Warts: why patience is part of the treatment
How warts develop, which procedures exist – and why the diagnosis comes before the treatment.
Warts are harmless but persistent. Those who stop treatment too early usually start over.
How they develop
Warts are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV) that enter through tiny skin injuries. Damp environments such as swimming pools and changing rooms encourage infection, as does a weakened immune defence.
The most common forms
- Common warts – rough and raised, usually on the hands
- Plantar warts – on the sole of the foot, growing inward and often painful
- Flat warts – small and flat, often on the face
Diagnosis first
Not every rough spot is a wart. On the sole of the foot a corn is often confused for one, and on sun-exposed skin there can be changes behind it that need a different treatment. That is why we assess first – with the dermoscope if needed.
Treatment options
- Cryotherapy (freezing) with liquid nitrogen – the established standard procedure
- Keratolytics with salicylic acid to soften, often alongside
- Curettage in selected cases
- Laser therapy for stubborn findings
Why it takes time
Several sessions two to three weeks apart are the rule, often more on the hands and feet. The horny layer is thick there and the virus sits deep. Consistency matters more than the choice of procedure.
Avoiding transmission
Do not scratch, use your own towels, wear bathing shoes in public pools and keep the areas dry.