SWIFT: using microwave technology to treat verrucas

The latest way to treat verruca uses microwave energy! Sounds odd, but don’t worry; it’s not the type of microwave machine you’d find in your kitchen. In this article, we explain this new technology and why we, at Epsom Footcare, use it to treat your persistent verrucas.

How does it work?

With SWIFT therapy, microwaves are applied to your verrucas by an expertly trained podiatrist, using a special probe to ensure accurate treatment. The probe is used to heat the tissues to a level that stimulates the verruca-infected cells, causing them to release proteins that alert your immune system to the presence of the verruca virus.

Clinical trials report a success rate of over 75-80% and we are currently seeing this success rate in our practice here at Epsom Footcare. This makes SWIFT one of the most successful ways to treat your verrucas and puts its success rate much higher than traditional methods such as verruca freezing/cryotherapy or caustic verruca treatments. As with all verruca treatments, there is still a chance that they won’t resolve (approximately 20%), and you should know that you can be re-infected by the virus at any time in the future although it is thought that you can acquire long term immunity from the particular strain that caused your infection. Your Podiatrist will always complete a full consultation to go through all your options and make sure SWIFT is the right way forward for you.

Does it hurt?

The SWIFT verruca treatment can produce a very short, hot discomfort/pain that quickly subsides once the probe is removed from the area, and, for most people, there is little to no pain after treatment. Also, as the treatment doesn’t break the skin surface, there’s no need for annoying dressings and you can go back about your daily life immediately.

Why do our team of podiatrists recommend SWIFT microwave treatment?

• The treatment quickly raises the temperature within the skin, without breaking the surface – this means no blisters (other than in very rare circumstances), no dressings and no scarring.
• The short discomfort/pain felt in the treatment quickly subsides so you can return to your daily routine without discomfort.
• Swift has one of the highest success rates for verruca treatments meaning we’re more likely to be able to banish your verrucas!

How many treatments are needed?

Generally, three to four treatments are required, each spaced around four weeks apart and we recommend a review appointment at about 12 weeks from your final treatment to monitor improvement, leaving time for your body to heal and cycle through the immune response, giving a better view of whether your treatment has gone to plan.

Occasionally it can take more treatments, especially in older patients where verrucas have been present for many years. As mentioned above, even with such a high success rate, there is always that small chance they’ll still be there.

How do I know if it’s the right treatment for me?

If you’ve been struggling with stubborn verrucas, book an initial consultation and your podiatrist will complete a full assessment to confirm the presence of verrucae and check your overall foot health.

Everyone’s feet are different and from this assessment, they will be able to discuss with you your options and advise the best way forward for your condition. You can then decide on how you want to proceed. If SWIFT is approved you can usually start treatment on the day.

How do I book my SWIFT appointment?

You can get on the journey to being verruca-free by booking your initial consultation over the phone with our patient care team on 01372723000 or online via our booking page.