You’ve given it time. Perhaps you’ve tried something from the pharmacy, thought it was improving, then watched it come back. A small wart can become a big annoyance when it catches on clothing, gets in the way or keeps drawing your attention.
If that sounds familiar, we can help you explore the next step. At BC Laser & Skincare in Surrey, we assess the growth, talk through what you’ve already tried and discuss which wart removal options may suit you.
Why can a wart be so stubborn
Warts are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus, or HPV. Some disappear on their own as the immune system responds, while others hang around much longer. They can also spread to other areas of skin or between people. 1
That helps explain why removing a visible wart isn’t always the end of the story. A wart can return, and some need more than one treatment. Persistence doesn’t automatically mean you’ve done something wrong or that there’s nothing else to try. 2
Tell us how long it’s been there, where it is and what you’ve used on it. If a product made the skin sore or changed how the growth looks, mention that too. Those details help us avoid repeating an approach that hasn’t worked for you.
Make sure it really is a wart
Not every rough bump is a wart. If you’re unsure what a growth is, or it’s painful, bleeding or changing, have it assessed before trying another treatment. Suspected warts on the face or genital area need professional advice too. 2
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, speak with a healthcare professional before using home wart treatments. The location of the growth and your health history can affect which options are appropriate. 2
Wart removal options we can discuss
Our options include laser treatment, cryotherapy, electrosurgery, surgical removal and prescription treatments. We choose an approach based on the type of wart, its location and the results of your assessment. Explore our wart removal options here. 3
Cryotherapy freezes the wart. Other treatments act on or remove the affected tissue in different ways. Laser or another procedure may be considered for selected warts, including some that haven’t responded to earlier treatment. We’ll explain why we’re recommending a particular option and what healing may involve. 2
We don’t treat plantar warts, which develop on the soles of the feet. If the growth is on the bottom of your foot, a family doctor or podiatrist can advise you about care. 3
What to expect after treatment
Recovery depends on the method and the area treated. Possible effects include soreness, blistering and changes in skin colour; some procedures can also leave a scar. We’ll explain the aftercare for your treatment and whether follow-up visits may be needed. 2
If you’re hoping to fit treatment around work, sport or another activity, tell us. A small treatment area can still be inconvenient while it heals, particularly somewhere you use often. It’s better to plan around that than to be surprised afterwards.
Help limit the chance of spreading it
Try not to pick at the wart or shave over it. Avoid sharing towels, razors or nail tools that have touched the area, and wash your hands after touching it. These habits can help reduce spread while you’re dealing with the wart. 4
If a treated wart returns, let us know rather than repeatedly treating irritated skin yourself. We can reassess it and discuss whether to repeat the treatment or consider another approach.
Questions about stubborn warts
Can you guarantee it will go after one treatment?
No. Some warts need repeated treatment, and recurrence is possible even after the visible wart has cleared. We’ll talk honestly about that before you start. 2
Are the little black dots roots?
No. Those dots can be tiny blood vessels. They aren’t roots growing deep into your skin. 1
Ready to talk about wart removal in Surrey
If a wart keeps bothering you, get in touch with us and tell us where it is and what you’ve tried. BC Laser & Skincare is at 13805 104 Avenue, Suite 101, Surrey, BC. Call 604-580-2464 or email infobclaser@dermapure.com to arrange a consultation.
