What should I do if common warts keep recurring?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Common warts, which are recurring, can be treated using cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. If cryotherapy is not effective, it is recommended to use carbon dioxide laser treatment.

Common warts are caused by the infection of human papillomavirus, and they are a contagious and recurrent skin disease. The recurrence is primarily related to a decrease in immunity. When recurrent outbreaks occur, it is important to strengthen physical exercise to enhance immunity.

Medications that enhance immune health might be used as well, such as taking oral transfer factor solution or using transfer factor capsules. Additionally, it is important to avoid staying up late, to eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, and to potentially utilize traditional Chinese medicine and herbal decoctions to enhance one’s immune capabilities.

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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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Are common warts and flat warts caused by the same virus?

Common warts and flat warts are caused by infections of the same virus, mainly due to Human Papillomavirus (HPV), but not by the same type. There are over one hundred types of HPV, with more than eighty types associated with human diseases. The types of HPV that cause flat warts are mainly type 3 and type 5, while the types that cause common warts are mainly HPV type 1, type 2, type 4, and type 7. Therefore, common warts and flat warts are caused by different types of HPV infections. The appearance of flat warts and common warts is primarily due to minor lesions in the skin and mucous membranes, allowing the virus to enter the epithelial cells of the human body. There, the virus replicates and proliferates, leading to abnormal proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells, forming benign growths on the epidermis.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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Is the recurrence rate of common warts high?

Common warts, commonly known as verruca vulgaris, are infectious due to human papillomavirus infection and have a high recurrence rate. For example, warts occurring on the feet are called plantar warts, which often have a long disease course and require multiple cryotherapy treatments, even more than ten times, and can recur and reoccur. It is necessary to enhance skin cleanliness, avoid external factors such as injuries, and provide active and effective antiviral treatment and immunomodulatory supportive symptomatic treatment. Early intervention with physical treatments, such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, laser treatment, or even surgical removal of the wart, can be combined with oral medications like thymosin enteric capsules and topical interferon gel to suppress virus replication.

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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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How long does it take for common warts to fall off after they turn black?

After common warts turn black, they generally fall off within about a week. Common warts, also known as verruca vulgaris, are primarily caused by infection with the human papillomavirus, typically by the type 2 HPV virus. The occurrence of common warts is associated with numerous factors; they often arise when the body's immune system is weakened, or when warts already present are frequently scratched, which can lead to inoculation infection. Common warts can occur on various parts of the body and are commonly found on the hands. The hands are particularly susceptible if they are kept in water for prolonged periods, which can easily trigger the appearance of common warts. Typical lesions of common warts are pea-sized or larger, gray-brown or brown papules with a rough surface and hard texture, forming papillomatous proliferations. If common warts appear, treatment options such as liquid nitrogen freezing or carbon dioxide laser treatment are available at hospitals.