My previous dermatologist recommended excisions since cryo did not make a dent, but it seems like there are too many and I am scared of scarring. All the doctors I have seen seem to contradict each other and don’t give me reassurance to my inquiries.

1.  Apparently you have been seen by a dermatologist who is confident in his/her diagnosis.  The reason I raise this is that there are other infections that may cause numerous lesions of the sort you describe- Molluscum contagiosum in particular. 

2.  I would presume that, over time many of these warts may resolve with or without treatment.  I would anticipate that multiple treatments will be required.  In clinical studies most of the treatments that you mention perform similarly.

3.  I think the varied responses you have received, presumably all from experienced dermatologists, is to be expected.  As I mentioned above, there are many ways to treat warts and different specialists are likely to have had different experiences.

4.  There is certainly no harm to getting the vaccine.  Limited data suggest that the vaccine may slightly enhance response of existing warts to treatment although this is more of an impression than a recommendation based of careful studies.

Beyond this, I'm afraid I don't have many other suggestions.  Addressing this problem will likely require repeated treatments over time.  Again, I would want such efforts to be everseen by an experienced dermatologist.  EWH

Does having many warts mean that it will take longer to clear? I read that the more warts you have the longer it takes to go away, is this true? I have had these lesions for over a year now, would you say there is a good chance that they will go away within another year, with out without treatment?

Thank you.

I am not sure where you are getting the information that you mention.  Visible warts may regress at different rates but I do not know that having so many means that it will take longer for them to regress.  How long that will take is difficult to say but to persist for more than a year is not uncommon.

Warts are a manifestation of HPV. Thus, if you have warts they are due to the presence of HPV.  When one clears, the other should as well.

Finally, the immune system plays an important role in responding to, and controlling HPV infections.  In my original response, I suggested that you establish a relationship with an experienced dermatologist.  Dermatologists are increasingly dealing with the immune response of the skin to infections and other processes.  I continue to think that seeing an experienced dermatologist, possibly one at an academic medical center will serve you best.  Whomever you see however, should be asked about whether the apparent extent of your infection might reflect an HPV-specific abnormality in your immune system.  EWH