Why are warts hard to treat? Warts are one of those common skin conditions that nearly everyone encounters at some point in their lives. Regardless of the location or type of wart, there are several treatment options. Understanding exactly why warts are so hard to treat helps patients stay patient and persistent with treatment until the stubborn warts completely disappear.
What Are Warts?
Warts are growths on the skin that are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus enters the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin, causing the skin cells to multiply rapidly, which results in the formation of a wart. Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but they’re most common on the hands, feet, and genital areas.
While warts are generally harmless and benign, they can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and hard to get rid of. There are several reasons why they can be so persistent.
Why are Warts Hard to Treat?
- The Resilience of HPV
One of the main reasons warts are so hard to treat is the nature of the virus that causes them. The human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for warts, is incredibly resilient and capable of persisting in the skin for long periods of time. Once the virus enters the skin, it can lie dormant and continue to trigger skin cell growth, even if the visible wart is removed.
Additionally, HPV has multiple strains—each of which causes different types of warts. Some strains are more easily treated, while others are more resistant to treatment, making certain warts particularly hard to get rid of.
- The Virus Stays in the Skin Cells
Warts develop when the HPV virus infects the skin’s epidermis, or outermost layer. The virus enters through tiny abrasions and infects the skin cells, causing them to multiply and form a wart. However, the virus doesn’t always affect the deeper layers of the skin, and even if the visible wart is treated and removed, the virus can still remain within the skin cells.
This means that even if you successfully remove a wart, the virus could still be present in the skin, leading to the possibility of the wart returning. This is one key reason why warts are so hard to treat, as the virus can remain hidden even after removal.
- Warts Can Be Resistant to Treatments
Warts come in many different shapes and sizes, and the treatment options vary depending on the type, location, and severity of the wart. Unfortunately, no single treatment works for all warts, and the virus can often be resistant to commonly used treatments.
Some of the most common wart treatments include:
- Cryotherapy (freezing the wart)
- Topical treatments (such as salicylic acid)
- Bleomycin injections (stops the wart cells from replicating and regenerating)
- Minor surgical procedures (to remove the wart)
While these methods are often effective, they can take time. In some cases, warts may require multiple treatment sessions with many different treatment options to be completely eradicated. Some warts, especially those caused by more resistant strains of HPV, may simply not respond well to certain treatments. As a result, patients may need to try different methods or combine therapies to see results.
Over-the-counter wart treatments, while convenient and widely accessible, are often less effective than treatments provided in a dermatology office—especially for stubborn or recurring warts. These treatments generally contain lower concentrations of active ingredients and are designed for broad use, which means they may not be strong enough to reach the deeper layers of the skin where the virus resides. In most cases, they fail to trigger a strong enough immune response to help the body fight off the underlying infection. As a result, warts treated only with store-bought products can linger or return, making professional treatment a more reliable option for long-term results.
- The Immune System’s Response
Your immune system plays a significant role in the development and treatment of warts. In many cases, the immune system eventually fights off the virus over time, which is why some warts disappear on their own without treatment. However, this process can take months or even years, and during that time, the wart may continue to grow or spread.
For individuals with weakened or developing immune systems—such as children or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy—warts can be especially difficult to treat. In these cases, the body may not mount a strong enough immune response to clear the virus effectively, leading to more persistent, widespread, or treatment-resistant warts.
- Warts Are Contagious
Another reason warts can be difficult to treat is that they are highly contagious. HPV is spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces, such as gym equipment or swimming pool areas. This means that even after successful treatment, the wart could potentially return if you’re exposed to the virus again.
The contagious nature of warts also means that they can spread to other areas of your body or to other people if precautions aren’t taken. This can make treating warts even more challenging, especially if you have multiple warts or if others in your household are affected.
- Different Warts Require Different Treatments
As mentioned earlier, there are many different types of warts, and not all warts respond the same way to treatment. For instance, plantar warts (warts on the feet) often require more intensive treatment because the pressure from walking can cause them to be embedded deeper into the skin. Genital warts, caused by a different strain of HPV, often require specialized treatments and care due to their sensitive location.
Additionally, some warts are flat, while others are raised, and some might be infected or have more complex growth patterns. As a result, the treatment plan may need to be tailored specifically to the type and location of the wart, making it harder to find a one-size-fits-all solution.
- Psychological Factors
Warts can also be a source of embarrassment, stress, and frustration, which can affect how individuals approach treatment. People may give up on treatment too soon if they don’t see immediate results, or they may overuse certain treatments in an attempt to speed up the process. This can lead to irritation or damage to the skin, which may make the wart more difficult to treat or cause additional complications.
Does The DERM Center treat warts?
Yes! Warts are very commonly seen at The DERM Center. There are many treatment options, and we know just how persistent these warts can be! With the right treatment approach, warts can be effectively managed and removed. If you’re struggling with warts, we would be happy to help you find the most effective treatment plan for your specific case. Give us a call (423-977-7546) or schedule online here: Self-Schedule with The DERM Center
