natural history

Last edited 11/2018

Warts can persist for years with little or no sign of inflammation.

Spontaneous resolution (first reduction in size and then disappearance) may occur at any time from a few months to years later (1).

• in children, warts may clear after only a few months, with half clear at 1 year and about two-thirds by 2 years
• in adults, clearance can be much slower, some may persist for 5-10 years (1)

Reference:

• (1) Sterling JC et al. British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts 2014. Br J Dermatol. 2014;171(4):696-712.