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Plantar Warts

WHAT ARE WARTS?
Warts are a common contagious infection in the outer layers of the skin which are caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). They can spread to other areas of our body and from person to person. Warts are generally very difficult to get rid of as they are excellent at evading the body’s immune system. Warts are also known as Papillomas or Verrucae.

HOW ARE WARTS TREATED?
There are a number of different treatments for plantar warts. All are aimed at stimulating the bodies immune system to recognise the wart. Your podiatrist may suggest acid, needling or Swift microwave treatment as treatment options.

WHAT IS SWIFT THERAPY?
SWIFT is a medical microwave technology that is highly effective at resolving warts. A focused microwave signal is emitted into the skin to a predetermined depth to ensure only the wart is treated. A process called Heat Shock occurs with in infected skin cells. This causes the wart to release certain proteins into the circulatory system, allowing the immune system to recognise the infection and begin to fight the virus.

WILL I FEEL ANYTHING?
The rapid heating of the wart to 42-45ºC can cause discomfort, however this lasts for only a second. This temperature range is merely a few degrees warmer than a hot bath, and will not cause any serious tissue damage or scarring.

HOW SAFE ARE MICROWAVES?
Microwaves are a form of non-ionising radiation, which means that they can not cause damage to the DNA of living things.SWIFT uses very low energy levels that are only able to vibrate water molecules within skin cells.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
This is dependent on how you respond to treatment. Most patients require 3 treatments or less. Your Podiatrist will be able to discuss your treatment plan.

CAN ANYONE RECEIVE THIS TREATMENT?
With a few exceptions, most people with skin lesions would be able to have this treatment. Your Podiatrist will carry out an assessment prior to treatment and be able to advise you on this.

BENEFITS OF SWIFT

  • Rapid treatment time
  • No dressings required
  • No need to self-care
  • Pain relief post-treatment
  • Few treatments needed
  • Highly effective

Before and After Cases