhat related to a decrease in the body's immune function, so it is important to exercise regularly to boost the immune system and avoid staying up late.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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Can common warts be removed by soaking in vinegar?

Common warts are infections caused by the human papillomavirus, commonly known as "prickly warts." Using vinegar to soak them is ineffective. It is necessary to enhance local cleanliness, with physical treatment methods being the first choice, such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen or combined photodynamic therapy. Treatments may also include laser or surgical options, supported by immunological aids, such as oral thymopentin enteric capsules, and possibly supplemented by Avi A to promote the regression of the warts. Additionally, topical applications of interferon gel and tazarotene cream help inhibit viral replication and soften the keratin layer, respectively. Treatment usually requires about three to four weeks, with follow-up visits every one to two weeks. The cryotherapy can be administered in multiple sessions to prevent picking and the formation of injuries. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can a common wart that hasn't ruptured be contagious?

Common warts are contagious even without broken skin. Common warts are caused by an infection with a subtype of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with each other, and it is not necessary for the surface to have wounds or cuts in order to spread. Therefore, once this disease is detected, it must be treated promptly and properly, such as going to the dermatology department of a hospital to use methods like cryotherapy or laser. It may not be completely cured in one session and might require multiple treatments to fully resolve. Only after it is completely cured and the source of infection is eliminated, will it no longer spread to oneself or others around. It is important to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, and it is advisable not to keep small animals at home.