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How long do warts last?


Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are contagious and can spread from person to person through direct contact. Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on hands and feet. Many people wonder – how long do warts last?

What Are Warts?

Warts are benign (non-cancerous) skin growths caused by infection with one of over 100 types of HPV. Different types of warts include:

  • Common warts – rough, raised bumps that most often appear on hands
  • Plantar warts – hard, flat lesions that develop on the soles of the feet
  • Flat warts – smooth, flat-topped lesions that can appear anywhere on the body
  • Genital warts – soft growths in the genital area caused by sexually transmitted HPV

Warts are transmitted by direct contact with the virus. They can spread from person to person or from one part of the body to another. Walking barefoot or touching a wart can spread the infection.

How Long Do Warts Last Untreated?

If left untreated, how long warts last depends on the type of wart and the strength of the person’s immune system. On average:

  • Common warts may disappear on their own within 1-2 years.
  • Plantar warts may last for 2 years or longer.
  • Flat warts usually go away within several months to 2 years.
  • Genital warts can persist for over 2 years without treatment.

However, warts may also remain indefinitely without treatment in some cases. A weak immune system allows HPV to replicate and warts to thrive.

Here is a table summarizing how long untreated warts typically last:

Type of Wart Duration Untreated
Common warts 1-2 years
Plantar warts 2+ years
Flat warts Months to 2 years
Genital warts 2+ years

Do Warts Ever Go Away on Their Own?

Some types of warts may eventually go away without treatment as the immune system fights off HPV. However, it can take months or even years for untreated warts to disappear.

Relying on the body’s immune response is risky, as warts may spread or develop into other types of lesions. It is best to get warts treated instead of waiting for them to potentially resolve on their own.

Common Warts

Common warts on hands and fingers may disappear within 1-2 years without treatment. However, some may persist much longer depending on the person. It is not recommended to leave common warts untreated.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts on the feet rarely go away on their own within a few years. The pressure of walking helps them grow deeper into the skin. Getting plantar warts treated is important to prevent pain and discomfort.

Flat Warts

Flat warts may resolve after several months or within 2 years untreated. But they can also persist indefinitely or spread to other areas. Treatment is recommended especially if numerous flat warts develop.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are very unlikely to go away on their own. The warm, moist environment allows them to thrive for many years if untreated. Leaving genital warts increases the risk of passing HPV to partners.

How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Warts?

With treatment, most warts resolve within 1-2 months. However, the type of wart, size, number, and treatment method can affect the timeline.

Here is an overview of how long it takes to get rid of warts with treatment:

  • Common warts – May take up to 2 months to treat.
  • Plantar warts – Can take 2-3 months to resolve.
  • Flat warts – Often clear within 1-2 months.
  • Genital warts – May require 3 months or longer of treatment.

Larger or widespread warts may take longer to treat. Consistent treatment is key, as missing applications can allow warts to persist.

Home Treatments

Home treatments like salicylic acid can clear warts within 1-2 months with consistent use. Duct tape and apple cider vinegar may also help treat common and plantar warts over a similar timeframe. However, home remedies do not always work.

Medical Procedures

Medical procedures like cryotherapy (freezing), laser treatment, and cantharidin rapidly destroy warts. Most warts resolve after 1-4 treatment sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart. However, multiple sessions are sometimes needed for large or stubborn warts.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy creams containing imiquimod stimulate the immune system to fight off warts. When used as directed, immunotherapy can eliminate warts within 1-2 months. The area usually heals within 1 month after treatment completion.

Does Removing a Wart Get Rid of the Virus?

Removing the visible wart does not necessarily get rid of HPV. Warts often reoccur after treatment because HPV may still linger in surrounding skin cells. However, destroying the wart allows the body to develop antibodies to help prevent recurrence.

To reduce the risk of a wart returning after treatment:

  • Use antiviral creams for 2-3 weeks after visible wart resolves
  • Avoid picking at treated wart
  • Keep area clean and dry
  • Don’t share towels or razors with someone who has warts

Getting the HPV vaccine can also prevent future wart outbreaks by building immunity against strains most likely to cause warts.

Can You Permanently Get Rid of Warts?

It is possible to permanently get rid of warts with consistent treatment. But in some cases, warts keep returning. Things that make permanent wart removal challenging include:

  • Not fully destroying root of wart
  • Reinfection from HPV virus still on body
  • Weak immune system unable to suppress virus
  • Picking at wart causing it to spread

Permanent wart removal requires attacking the root so it cannot grow back. Combining methods like freezing with immunotherapy improves results by attacking warts on multiple fronts.

A healthy immune system and avoiding reinfection are also key to prevent wart recurrence. Getting rid of warts once does not always provide immunity against future outbreaks. But the body may build resistance over time with the right treatment.

Conclusion

How long warts last untreated varies depending on the type and person’s immunity. While some warts disappear on their own eventually, it can take months or even years. Treating warts is important to prevent spreading and potential complications. With consistent treatment, most warts can be permanently eliminated within 1-2 months. But it may take longer for large or resistant warts. Removing all traces of the virus provides the best chance for getting rid of warts for good.