Does HPV Recur?
Why Does It Come Back?

There are several main reasons for HPV to recur:

• An inadequate immune response: Because HPV does not pass into the blood, a strong and lasting immune memory does not form.
• The virus remaining local: The virus can continue to live in the skin and cervical cells.
• Different HPV types: HPV has more than 200 types. Even if immunity develops against one type, one can be re-infected with another type.
• Autoinoculation: Traumatizing the wart leads to the spread of the virus to neighbouring areas.

Is HPV a Continuation of the Same Infection or a New One?

In some cases, the "recurrence" that is seen is actually not a new infection. In the roughly 10% of patients whose immune system is weak, the virus can remain latent within the cell and can become active again over time. In this case, the picture that is seen is not a new infection but the reactivation of the existing infection.

The Relationship Between the Immune System and HPV

Smoking, chronic stress, irregular sleep, systemic diseases and immunosuppression can increase the persistence of HPV. A strong immune system plays a critical role in suppressing the virus.

Is It Possible to Reduce HPV Recurrence?

The following measures are recommended to reduce the risk of HPV recurrence:

• Getting the HPV vaccine
• Not pulling off or traumatizing the warts
• Applying treatment with effective and controlled methods (e.g. laser)
• Not smoking
• Supporting the immune system

In most people, HPV infection can be suppressed by the immune system. However, if appropriate treatment and protective measures are not taken, re-infection or reactivation can be seen.