It’s easy to think of warts as something kids pick up from schoolyards, pools, or sports changing rooms. And that’s true – children and teenagers are more likely to catch the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes warts, because they’re constantly exposed to shared spaces and surfaces.
But what’s less commonly understood is that warts can become more difficult to deal with as we age. If you’re an adult noticing that a wart just won’t go away, or one keeps coming back, age might be playing a bigger role than you think.
Have a stubborn wart that won’t shift? Book an appointment with the Australian Wart Clinic.
A common virus meets a changing body
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a widespread virus that infects the outer layers of the skin. It usually enters through small breaks or abrasions – often ones you don’t even notice – and triggers the growth of extra skin cells. That’s the bump you see.
But while HPV exposure is common, not everyone who comes into contact with it develops a wart. The difference usually lies in how well the immune system deals with the virus once it enters the skin.
In younger people, the immune response is fast, targeted and usually effective. In 80% of children, many warts disappear on their own within a year or two, even without treatment.
But in older adults, that natural clearance becomes less reliable. Warts don’t just appear more often, they’re also more likely to stick around.
The role of the ageing immune system – slower and less specific
As we age, our immune system undergoes gradual changes – a process known as immunosenescence. The immune system becomes slower, less coordinated, and less responsive to new infections.
This matters in the case of HPV. Unlike more aggressive viruses that cause fever or acute symptoms, HPV often flies under the radar. It lives in the skin cells quietly, requiring a very specific immune response to detect and eliminate it.
Older immune systems often fail to recognise or effectively respond to HPV infections, particularly in the skin. This is why a plantar wart you pick up in your 50s might linger much longer than one you had as a teenager. And why it might be more resistant to typical treatments.
Skin barrier changes – thinner, drier, and easier to infect
Another age-related factor is skin integrity. As we age, the skin becomes more fragile and less protective. Ageing skin has a thinner epidermis, reduced lipid production, and slower healing, all of which increase the risk of infections like HPV entering through micro-abrasions or cracks
These subtle changes can make it easier for viruses like HPV to enter through the skin. For instance, a small fissure on the heel – the kind that’s common in dry or callused feet – is an ideal entry point for the virus.
Once the virus is in, the older skin environment may also be less capable of mounting a local inflammatory response, meaning HPV can establish itself more deeply before the body starts fighting back.
Blood circulation and wart persistence
Circulation also plays a role. Blood flow to the extremities (especially the feet) tends to reduce with age. This can affect immune cell access to areas like the heels and toes, where plantar warts commonly form.
Less blood flow means fewer immune cells reaching the site of infection, which can reduce the body’s ability to recognise and clear the wart. This actually slows healing after any kind of damage, including from the virus itself or from treatment attempts.
This is one reason why warts on the feet in older adults often become recalcitrant, meaning they resist standard treatments and keep recurring.
Chronic illness, medications, and warts
Ageing doesn’t happen in isolation. Many older adults live with chronic conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions, along with common medications – like steroids or immunosuppressants, and even treatments for cardiovascular disease – can further reduce immune function and increase susceptibility to skin infections, including HPV.
Even stress, which is common during life changes like retirement or caregiving, can weaken immune resilience and tip the balance in favour of the virus.
Can warts be prevented in older adults?
While there’s no vaccine or guaranteed way to prevent cutaneous HPV infections, older adults can reduce their risk of persistent warts by focusing on skin health and immune support:
- Keep feet moisturised to avoid cracks.
- Wear footwear in public areas like pools or locker rooms.
- Treat minor cuts promptly.
- Maintain good nutrition, sleep, and general wellbeing.
- Address chronic conditions that may compromise circulation or immunity.
And importantly: don’t ignore a wart just because it seems small. Early treatment can prevent spread and reduce the chances of it becoming embedded or resistant.
What to do if you have a stubborn wart
If a wart has lingered for months or resists over-the-counter treatments, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. They can assess whether it’s a typical wart or something else, and offer targeted treatments suited to your skin and age.
At the Australian Wart Clinic, we specialise in treating stubborn and persistent warts using SWIFT™ microwave therapy: a fast, clean, and non-invasive solution that works by stimulating the body’s own immune response. Clinical studies have shown clearance rates of up to 83%, which is far more efficient than other forms of wart removal. With no downtime, no dressings, and minimal discomfort, SWIFT™ offers an effective option for people of all ages.
Don’t let age-related warts become a permanent fixture. Ask your GP about SWIFT™, or book an appointment with the Australian Wart Clinic today and take the first step toward clear, healthy skin.
