Does HPV infection recur?

Warts caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are generally prone to recurrence. According to a study, the recurrence rate of genital warts within one year varies between about 30-70% depending on the treatment option. While the recurrence rate is high with cryotherapy and drug treatment, the recurrence rate is lower with laser, electrocautery, and radiofrequency methods. Another study determined the recurrence rate in hand and foot warts as 25-65%.

Several important reasons underlie this situation.

HPV virus does not enter the bloodstream but directly infects skin and mucosal cells. Therefore, a strong systemic immune response does not occur, and the virus maintains its viability in this way. Regarding genital warts, if a person has not received the HPV vaccine, they are re-infected each time they have intercourse with their partner as if they have encountered the HPV virus for the first time.

In addition, incomplete applications that may occur during the treatment of warts, incorrect applications made to the area with warts can cause the virus to spread on the skin and cause the warts to recur. For example, pulling off the wart, cutting it with a razor, or removing it with wax can cause the virus to re-infect the skin nearby.

The risk of warts recurring is high in individuals infected with more than one different HPV virus at the same time. Because, even if immunity is gained against one type of HPV, the infection with other types can continue. Warts recur more frequently in individuals with an inadequate immune system and in individuals who smoke.