A plantar wart, otherwise known as a verruca, is a wart on the sole of the foot. If you’ve ever had one, or currently have one, you know the pain and discomfort they can bring! Not only do they have you feeling like you need to wear enclosed shoes all the time, but they’re also typically difficult to treat. Or they have been— until now.
This article explores what Swift wart therapy is and its potential benefits and side effects. For personalised advice, contact our team at Doubleview Podiatry today.
What is Swift Wart Therapy?
Swift wart therapy is a medical technology that uses a focused, direct microwave signal to address warts. Warts are highly contagious, so they can spread quickly from one person to another, especially in warm and moist environments. This is because the virus that causes warts, the human papillomavirus (HPV), lives in these types of environments, and people often walk barefoot in these areas, such as in locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pool areas. For this reason, plantar warts (on the soles of the feet) are somewhat common among swimmers, athletes, and students.
In the past, wart treatment often involved freezing (cryotherapy), burning, or applying chemicals, all of which were typically painful, required multiple sessions, and even sometimes left scars. However, technology has evolved, and today, Swift wart treatment is available with more targeted precision, typically requiring fewer sessions and causing less pain.
Swift therapy’s microwaves travel to a predetermined depth below the wart’s surface. This ensures that only the wart is treated and that the underlying skin isn’t damaged. Once the wart is targeted, the microwaves heat the wart tissue to up to 45 degrees Celsius in just two seconds, and this process is repeated several times. When this happens, the wart tissue releases proteins that tell the body’s immune system to fight the virus that caused the wart.
What is Swift Therapy Used For?
Swift therapy was specifically designed to target warts. While plantar warts occur on the soles of the feet, warts can appear anywhere, including the hands and genitals.
Swift therapy is most typically used on the hands and feet, though it may be able to be used on other areas of the body such as the elbows and knees. However, whether this may be suitable for such areas depends on each individual case.
What are the Benefits of Swift Therapy?
Swift therapy comes with many potential benefits, such as:
- Quick treatment time
- Doesn’t require any dressings
- No downtime needed post-treatment
- Doesn’t require anesthesia
- Typically requires fewer sessions than other forms of wart treatments
- Targets warts precisely
- Reduced risk of scarring compared to other forms of wart treatments
- No use of harsh chemicals
- No extreme temperatures for extended periods
- Suitable for children and adults
- Minimal scraping
- Non-invasive
- Resume daily activities directly after treatment
The number of sessions required will vary depending on the severity of the wart and how your immune system responds to the treatment, though in most cases, this is a much faster and less painful experience than with other forms of treatment. As a general guide, most people need three treatments spaced about four weeks apart.
What are the Potential Swift Wart Treatment Side Effects?
Swift verruca treatment side effects are typically very rare and minor. You may develop a small blister at the application site, experience some mild discomfort or pain, or in very rare cases, experience infection or scarring. However, most people do not experience any side effects. It should be noted that Swift treatment is not recommended for people who are pregnant, have implanted pacemakers, or have metal implants at the site of the wart.
Want to Say Goodbye to Warts?
If a wart has been causing you discomfort for any length of time, that’s too long to have put up with it! Swift therapy aims to resolve warts quickly and accurately, so you can walk with freedom once again. To see how Swift therapy may be able to help you, book your appointment at Doubleview Podiatry today.