HPV-driven skin growths that spread if left untreated. Cleared safely and completely with evidence-based dermatology at DermaVue's 7 clinics across Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
7 clinics · Kerala & Tamil Nadu · ₹300 consultation
Warts are small, rough, non-cancerous skin growths caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin and triggers rapid cell growth in the outer layer, forming a hard, textured bump. Warts are contagious — they spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated surfaces like shared towels, gym floors, and swimming pool decks. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on hands, feet, and face. While some warts resolve on their own over months to years, many persist, multiply, or spread to other body areas. DermaVue dermatologists use targeted removal methods — cryotherapy, electrocautery, laser ablation, and immunotherapy — chosen based on wart type, location, and recurrence history.
Verrucae are benign epithelial proliferations caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection of keratinocytes. Over 100 HPV genotypes have been identified; types 1, 2, 4, and 27 cause common warts (verruca vulgaris), types 3 and 10 cause flat warts (verruca plana), and types 1 and 4 cause plantar warts (verruca plantaris). HPV gains entry via microabrasions in the stratum corneum and infects basal keratinocytes, inducing hyperplasia of the spinous and granular layers with characteristic koilocytosis, hypergranulosis, and papillomatosis on histopathology.[1] The virus evades host immunity through downregulation of MHC class I expression and interference with interferon signalling pathways, explaining prolonged persistence in immunocompromised individuals. Indian dermatological practice reports higher prevalence in humid tropical climates where maceration of skin facilitates HPV inoculation.
Symptoms range widely in severity. Identifying which type you have determines the right treatment.
Multiple factors act together — understanding them helps prevent recurrence after treatment.
A structured clinical assessment — not a quick glance and a prescription pad. Here's exactly what to expect.
All procedures by board-certified MD DVL dermatologists. US-FDA approved equipment. No technician-only protocols — ever.
Results are gradual, progressive, and lasting with the right protocol.
Yes, warts are contagious. They spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces like shared towels, gym floors, and swimming pool decks. You can also spread warts to other parts of your own body (autoinoculation) by touching or scratching a wart and then touching another area. Avoiding direct contact, not sharing personal items, and wearing footwear in communal wet areas significantly reduces transmission risk.
Warts are caused exclusively by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which enters through tiny breaks in the skin. Prevention includes: avoiding direct contact with warts, wearing sandals in communal showers and pool areas, not sharing towels or razors, keeping skin moisturised to prevent cracks, and avoiding nail-biting which creates entry points for HPV. Maintaining overall immune health also helps the body clear HPV naturally.
The best treatment depends on wart type, location, and number. Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen freezing) is the gold standard for common and plantar warts with 70–80% clearance in 1–2 sessions. Electrocautery provides single-session removal for solitary warts. For multiple or recurrent warts, intralesional immunotherapy is highly effective as it trains the immune system to fight HPV systemically. DermaVue dermatologists assess each case individually and recommend the most appropriate modality or combination.
Recurrence occurs in approximately 20–30% of cases within 6 months after treatment because HPV can persist in surrounding skin even after the visible wart is destroyed. Immunotherapy-based approaches have lower recurrence rates because they target the underlying viral infection rather than just the visible growth. Prompt treatment of any new warts, good hygiene practices, and immune health maintenance reduce recurrence risk significantly.
DermaVue consultation fee is ₹300 at most branches. Cryotherapy costs ₹500–2,000 per session depending on number and size of warts. Electrocautery starts at ₹1,000–3,000 per session. Immunotherapy courses are discussed based on individual assessment. Full treatment costs are explained transparently at your first consultation — no hidden charges or pressure to buy packages.
Home remedies like duct tape, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and OTC wart removers have limited evidence and carry risks including chemical burns, scarring, and incomplete removal leading to recurrence. Over-the-counter salicylic acid preparations can work for small, superficial warts but are slow (6–12 weeks) and ineffective for plantar or periungual warts. Professional dermatological treatment is faster, more effective, and reduces scarring and recurrence risk. Never attempt to cut, burn, or scrape off a wart at home.
Board-certified MD DVL dermatologists across 7 clinics in Kerala & Tamil Nadu. WhatsApp for instant appointment. Consultation ₹300.
₹300 consultation · No hidden charges · 7 locations