Can Warts Reoccur After Treatment?

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Summary

Warts can be frustrating, persistent, and often misunderstood. At Calgary Vein and Laser, we often hear from patients who’ve had a wart removed—only to see it return weeks or months later. If this has happened to you, you're not alone.

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Once the virus is present, it can remain in the body and trigger new warts, even after a previous one has been removed. The likelihood of recurrence depends on a few factors, including the type of wart, the strength of your immune system, and the treatment method used.

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Wart Removal Coverage Under AHS: What You Need to Know

In Alberta, wart removal is only covered by Alberta Health Services in specific cases, and only certain types of warts qualify:

  • Plantar warts (on the soles of the feet)
  •  Genital warts

These two types of warts are considered medically necessary to treat due to the pain, risk of spreading, and other potential complications they can cause. When you visit a qualified clinic like Calgary Vein and Laser, AHS will cover the cost of treatment for these specific types of warts.

  • Yes, we accept AHS coverage for plantar and genital wart removal at Calgary Vein and Laser.

However, if your wart is located elsewhere—such as on your hands, fingers, arms, face, or body—it is not covered by Alberta Health. These warts are classified as cosmetic and require private payment or insurance reimbursement.

Why Do Warts Sometimes Come Back?

Even with effective treatment, warts can reappear. Here’s why:

  • HPV Stays in the Skin: While cryotherapy and other methods remove visible warts, the virus itself can remain dormant in the surrounding skin.
  • Incomplete Removal: If the wart isn’t fully destroyed, it may grow back from remaining viral tissue.
  • Weakened Immune Response: Those with weaker immune systems are more prone to recurrent warts, especially on the hands, feet, and face.
  • Environmental Exposure: Walking barefoot in public places like pools or gyms can lead to re-infection, especially with plantar warts.

Reducing the Risk of Wart Recurrence

  • While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent warts from coming back, there are ways to lower the risk:
  • Follow Your Provider’s Aftercare Instructions: Proper aftercare reduces the chance of recurrence and prevents spread.
  • Avoid Picking or Touching Warts: This can spread the virus to other parts of your body.
  • Strengthen Your Immune System: A healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, and stress management can improve your body’s ability to fight off HPV.
  • Protect Your Skin: Wear sandals in public showers or pool areas and avoid skin trauma where possible.

Effective Wart Treatment Options at Calgary Vein and Laser

As a leading Wart Clinic in Calgary, we specialize in advanced, non-invasive treatments like cryotherapy, which uses extreme cold to destroy wart tissue safely and efficiently. For recurring or stubborn warts, we may recommend a combination of treatments tailored to your skin type and wart history.

Our approach focuses not just on removal, but also on prevention. We assess each case carefully and provide personalized care plans to help reduce the chances of recurrence.

Why Choose Calgary Vein and Laser?

  • Experienced Wart Specialists: We treat a wide range of wart types—including plantar, genital, and common warts—with clinically proven techniques.
  • No Referral Needed: Book directly with us for fast access to care.
  • Trusted by Calgarians: Our clinic is known for professional, compassionate service and results you can see.

Don’t Let Warts Keep Coming Back

If you've had recurring warts or are concerned about them returning after treatment, professional care makes all the difference. Our team will identify the type of wart, determine the best course of action, and guide you every step of the way.

Let us help you finally get clear, healthy skin—with or without AHS coverage.

FAQs:

Yes, we honour AHS coverage for the treatment of plantar warts (on the feet) and genital warts. If your case qualifies, there will be no cost to you. All other wart types require private payment.

We offer private wart treatment for all other types of warts, including those on the hands, fingers, or face. Many patients use private insurance, health spending accounts (HSAs), or pay out of pocket.

No referral is necessary. You can book directly with us, whether you’re seeking AHS-covered treatment or a private appointment.

Treatment Options for Warts

Healthy Veins & Radiant Skin Awaits! Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

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