Why Do Warts Grow?

Warts are more likely to occur in children, who may not have built up immunity to HPV, and in individuals with weakened immune systems. The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, scratches, or breaks, making it easier for warts to form. At Midwest Dermatology Centre, we often see patients who have developed warts after exposure in public places like swimming pools or gym showers, where the virus can thrive in moist environments.

HPV is contagious and can spread through direct skin contact or indirectly via surfaces or objects that have been touched by someone with a wart. Sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or nail clippers can also increase the risk of transmission. Habits such as biting nails or picking at existing warts can further damage the skin and make it easier for the virus to take hold.

It’s important to remember that not everyone exposed to HPV will develop warts. However, factors such as a compromised immune system, skin trauma, and sharing personal items increase the risk. The virus can remain dormant in the skin for months before a wart appears.

If you or your child is experiencing warts or recurrent skin growths, the dermatology specialists at Midwest Dermatology Centre are here to help. We offer expert diagnosis, effective treatment options, and guidance on prevention to help you maintain healthy skin. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward clear, comfortable skin.

At Midwest Dermatology Centre, we often see patients concerned about warts—small, rough growths on the skin that can be frustrating and sometimes difficult to treat. Warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and whether or not someone develops warts depends on a variety of factors closely related to their immune response and skin health.

Some people are more prone to warts because their immune systems may not recognize or respond to the HPV virus as effectively. For example, children and teenagers often visit our clinic with warts, since their immune systems are still developing and may not have encountered HPV before. We also see a higher incidence of warts in patients with weakened immune systems, such as individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking immunosuppressive medications.

Skin integrity also plays a significant role. Small cuts, abrasions, or breaks in the skin—common among those who bite their nails or have eczema—can provide an entry point for the HPV virus. At Midwest Dermatology Centre, we emphasize the importance of protecting your skin and avoiding behaviors that may increase your risk.

Environmental factors matter as well. Walking barefoot in communal showers or swimming pools—environments where the virus can thrive—can make it easier for warts to spread from person to person. That’s why we advise our patients to take precautions in these settings.

One of the unique challenges with warts is their delayed appearance—after the initial exposure to HPV, warts may not show up for weeks, months, or sometimes even longer.

This delay is due to the virus’s incubation period. During this time, HPV remains in the skin unnoticed by your immune system, gradually altering the growth of skin cells. Eventually, this process leads to the development of the characteristic raised and rough wart. Factors such as the specific HPV type, your immune response, and the location of the infection all play a role in how quickly a wart becomes visible.

Because warts can develop long after the original exposure, it’s often difficult to determine exactly when or how you became infected. This is a normal part of the virus’s life cycle and usually isn’t cause for alarm. While many warts respond well to over-the-counter treatments, some can be persistent, painful, or cosmetically concerning.

If you’re dealing with stubborn or bothersome warts, Midwest Dermatology Centre offers a range of safe and effective treatment options. Our experienced dermatology team is here to help you understand your condition and provide personalized care to restore your skin’s health and appearance.

Yes, it is possible for warts to go away on their own. Warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and in many cases, a healthy immune system can eventually recognize and clear the virus, leading to the wart disappearing without treatment. However, this process can take months or even years, and during that time, warts may spread or cause discomfort.

At Midwest Dermatology Centre, our experienced team, led by Dr. Melinda Woofter, offers professional evaluation and a variety of effective treatment options to help manage and remove warts quickly and safely. We assess the type, location, and persistence of your wart and recommend personalized treatments that may include topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), or other minor procedures performed in our office.

Our goal is not only to remove warts efficiently but also to provide guidance on preventing their spread and managing any associated discomfort or complications. If your wart is painful, changing in appearance, or not responding to over-the-counter treatments, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Woofter and our dermatology team. Trust Midwest Dermatology Centre for expert care and support with all your skin health needs. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1959 Newark-Granville Road Granville OH 43023. We serve patients from Granville OH, Park Ridge OH, Welsh Hills OH, Newark OH, Alexandria OH, Pataskala OH and surrounding areas.