How to Determine If Your Warts Are Completely Healed?

How can you tell if a wart has completely healed?

About two years ago, I discovered a round hard lump on the bottom of my foot near the heel.
Initially, I thought it was a corn and didn't pay much attention to it.
After a year, I noticed similar lesions starting to appear around it.
About five months ago, after seeking medical help, I learned that it was a wart (one large and two small).
I began using a topical treatment (DeCORN by Huang's) and after about a month (weeks 3-4), the smallest wart seemed to have resolved, so I stopped the treatment.
After another month and a half (weeks 5-6), the second smallest wart also appeared to be gone, and I stopped treating it as well.
I continued to treat the largest wart, which has been on my foot the longest.
However, I later noticed that when I pressed on the area where the second smallest wart was, I could feel a hard lump and it was slightly painful, so I resumed treatment.
Around week 13, I switched to a different medication (Duofilm).
Currently, I am in week 16-17, and after reapplying the treatment to the second wart, I haven't seen any black dots, and I'm unsure if it has healed or not.
Meanwhile, the largest wart sometimes shows a small black dot; when I remove the dead skin, the black dot comes off as well, and then I continue treatment.
I have seen large black dots twice, but currently, it is entirely white, and I cannot see any black dots.
I have been treating it for about 17 weeks now, and I feel it has been a considerable amount of time.
I would like to know how I can confirm that it is completely healed and when I can stop the medication, as I want to avoid issues like I had with the second wart.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
:)

MX, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/04

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Generally, it is assessed whether the black spots remain or if the skin's texture returns to normal after healing.
However, it is still recommended to have a physician evaluate and continue monitoring the condition.

Reply Date: 2015/07/04

More Info

Determining whether your warts are completely healed can be a nuanced process, especially after a prolonged treatment period. Warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can sometimes take time to fully resolve, and the healing process can vary from person to person. Here are some key points to consider when assessing the healing of your warts:
1. Visual Inspection: One of the first indicators that a wart is healing is a change in its appearance. Healthy skin should gradually replace the wart tissue. If the wart has flattened, lost its rough texture, and is becoming less pigmented (turning lighter or white), these are positive signs. The absence of black dots, which are often thrombosed capillaries within the wart, can also indicate healing.

2. Sensitivity and Pain: If you are experiencing pain or discomfort when pressing on the area where the wart was located, it may indicate that the tissue is still healing. A completely healed area should not be painful or sensitive to touch. If you notice that the pain persists or worsens, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional.

3. Duration of Treatment: You mentioned that you have been treating the warts for approximately 17 weeks. While some warts may resolve in a few weeks, others can take several months to heal completely. If you have not seen any improvement in the last few weeks, it may be time to reassess your treatment plan.

4. Follow-Up with a Healthcare Provider: It’s advisable to have a follow-up appointment with a dermatologist or healthcare provider who specializes in skin conditions. They can provide a thorough examination and may suggest alternative treatments if necessary. They can also confirm whether the wart is completely gone or if further treatment is required.

5. Post-Treatment Care: After stopping treatment, continue to monitor the area for any signs of recurrence. Warts can sometimes return, especially if the underlying virus remains in the skin. Maintaining good foot hygiene and avoiding any irritants can help prevent future outbreaks.

6. Consideration of Other Conditions: Sometimes, what appears to be a wart may actually be another skin condition. If you have any doubts about the diagnosis or the healing process, it’s essential to seek professional advice. Conditions like plantar fasciitis or other dermatological issues can mimic the appearance of warts.

7. Patience and Consistency: Healing takes time, and it’s important to be patient with the process. Consistent application of the prescribed treatment is crucial, but also knowing when to stop is equally important. If you feel uncertain about whether to continue treatment, consult your healthcare provider.

In summary, to determine if your warts are completely healed, look for changes in appearance, monitor for pain or sensitivity, and consider the duration of treatment. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare professional can provide clarity and reassurance. If you have any concerns about the healing process or if the warts seem persistent, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

Similar Q&A

How to Determine if Your Wart Has Healed After Treatment

Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask how to determine if the warts on my hand have healed. Is it normal for the skin to have a different color after cryotherapy compared to the original skin color? Or will the color truly be different after healing? (It has been several months.) T...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Whether there is complete healing can only be determined through follow-up by a physician. It is normal for the skin to have a different color after cryotherapy; most cases will recover, while a small percentage may develop scars due to deeper lesions.

Understanding HPV and Warts: Common Concerns and Questions

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, regarding your questions: Q1. Can warts be burst? Is it possible to burst them? With enough force, any tissue can be injured. This method cannot be used as a basis for determining whether one has warts. Q2. Can warts appear in the groin area while there are no abnormali...

Can Warts Be Completely Cured? Expert Advice on Treatment and Prevention

Hello Dr. Zhong, several years ago I developed a growth on the top of my foot that looked like a skin tag. It was neither painful nor itchy and has not grown larger. I previously consulted a doctor who diagnosed it as a wart and performed cryotherapy. However, two weeks ago, whil...

Dr. Zhong Yitun reply Dermatology
Your main issue is that similar lesions have appeared on your cheeks and beard area, which you noticed two weeks ago. If they appeared suddenly all at once, they may not necessarily be warts; however, if they have gradually increased in number without you noticing, the likelihood...

Understanding Scalp Warts: Treatment and Recovery Insights

Hello, doctor. I had a viral wart on my scalp that was about 2 centimeters long. After seeing a dermatologist, I was informed that this wart was generated from a mole. I underwent cryotherapy nearly 10 times, and now it is no longer visible to the naked eye. However, when I touch...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
It's best to have it checked again for safety.