Warts: Frequently Asked Questions

The causes of warts vary depending on the type and include ultraviolet (UV) rays, friction, aging, and viruses. Soft fibrous growths (acrochordons) that appear on the face and neck are caused by UV rays, friction, and aging, while seborrheic keratoses are primarily related to aging. Viral warts, on the other hand, are mainly caused by HPV (human papillomavirus).

Warts may sometimes go away on their own, but this depends on the cause and individual differences. Warts caused by UV exposure, friction, or aging may increase in number or grow larger if left untreated. If a wart does not go away or if you are concerned about any changes, please visit a medical facility to have the type and condition assessed.

In some cases, moles that protrude like warts can also be removed. At YAYOI CLINIC, a doctor will examine the mole’s size, depth, and condition to determine whether a CO₂ (carbon dioxide) laser is appropriate. Since we cannot perform cosmetic procedures if a mole is suspected of being malignant, we will first conduct an examination to confirm this. For more details, please see our page on mole concerns.

At YAYOI CLINIC, we use a CO₂ (carbon dioxide) laser to treat warts on the face and neck. This method removes warts by vaporizing tissue through a process that reacts with the skin’s moisture, while simultaneously stopping bleeding through thermal coagulation. We use a scanning function and modes adjusted for depth to minimize damage to the surrounding skin. Please see below for more details on the procedure.

At YAYOI CLINIC, we use anesthesia before treatment depending on the condition of the wart and administer CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser therapy with your comfort in mind. Pain sensitivity varies from person to person and depends on the treatment area and location. If you have any concerns, please let us know during your consultation or examination.

After CO2 laser wart removal, redness and bruising may occur for a few days. The indentation at the treatment site typically becomes less noticeable after 2 to 3 months. Protect the area with ointment and tape for about 2 weeks after treatment, and continue to use sun protection for about 3 months even after the wound has healed. Recovery times vary from person to person.

CO₂ laser treatment for warts may cause blisters, erosion, redness, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or bruising. Be careful not to rub or scratch the treated area excessively, as this may lead to scarring. Do not pick at scabs; instead, follow your doctor’s instructions to protect the treated area.

YAYOI CLINIC’s standard rates for wart removal are as follows: unlimited wart removal on the neck or face (with adhesive patches) is 98,000 yen; for warts 2 mm or smaller, the cost is 4,500 yen per wart, plus a 10,000 yen treatment fee. Prices vary depending on the treatment area, wart size, and membership status. Please see the price list page for the latest details.

Common types of warts include soft fibrous growths (acrochordons) that appear on the face, neck, and underarms; brownish seborrheic keratoses; and viral warts associated with HPV. Viral warts include common warts, which tend to appear on the fingers and toes, and flat warts, which tend to appear on the face; the appropriate medical facility to visit varies depending on the type.

If you develop a wart on your hand, it is best to first consult a dermatologist who accepts insurance. Warts on the fingers may be common warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) entering through tiny cuts. Since they can spread to the surrounding skin or be transmitted to others, please do not attempt to remove them yourself; instead, see a doctor to determine the type of wart and the appropriate treatment.