WARTS (VERRUCA)

COMMON AND PLANTAR WARTS (VERRUCA VULGARIS & VERRUCA PLANTARIS)

Warts are a self-limited viral skin condition caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Many warts resolve spontaneously over time without scarring. However, warts may also persist indefinitely, spread to other areas of the body, or recur after treatment.

There is no cure for warts. Treatment focuses on removing visible lesions and managing symptoms, rather than eliminating the underlying virus.

A wide variety of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are available and may be effective for some patients, particularly for smaller or early lesions. Treatment response varies.

TREATMENT APPROACH FOR COMMON AND PLANTAR WARTS

Current wart therapies generally fall into two categories: destructive therapies and immunomodulatory or topical therapies.

DESTRUCTIVE THERAPIES

Destructive treatments aim to remove or destroy visible wart tissue, but they do not eliminate HPV from the surrounding skin.

Excision of a wart does not guarantee remission. Viral particles may remain in adjacent tissue, allowing new warts to develop at or near the treatment site.
Chemical destruction may cause significant blistering and tissue injury and is not routinely offered as first-line treatment in our office.
Laser destruction removes only visible warty tissue. Laser treatment does not eradicate HPV and does not guarantee permanent clearance.
Laser therapy is not considered first-line treatment for common or plantar warts. When used, multiple sessions are often required, and recurrence remains possible.

Laser treatment may be considered in selected, treatment-resistant cases following careful clinical evaluation.

IMMUNOMODULATORY AND TOPICAL THERAPIES

Topical therapies aim to stimulate an immune response or suppress viral activity. Many topical treatments used for common and plantar warts are off-label and may require prolonged or repeated application.

Response varies significantly between patients, and no topical treatment guarantees permanent resolution.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Warts may spread through scratching, shaving, or trauma
Recurrence is common, regardless of treatment method
Multiple treatments are often necessary
No single therapy reliably eliminates HPV

FLAT WARTS (VERRUCA PLANA)

Flat warts are small, smooth, minimally elevated lesions. They commonly appear on the face, neck, arms, or legs and may be reddish, tan, or brown.

Because of their subtle appearance, flat warts are often mistaken for freckles, sun spots, or other benign pigmented lesions.
Treatment may be recommended to reduce spread, irritation, or cosmetic concerns.

GENITAL WARTS (ANDROGENITAL HPV INFECTION)

Genital warts are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and affect the skin or mucous membranes of the genital and anal areas.

Androgenital HPV infection is very common. Most sexually active individuals are exposed to HPV at some point in their lives, and most never know they have it, as infection is often asymptomatic and may resolve spontaneously.

HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Partners who have been together often share HPV, and it is not possible to determine when or from whom the infection was acquired. Having HPV does not imply infidelity or recent exposure.

Genital warts may appear as:

Small, flat or raised growths
Flesh-colored or slightly pigmented lesions
Single lesions or clustered growths

Some patients experience itching, irritation, discomfort, or occasional bleeding, while others have no symptoms.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR GENITAL WARTS

Treatment selection is individualized and may include patient-applied or provider-administered therapies.

PATIENT-APPLIED THERAPIES

Some topical treatments may be applied at home and are preferred by individuals who value privacy and convenience. Many are used off-label and require consistent application over time.

PROVIDER-ADMINISTERED THERAPIES

In selected cases, in-office treatment may be recommended for persistent, symptomatic, or extensive lesions.

Provider-administered options in our clinic may include:

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser–assisted destruction or shaving
Surgical excision, when appropriate
FDA-approved topical chemical destruction

We do not offer cryotherapy, electrodesiccation, or infrared coagulation because these treatments may carry a higher risk of post-procedural scarring, especially when used on certain body sites or skin types.

do not offer cryotherapy, electrodesiccation, or infrared coagulation.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Genital warts may spread through skin-to-skin contact
Recurrence is common, regardless of treatment approach
Multiple treatments may be required
Not all warts require treatment

EXPERT CARE

Our office regularly evaluates and treats common, plantar, flat, and genital warts. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on clinical findings, lesion characteristics, and patient-specific considerations, with attention to comfort, privacy, and safety.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a consultation.

Medical Disclosure
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a personalized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations may vary based on individual findings. Outcomes may vary, and no specific medical or cosmetic result can be guaranteed. Procedural treatments may not be appropriate for all patients.