Many people wonder whether it’s worth treating a wart or just waiting for it to disappear naturally. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and while the body’s immune system can sometimes clear the infection, the reality is more complicated.
At London Wart Clinic, we see patients every week who have waited months or years for a wart to resolve, only for it to persist, spread, or become painful.
How the Body Clears Warts
The immune system can recognise HPV-infected skin cells and eventually destroy them. This is why some warts vanish without treatment.
- In children, studies show that around 50% of warts disappear within one year.
- In adults, the clearance rate is slower, with many warts persisting beyond two years.
- Warts on the feet (verrucas) and around the nails are particularly resistant.
This explains why parents often hear advice to “leave it and it will go away,” whereas adults with persistent lesions usually seek medical help.
When Warts Don’t Go Away
Several factors make spontaneous clearance less likely:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Age | Adults’ immune systems are less likely to eliminate HPV quickly. |
| Location | Plantar and periungual warts are harder to clear naturally. |
| Number | Multiple warts are less likely to all resolve without treatment. |
| Immunity | Weakened immune systems mean the virus often persists. |
In these cases, waiting for a wart to vanish may simply allow it to spread further or cause more discomfort.
Risks of Leaving Warts Untreated
While most warts are harmless, leaving them untreated carries certain risks:
- Pain and discomfort: Plantar warts can make walking difficult.
- Spread: HPV can spread to other parts of the body or to family members.
- Cosmetic concerns: Warts on the face, hands, or nails often affect confidence.
- Persistence: Some warts remain for years without resolving naturally.
Although warts do not usually turn into cancer, any growth that changes appearance, bleeds, or resists treatment should be examined by a doctor.
Treatment Options When Warts Persist
If a wart has lasted longer than six months, is spreading, or is painful, treatment may be necessary.
Common options include:
- Salicylic acid (over-the-counter) – effective in many cases but requires persistence.
- Cryotherapy – freezing with liquid nitrogen in a clinic setting.
- Cautery (electrosurgery) – burns away the wart under local anaesthetic.
- Laser treatment – destroys the wart’s blood supply.
- Surgical excision – removal under local anaesthetic in resistant cases.
At London Wart Clinic, our private doctors and surgeons provide these treatments depending on the type of wart and patient preference.