Warts are common, stubborn, and often frustrating. Warts are a common viral skin condition and can be resistant to treatment. Over-the-counter products and repeated cryotherapy may not always be effective, particularly for deeper or long-standing lesions.
At Advanced Skin Doctors, warts are removed using surgical wart removal and radiofrequency devices to remove them safely and effectively. A local anaesthetic injection is used to numb the area before treatment to ensure patient comfort. In most cases, one session is sufficient; however, due to the stubborn nature of warts and the risk of spreading, an additional session may sometimes be required.
Why Warts Don’t Go Away
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Some disappear on their own, while others can be difficult to treat—especially if they are deep, long-standing, or located on pressure areas like the feet.
Ignoring Warts Can Cause Ongoing Issues
Delaying treatment can allow warts to spread or become more difficult to treat. New warts may develop over time, and depending on their location, they can interfere with daily activities—such as walking, gripping objects, or working comfortably.
Warts can also spread to others through shared surfaces like towels, floors, or gym equipment. Persistent warts may affect confidence and routine activities.
Hygiene and Aftercare Matter
Good hygiene helps reduce the risk of spreading or reinfection. Simple steps include:
- Covering the wart
- Wearing footwear in shared areas
- Avoiding picking or scratching
After treatment, following aftercare instructions is important. Healing skin is more vulnerable, so keeping the area clean, dry, and protected supports proper recovery.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Leaving warts untreated can allow them to spread, increase in size, or pass to others through skin contact or shared surfaces.
Final Thoughts
Early treatment and good aftercare help limit spread, reduce recurrence, and support faster healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a lesion is actually a wart or something else?
Sometimes warts can look like other skin growths, such as corns, callus, moles or skin tags. A professional assessment is the only reliable way to confirm what it is and decide on the correct treatment.
Can wart removal affect nearby skin or leave a visible mark?
Treatment is designed to minimise impact on surrounding skin, but the risk of minor scarring or colour changes exists. Your clinician can discuss which methods reduce this risk for your specific case.
Are there home remedies that actually help or make things worse?
Many home remedies may irritate the skin or cause infection rather than remove the wart. However, once the wart is safely removed by a professional, they may provide further at home advice to minimize the warts from getting worse. Safe treatment is best guided by a professional to avoid complications.
