Quick Answer
Yes, HPV warts can go away on their own without treatment, but it may take a long time. The immune system can eventually clear HPV and get rid of warts, but how long it takes varies. Warts may go away within a few months, but in some cases can take up to 2 years. Treatments are available to remove warts faster.
What are HPV warts?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. There are over 100 strains of HPV, with different types causing warts on different areas of the body:
- Common warts – Rough, bumpy warts that develop on hands and fingers. Caused by HPV types 2 and 4.
- Plantar warts – Hard, flat warts that grow on the soles of the feet. Caused by HPV type 1.
- Genital warts – Soft, flesh-colored warts in the genital area caused by HPV types 6 and 11.
Warts occur when the virus causes abnormal growth of skin cells. The virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact and enters the body through tiny cuts or scratches in the skin.
Can HPV warts go away on their own?
Yes, HPV warts often go away on their own, without treatment. This happens because the immune system can eventually recognize the virus as foreign and produce antibodies against it. Over time, the antibodies may be able to overcome the virus and the warts will disappear.
How long it takes warts to go away naturally varies significantly:
- In some cases, warts may disappear within a few months.
- For most people, it may take 1-2 years for warts to go away on their own.
- In rare cases, warts may persist for many years or not go away at all.
There is no way to predict how long it will take – it depends on each person’s immune response and the type of wart virus they have. Genital warts tend to persist longer than common warts on the hands.
Plantar warts on the feet may take slightly longer to go away on their own, compared to warts on the hands and fingers. The thicker skin on the feet may make it harder for the immune system to penetrate and fight off the virus.
Factors that influence how long warts last
Several factors can affect how quickly (or slowly) HPV warts disappear on their own:
Person’s overall health and immunity
Those with weaker immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressant medications, or people undergoing chemotherapy may have more difficulty clearing HPV infections. Warts may be more likely to persist in these individuals.
Type of HPV
Some strains of wart virus are more aggressive and tend to persist longer. For example, HPV types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts, tend to persist for longer periods compared to the strains that cause common hand warts.
Number and size of warts
In general, the more warts present and the larger they are, the longer it can take for the body to get rid of them on its own. Large clusters of warts may be harder to eradicate.
Site of warts
Warts that develop on moist surfaces like genitals or feet may take longer to clear than warts on dry areas like hands. The environment helps support virus persistence.
Reinfection
If a person is exposed to HPV again before their immune system has entirely cleared it, new warts may rapidly develop and delay natural resolution.
Age
Younger children under age 12 with healthy immune systems seem to clear warts more quickly than older individuals. As immunity declines with age, it may become harder to clear HPV.
How to tell if a wart has gone away
It can be tricky to determine if a wart has completely disappeared, as sometimes they can leave behind traces:
- Black dots – These are small clotted blood vessels and don’t signify an active wart.
- Skin discoloration – This may persist after a wart goes away but will fade with time.
- Indentation – The skin may remain slightly indented.
- Callus – Dead layers of skin may build up, resembling a callus.
Look closely for the tough, rough surface of a real wart. Press gently – true warts have tiny black seed-like blood vessels inside that may bleed with pressure. A healed wart will not have these vessels. If unsure, it’s best to see your healthcare provider for evaluation.
Should I treat warts to get rid of them faster?
While warts may clear eventually on their own, treatments are often recommended to speed up removal, for several reasons:
- Warts often spread rapidly to other areas if left untreated.
- On the feet, large or clustered plantar warts can be painful and affect walking.
- Genital warts can multiply and grow very large, which is cosmetically distressing.
- Visible warts may cause social embarrassment or anxiety.
- Rarely, some types of HPV can cause cancer if left untreated for years.
Treated warts are much less likely to spread to new areas of the body. Treatment also preventsautoinoculation, which happens when warts spread to other parts of the body via scratching or touching.
Common treatments for warts include:
Salicylic acid
This is an over-the-counter medication applied directly to warts to gradually peel away layers of thick skin until the wart is gone. It may take several weeks.
Cryotherapy
Liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the wart to freeze and destroy abnormal tissues. It often requires several treatments.
Laser therapy
A beam of intense light is used to destroy wart tissue. This works best for smaller, isolated warts.
Electrocautery
A tiny electrical current burns off warts. A local anesthetic is first used to numb the area.
Prescription creams
Medications like imiquimod, tretinoin, or cantharidin help peel off wart tissue over time.
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Salicylic acid |
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| Cryotherapy |
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| Laser therapy |
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| Electrocautery |
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| Prescription creams |
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The most appropriate treatment depends on factors like the location and size of the warts, cost, convenience, and patient preference. Discuss options with your healthcare provider.
Home remedies
Many natural home remedies have been tried for removing warts, with mixed results:
Duct tape
Applying duct tape to warts may help boost the immune response and fight the virus. The tape is left on for 6 days, then removed overnight, and reapplied for a total of 2 months. Up to 85% of warts may disappear with this approach.
Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial properties. Placing thin slices of garlic directly on the wart and securing it with a bandage can cause burning or blistering that gradually destroys the wart after several applications.
Banana peel
Rubbing a piece of banana peel on the wart may slowly remove it due to enzymes that eat away at the tissue. It may take several weeks.
Aloe vera
The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera gel may combat HPV. Apply gel 3 times a day, after gently filing down the wart with a pumice stone or nail file.
Apple cider vinegar
The acetic acid in vinegar destroys wart tissue after several applications. Soak a cotton ball in vinegar, apply to wart, and fasten securely with a bandage.
Vitamin A
Crushing a vitamin A tablet and applying the powder to the wart may assist with resolution after persistent use.
Zinc supplements
Taking zinc orally may help boost immunity against the virus. Zinc sulfate tablets have been shown to eliminate warts compared to placebo.
However, home remedies are overall less consistent and effective than medical wart treatments. Consult a doctor if home treatments do not remove warts within a few months.
Can warts come back after going away?
Unfortunately yes, it is possible for warts to return after being cleared by the immune system or treatments. Reasons for recurrence include:
- The virus was not completely eliminated from the body and remained dormant.
- A person gets reinfected with the same strain of HPV after exposure to it again.
- The immune system temporarily suppresses the virus, but it rebounds when immunity declines.
Ways to help prevent recurrent warts include:
- Boost immunity by eating well, exercising, sleeping enough, and reducing stress.
- Avoid picking at or scratching warts to prevent spread.
- After treatment, be vigilant about covering any wounds or raw areas.
- Avoid sharing towels, razors, or other personal items that could carry HPV.
- Get re-treated promptly if any warts reappear.
Keep in mind most people develop immunity to the strains of HPV they carry after initial infection. Recurrence happens occasionally, but is unlikely after the first outbreak resolves.
When to see a doctor
Consult a dermatologist or primary care physician if:
- Warts bleed, become painful, or show changes in color or texture
- New warts keep appearing frequently
- Warts have not resolved after 2 years
- Genital warts develop or common warts appear on face/neck
- Warts disrupt daily living or cause social embarrassment
Doctors can treat stubborn warts more aggressively with prescription medications, surgical removal, laser treatment, or other methods. They may also biopsy unusual warts to check for precancerous changes requiring further intervention.
Conclusion
HPV warts often resolve over time without treatment as the immune system fights off the virus. However, it may take anywhere from a few months to several years. Treating warts medically is preferred for faster removal, to prevent spreading, and to avoid complications or rare cancers. Warts may recur after going away but this is uncommon. See your doctor promptly if warts persist, become painful, or disrupt quality of life. With a well-functioning immune system and proper treatment when warranted, most people can eventually clear HPV infections and eliminate warts.