How to eradicate common warts

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Common warts are caused by human papillomavirus infection. This disease is contagious and recurrent. Currently, the most common treatment is cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Generally, small warts can often be completely removed with one treatment. Slightly larger warts may require two to three, or even three to four cryotherapy sessions, but they can ultimately be completely cured. Clinically, a topical remedy called Wart-Off can also be used to completely cure the warts, although this method may take a longer period. During the treatment period, avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods, as they may cause the virus to grow more rapidly. Try to avoid scratching the affected area, as this behavior could potentially spread the disease and lead to more growth. It is also important to protect the normal skin during treatment.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What should I do if new warts grow around the area after freezing common warts?

After cryotherapy for common warts, it is common for new warts to appear around the treated area. This is because common warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a type of viral skin disease that tends to recur. Persistence in treatment is necessary in such cases. Treatments such as liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, carbon dioxide laser therapy, or high-frequency electronic ion cautery can be used. The occurrence of common warts is usually related to decreased immune function in the body. Therefore, it might be beneficial to use immunomodulators, such as interferon or thymopeptides enteric capsules, which have certain inhibitory effects. Concurrently, some traditional Chinese medicines that clear heat and detoxify, soothe the wind and balance the liver, along with other topical Chinese herbal treatments, can be used. A combined approach of Chinese and Western medicine often results in better outcomes. It is also important to engage in appropriate exercise to boost the body's immune system.

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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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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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What should I do if new warts grow around the area after freezing common warts?

Common warts can often develop new growths around the area after being frozen. This situation is common in clinical settings because common warts are caused by HPV infection, a type of viral skin disease that tends to recur. Therefore, clinically, we recommend continuing treatment persistently after recurrence, whether by freezing, using lasers, or other methods, to fully resolve the issue. If treatment is delayed, the warts can increase in number. Commonly used physical treatments include freezing, electrocautery, scraping, lasers, etc., and are suitable when there are fewer lesions. Since there are currently no definitive effective anti-HPV medications, recurrence is common in clinical settings. At this time, we can use some immunomodulators, such as interferons, which have certain inhibitory effects. Simultaneously, traditional Chinese medicine methods such as clearing heat, detoxifying, dispelling wind, smoothing the liver, dispersing masses, and combined with external washing of Chinese medicine, can sometimes achieve better therapeutic effects.