SWIFT Microwave Treatment for Verruca

What is SWIFT?

SWIFT is a new breakthrough technology that uses microwaves, in this case for the treatment and eradication of verruca. A probe which is connected to a generator is used to deliver microwave energy to the skin to treat the verruca.

Who can benefit from SWIFT?

Most people who have had long standing verrucas/warts who want to try one the most effective treatment on the market to treat the lesion. However, there are some contra-indications and precautions that must be taken before opting for Swift, some examples include having:

• A pacemaker
• Poor peripheral circulation
• Neuropathy (loss of protective sensation to the feet)
• Suppressed immune system
• Low pain threshold
• Poor healing capacity
• Any metal pins or replacement joints below the knee
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding

In addition, this treatment is not appropriate on children, due to the possibility of pain experienced during treatment, and research has shown most verruca clear in children without intervention.

What does SWIFT involve?

Firstly the podiatrist will use a surgical scalpel reduce any thickened skin over the verruca to ensure a flat surface for the probe to contact with. Following this, the probe is applied to the verruca and microwaves are delivered for two seconds each time, this is repeated five times. Heat is generated in the verrucae via microwaves which is focused under the probe to a maximum depth of 5mm.

Precise, localised cell destruction is caused by the rapid increase of temperature in the tissues which is generated by the microwaves.

There is no need for local anaesthetic, regular dressings and no home treatment is required in between treatments. Few people report a tingling sensation from the lesion 24hours following treatment.

How many treatments are required?

This depends on the individual and how they react to the treatment. Most verruca clear in 3-4 sessions. Occasionally some may need more or less.

How effective is it?

It has been shown that SWIFT has a success rate of 74% following three sessions, and 82% following four sessions, making it one of the most effective treatments available for treating warts and verrucas. However, as with any treatment for verruca there is no 100% guarantee the treatment will resolve the lesion.

Does it hurt?

Everyone has different levels of pain threshold and the sensation varies from person to person. However, like any other treatments for skin lesions, some discomfort is expected. It has been described to feel like a bee sting or a pin-prick sensation which usually lasts 1-2 seconds, this then quickly subsides and disappears. In rare cases, some people may experience minor discomfort or tingling which could last for up to 24hrs before dissipating completely.

Does using swift mean that the verruca won't come back?

There is still always a chance that another infection could be picked up, but once the wart / verruca has gone it is usually gone for good.

Other options for verrucae treatment

There are many different treatment options available for verruca:

• Do nothing - most verrucae will disappear on their own, given enough time, most research states this is up to two years in adults.
• OTC (Over the counter) preparation - There are many OTC preparations that are easily accessible that are applied as directed at home.
• Caustics - The most common is 60% salicylic acid paste which hyper-hydrates the cells of the verruca causing them to burst and die.
• Cryotherapy - The use of extreme cold produced by liquid nitrogen / liquid cryogen
• Needling - a needle is used to puncture the verruca, this is performed under local anaesthetic
• Excision - the verruca is surgically removed, this is performed by a surgeon.

If you would like further information regarding prices or about the treatment, please see above PDF information pack, or get in touch with our customer service team who will be happy to help. If you would like to speak to a podiatrist before arranging an assessment this can also be arranged.

For more information on potential verruca treatments please see our verruca treatment options page

To receive podiatry treatment for your verruca you can arrange an appointment by emailing us on office@chiropody.co.uk or call 0330 088 4222.

Save 5% by booking an appointment online.