Warts are benign skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), characterised by excessive keratin accumulation in the outer layers of the skin. This extremely common condition can cause both aesthetic concerns and social discomfort. By 2026, approaches to wart treatment in dermatological practice have diversified significantly, with individualised treatment protocols taking centre stage.
HPV and Its Relationship to Warts
More than 200 subtypes have been identified within the HPV family, with HPV types 1, 2, 4 and 7 being the most frequent causes of warts. The virus reaches the basal layer of the epidermis through micro-fissures in the skin and triggers uncontrolled proliferation of keratinocytes. The incubation period can range from a few weeks to several months. Although spontaneous regression is possible in individuals with a robust immune system, untreated lesions can spread and increase in number.
Warts are classified according to their clinical appearance:
- Verruca vulgaris (common wart): Frequently found on the backs of the hands and fingers; firm and raised in texture.
- Verruca plantaris (plantar wart): Forms on the sole of the foot and can cause pain during walking.
- Verruca plana (flat wart): Slightly raised, flat-surfaced lesions found on the face and backs of the hands.
- Condyloma acuminatum (genital wart): Appears in the anogenital region and is sexually transmitted.
Wart Treatment with Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is based on the principle of controlled freezing of wart tissue using liquid nitrogen. Applied at -196°C, liquid nitrogen causes the formation of intracellular ice crystals and subsequently leads to cell death. At the same time, a local inflammatory response is triggered, activating the immune system against HPV.
Cryotherapy sessions are typically repeated at two-to-three-week intervals. Formation of a blister (bulla) at the treated site after the procedure is an expected outcome and generally heals within 7–10 days. As of 2026, the use of controlled spray technique and cryoprobes has minimised damage to surrounding tissue.
Laser Treatment: A Precise and Effective Solution
Laser technology is an advanced treatment option preferred especially for resistant and widespread warts. The main laser systems currently used in wart treatment include:
- CO2 laser: Eliminates wart tissue by vaporisation. Effective for deep and extensive lesions.
- Nd:YAG laser: Targets vascular structures to cut off the wart's blood supply.
- Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL): Selectively destroys abnormal vascular structures within the wart and produces particularly successful results in flat warts.
The most important advantage of laser treatment is that it causes minimal damage to healthy structures outside the target tissue. Recovery after the procedure, performed under local anaesthesia, is shorter and more comfortable compared with conventional surgical methods.
Combined Treatment Approaches in 2026
In current dermatological practice, rather than relying on a single method, combined treatment protocols tailored to the patient's clinical condition are applied. For example, using topical immunomodulatory agents after cryotherapy significantly reduces recurrence rates. In addition, antiviral supportive therapies alongside laser treatment provide more durable results, particularly in immunocompromised patients.
The Virtuana Clinic Approach
At Virtuana Clinic, we carry out a personalised assessment for each patient with warts, creating the most appropriate treatment plan based on the type and location of the lesion and the patient's overall health. Our core goal is to achieve lasting, aesthetically satisfying results through our cryotherapy, laser, and combined protocols. Please contact us for pricing — we will be happy to discuss the options best suited to your needs.
This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified physician for treatment decisions.