Why Do Warts Recur in Karşıyaka?
Karşıyaka, the jewel of İzmir, offers a vibrant metropolitan lifestyle with its walking paths along the Bostanlı coastline, modern sports complexes in Mavişehir, swimming pools, and an active social scene. However, this social mobility and Karşıyaka’s characteristically humid climate also bring certain dermatological risks. At the top of these risks are “Warts” (Verruca), which are often perceived as a simple skin problem but can significantly reduce quality of life due to their persistent nature. Many patients wonder why warts reappear after freezing (cryotherapy) or burning (cauterization) treatments. “Was the root left behind?”, “Are they contagious?”, “Why me?” are among the most frequently heard questions in clinics. The recurrence of warts is related not so much to the failure of the procedure, but to the cunning nature of the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) that causes this condition and the complex structure of the immune system.
A wart is a benign skin growth caused by the HPV virus settling in the upper layer of the skin. However, being “benign” does not mean that it is easy to fight. HPV is an extremely intelligent virus that can evade the immune system by mimicking the cellular structure of the skin. The fundamental mechanism underlying the recurrence of warts is that the virus can silently (latently) remain not only in the visible lesion, but also in the surrounding “apparently healthy” skin tissue. This is called the “Iceberg Theory”; we eliminate only the part above the surface (the wart), but the viral load beneath the surface can re-emerge when it finds favorable conditions.
Viral Latency (Dormant State) and Microscopic Spread
To understand why warts recur, it is necessary to examine the virus’s life cycle. The HPV virus enters through micro-cracks in the skin and settles in the deepest layer of the skin, known as the “basal layer.” There, it begins to multiply and infect skin cells (keratinocytes), causing them to grow uncontrollably. The wart we see with the naked eye is actually a cluster of cells that has turned into a virus factory.
Karşıyaka Lifestyle and the Transmission/Recurrence Cycle
Living in Karşıyaka also brings certain environmental factors that increase the likelihood of encountering the wart virus. The HPV virus thrives in humid and warm environments. Karşıyaka’s humid air can extend the survival time of the virus on surfaces. In addition, the intensive use of gyms and swimming pools in the district creates an ideal environment for the virus to spread.
Another cause of recurrence is “Auto-Inoculation,” meaning the individual transmits the virus to themselves. For example:
- Shaving: If men have warts in the beard area or women on their legs, using a razor can transfer the virus to healthy skin and cause hundreds of new warts (verruca plana) to form.
- Nail Biting / Skin Picking: Warts on the fingertips can be transferred to the lips or other fingers through the habit of nail biting. Traumatized skin becomes an open door for the virus to settle.
- Shared Slippers/Towels: Especially stepping barefoot in the showers of sports complexes in Mavişehir or Bostanlı is the leading cause of plantar warts (verruca plantaris).
The Immune System: Why Does the Defense Line Weaken?
The most critical factor in the recurrence of warts is the “Immune System” (Immunity). The HPV virus does not enter the bloodstream; it lives only on the surface of the skin. Therefore, the body’s general defense system may be delayed in recognizing the virus. In some individuals, cellular immunity (T cells) recognizes and eliminates the virus, while in others this response is insufficient and warts become chronic. Karşıyaka’s fast-paced lifestyle, exam stress (for students), work-related stress, or irregular nutrition can suppress immunity and give the virus an opportunity to “attack.”
Comparison of Treatment Methods and Their Limitations
No method can guarantee the complete elimination of the virus from the body; treatments aim to destroy the infected tissue. The table below summarizes the mechanisms of the methods used in clinics in Karşıyaka and the factors affecting recurrence risk.
| Method | Principle of Action | Why Does Recurrence (Relapse) Occur? |
|---|---|---|
| Cryotherapy (Freezing) | Destroying tissue by freezing it with liquid nitrogen (-196°C). | The freezing process may not fully reach deep roots or latent viruses in surrounding tissue. Multiple sessions may be required. |
| Electrocautery (Burning) | Thermal destruction of tissue using electric current. | During wound healing after the procedure, the virus may become active again from the wound edges. |
| Laser Treatment | Cutting off the wart’s blood supply by targeting vessels. | Effective, but if the viral load is very high (widespread warts), it may not be sufficient on its own. |
| Topical Acids | At-home solutions that peel the skin. | Patient compliance is difficult. If not applied deeply enough, treatment remains superficial and the wart regrows from the root. |
What Should Be Done for Resistant Warts?
If you live in Karşıyaka and your warts keep recurring, it may be necessary to change the approach. Instead of focusing solely on eliminating the wart, the body’s capacity to fight the virus should be enhanced. In the approach known as “Immunotherapy,” the injection of certain substances into the wart or the application of special creams triggers the body to send immune cells to that area. This is like introducing the virus to the immune system.
Additionally, the “pressure” factor is very important in plantar warts. Because the wart is constantly exposed to pressure (hiding under a callus), it grows inward. Using orthopedic insoles or reducing pressure during treatment increases the chances of recovery.
Individual Precautions to Prevent Recurrence
Saying “It’s over, I’m cured” after wart treatment can be misleading. Observation (follow-up) for at least 6 months is essential. To prevent recurrence, the following disciplines should be observed:
- Avoiding Moisture: Hands and feet should be kept dry. The virus multiplies faster in a moist environment.
- Personal Item Hygiene: Nail clippers, files, towels, and slippers should be personal. A file used on a wart should not touch a healthy nail.
- Protection from Trauma: The wart area should not be scratched, picked, or made to bleed. Bleeding causes the virus to spread.
Conclusion: A Process That Requires Patience and Follow-Up
In conclusion, wart treatment in Karşıyaka is a process management rather than a one-time procedure. The recurrence of warts does not mean that the treatment has failed; it indicates that the virus is resistant and that the immune system needs support. By accepting biological realities and continuing treatment patiently, along with lifestyle adjustments (hygiene, stress management), it is possible to suppress the virus effectively. Remember, your skin is a mirror of your body, and as long as your defense system is strong, viruses cannot emerge from where they hide.
