Warts are a skin condition that can be unsightly. They are common in children and teenagers as nearly 33% have had warts in their lifetime. Warts become less common as you get older as they only affect between 3 to 5% of adults. If you have had warts, you may wonder, can warts regrow? Below you will find helpful information on treating your warts and how to prevent them.
Can Warts Regrow?
A wart is a raised bump on your skin caused by the human papillomavirus (also referred to as “HPV”). HPV infects the top layer of your skin by entering the body through broken skin. Because of this, HPV causes the top layer of your skin to grow quickly. This rapid growth causes the wart on your skin. While they aren’t dangerous to your health in most cases, they are unsightly and can be contagious.
Warts can grow back for a variety of reasons. One of the common reasons that a wart may grow back is due to the wart not being fully removed in the first place. If the entire wart is not removed, it can easily grow back. Additionally, the incision made to remove the original wart can become infected with HPV, which can also cause the wart to come back. This is why you should not remove your wart at home. Professional wart removal is the most effective way to get rid of your warts for good. Consult with a podiatrist on how to care for your skin after your wart has been removed to prevent it from coming back.
Types of Warts and The Spread of HPV
There are a variety of different types of warts. Two of the most common warts are “common warts” and “plantar warts.” Common warts generally appear on your fingers and toes. However, they can grow anywhere on your body. They are rough, gray, and have a grainy appearance with a rounded top. Plantar warts are another type of wart and they grow on the soles of the feet. They are unlike other warts as they grow into your skin. Plantar warts can make walking difficult as they feel like a rock on the sole of your foot. They often begin as a hole on the sole of your foot surrounded by hardened skin.
These warts are spread through direct contact with HPV. You can infect yourself and others if you touch a wart and another part of your body, or someone else’s body. You can infect others through the use of shared products, such as razors, towels, and other personal items. Sometimes you won’t see the wart right away as it can often take months before you notice the wart.
Wart Treatment and Prevention
If you have a wart, it is best to get professional wart treatment as it is the most effective in preventing regrowth. The treatment depends on the type of wart you have, but it can include professional grade-salicylic acid, liquid nitrogen, laser therapy, and even surgical removal. A podiatrist can diagnose your wart through a physical examination of your foot, and can often be treated in the office during the same visit.
Because warts are highly contagious, it’s important to prevent them in the first place. You should never share shoes, socks, or any other type of footwear. Keep any cuts covered with a bandage to ensure that it cannot be contaminated with HPV. If you are in a public space, such as a pool or a gym, always cover your feet. Keeping your feet and hands well-manicured and dry. Talk with your podiatrist in Palmdale about how to care for your skin after your wart has been removed. This can help keep any potential new warts at bay.
