Warts are caused by strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and while they’re usually harmless, they can be incredibly stubborn – especially in people with a weakened immune system. Whether due to illness, medication, or ongoing stress, a reduced immune response means your body may struggle to fight off the virus, allowing warts to grow, spread, or resist treatment.
At City Dermatology Clinic, we regularly see patients whose warts have persisted despite home remedies or pharmacy treatments. Our dermatologists – including Dr Andreea Anton and Mr Parviz Sadigh – offer expert removal techniques that are tailored to the patient’s skin type, immune status, and comfort level.
How the Immune System Affects Wart Persistence
Your immune system plays a key role in how your body handles HPV. In healthy individuals, the immune system can often fight off the virus over time, causing warts to shrink or disappear naturally. However, when immunity is compromised, the virus is more likely to persist in the skin.
Common causes of lowered immunity include:
- Long-term stress or fatigue
- Autoimmune conditions
- Immunosuppressive medications (such as steroids or chemotherapy)
- Diabetes or other chronic illnesses
- Recovery from recent infection
In these cases, warts may multiply, become larger, or resist treatment altogether. It’s not unusual for immune-compromised patients to experience clusters of warts that return quickly after they’ve been treated with over-the-counter options.
Signs It’s Time to Consider Professional Removal
While some warts eventually go away on their own, immune-compromised individuals may require earlier intervention. You should seek professional treatment if:
- Warts are painful, spreading, or bleeding
- Multiple warts are forming in the same area
- They haven’t responded to home or pharmacy treatments after 2–3 months
- They’re causing discomfort or embarrassment, particularly on visible areas
- You are at risk of secondary skin infections
Warts that are left untreated in low-immunity cases may spread more quickly or cause chronic skin irritation. Treating them early helps prevent further complications.
Safe Wart Removal Options for Weakened Immune Systems
At City Dermatology Clinic, we offer safe and effective wart removal for patients with sensitive or compromised skin. Our approach is always tailored to your medical history and skin condition.
Common treatment options include:
- Cryotherapy – Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. Quick and effective for many cases.
- Electrocautery – Burning the wart off using a fine electrical current, often used with local anaesthetic.
- Surgical excision – For large or deeply rooted warts, often used when other treatments have failed.
- Prescription topicals – In some cases, we may recommend immune-supportive creams or acids to use at home.
Dr Anton often treats patients with chronic skin issues or immune concerns, while Mr Sadigh focuses on surgical removal when precise cosmetic outcomes are important. Regardless of the treatment path, our goal is to minimise recurrence while supporting your overall skin health.
