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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min 10sec home-news-image

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 Qu Jing
Dermatology
1min 14sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What harm does not treating common warts do to the body?

Common warts are caused by papillomavirus infections. This disease is contagious and recurrent, with the most common sites of occurrence being the soles of the feet or the palms and fingers. It is important to treat this disease in a standardized and timely manner, otherwise, it may grow increasingly numerous. Warts that develop on the soles can multiply over time, causing pain while walking. If they continue to increase, some may become inflamed, infected, suppurate, or exude fluid. When warts increase in number on the hands, they can affect work, as contact with hard materials can cause pain. Therefore, it is crucial to seek standardized treatment upon discovering this disease. Although it does not significantly affect an individual's health, it can impact one’s daily life and work.

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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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
47sec home-news-image

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.