Same-day wart removal — radiofrequency, cryotherapy, or surgical depending on type and location. By Dr. Reena Sharma, MD Dermatology.
Warts are HPV-driven skin growths — usually harmless but cosmetically and sometimes physically bothersome. We remove them same-day in clinic using the right method for each type. Common warts on fingers, plantar warts on soles, filiform warts on face/neck, flat warts on legs — each responds best to a specific approach.
Plantar warts (soles): radiofrequency or cryotherapy. May need 2 to 3 sessions due to thick callus
Filiform warts (face, neck, eyelids): careful radiofrequency at low setting, or surgical snip — preserves cosmetic appearance
Flat warts (face, legs, multiple lesions): light cryotherapy + topical retinoid to clear in batches
Genital warts: careful procedure with sensitive area technique. We discuss HPV vaccine status and partner counselling
What to expect
Most wart removals take 5 to 15 minutes per wart. Local anaesthesia for radiofrequency / surgical methods. Cryotherapy needs no anaesthesia but causes brief intense cold. Mild pain for 1 to 2 days post-procedure, scab forms, falls off in 7 to 10 days. Pink skin underneath fades over weeks.
Multiple warts can be removed in one session. Recurrent warts may need 2 to 3 visits — HPV can be persistent. Book a consultation for assessment and same-day removal in most cases.
Quick answers
Wart Removal — Frequently Asked Questions
What causes warts?
All warts are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). The virus enters through tiny breaks in skin and triggers excessive skin-cell growth. Warts on different body parts are different HPV strains — common warts (hands), plantar warts (soles), genital warts (different strains, sexually transmitted), filiform warts (face/neck), flat warts (face/legs).
Are warts contagious?
Mildly. Direct skin contact, shared towels, or walking barefoot in pools can transmit. Risk is much higher if you have a break in your skin (cut, scratch). Most adults with intact skin do not catch them easily.
Will warts go away on their own?
Sometimes — particularly in children. About 30 percent of warts in children clear within 6 months. Adult warts are more persistent. We treat warts that are bothersome, painful, multiplying, or have not cleared after 1 year.
Is the procedure painful?
With local anaesthesia (radiofrequency / surgical), no. Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) causes brief intense cold/pain — tolerable but not pleasant. Choice depends on location and patient preference.
Will warts come back?
About 20 to 30 percent of warts recur, particularly plantar warts on weight-bearing areas. We may need 2 to 3 treatment sessions for stubborn warts. HPV virus can stay dormant in skin and re-emerge.
What about home wart removal kits?
OTC salicylic acid works for small common warts on hands. Cryotherapy kits from pharmacies are weaker than clinic-grade liquid nitrogen — partial response only. Genital warts and facial warts should never be self-treated.
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