Warts are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and while they are generally harmless, they can be stubborn and difficult to treat. Traditional methods such as cryotherapy, topical treatment and minor surgical procedures have been effective for many patients. However, some warts are particularly persistent and may need more advanced or targeted treatments.
Swift Wart Therapy offers a modern approach to tackling persistent warts. Developed with microwave technology, this treatment targets the root cause of plantar warts in a precise, controlled manner. Here’s a detailed look at how this treatment works and what makes it a practical choice for patients.
The origins of Swift Wart Therapy
Swift Wart Therapy was first developed in the United Kingdom by Emblation, a pioneer in the field of microwave medical technology. The Swift device was designed to offer a precise and effective way to treat skin lesions without the need for more invasive procedures.
Since its introduction, Swift has been adopted by medical practitioners in several countries, including Australia, the United States and Canada. It has gained recognition for its combination of efficacy, safety and patient comfort, making it a preferred choice for addressing stubborn warts.
How does Swift Wart Therapy work?
The Swift treatment involves delivering microwave energy from the device directly into the skin. These microwaves penetrate a predetermined depth beneath the surface, targeting the infected tissue where the human papillomavirus (HPV) resides. The microwaves cause water molecules within the tissue to vibrate, generating localised heat and creating a precise and focused thermal effect.
This controlled heating prompts the body’s immune system to recognise and attack the infection. Unlike surface-level treatments that may only remove the wart’s visible portion, Swift addresses the root cause by activating internal responses to target the virus from within. This method makes it a more comprehensive approach for long-term wart resolution.
Why is Swift Wart Therapy a practical choice for plantar warts?
Plantar warts, which develop on the soles of the feet, can be particularly challenging to treat due to their location and the pressure they endure from walking and standing. This constant pressure causes the wart to grow inward, often making it more painful and resistant to surface-level treatments.
Swift Wart Removal is a practical option for treating plantar warts because it works beneath the skin’s surface without creating open wounds or lesions. By preserving the outer layers of skin, the treatment helps reduce discomfort and allows patients to continue their daily activities soon after a session.
What to expect during treatment
As the name suggests, Swift Wart Removal is designed to be quick and efficient. A typical session can be shortened to just 15 minutes. The practitioner starts by cleaning the area around the wart and positioning the Swift device over it. The device delivers short bursts of microwave energy, each lasting a couple of seconds. Most patients describe feeling a brief warmth or a sudden sharp sensation similar to a small scratch or injection.
The treatment is generally well-tolerated, without the need for anaesthesia. However, everyone experiences discomfort differently. Your podiatrist will discuss what to expect during the session and potential side effects (e.g. brief discomfort, sensitivity afterwards) to ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Post-treatment and care
One of the major advantages of Swift Wart Therapy is that it requires very little aftercare compared to other treatments. There’s no need to cover the treated area with bandages, as the procedure doesn’t cause open wounds. There’s also no need for ongoing applications of creams or ointments, making this treatment a low-maintenance option for managing warts.
Many patients see improvement within 3–4 treatments. Should you feel any discomfort or have concerns after your session (e.g. redness, mild soreness), reach out to your podiatrist for advice.
How effective is Swift Wart Therapy?
A widely referenced study featured in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research examined the effectiveness of microwave therapy for treating plantar warts. The study analysed 150 plantar warts from 45 patients and found that 83.3% of the warts resolved after an average of about three treatment sessions. The study also noted that younger patients experienced higher resolution rates.
These findings highlight Swift Wart Therapy as a promising option for patients seeking other resolutions of persistent plantar warts.
Swift Wart Therapy compared to other wart treatments
When choosing a wart treatment, it’s important to consider how each method works and what patients can expect during and after the process. Here’s a quick comparison of the most common wart removal options:
Swift Wart Therapy
- Microwave energy heats the wart tissue, triggering an immune response to target the underlying virus.
- Quick sessions, usually lasting 15 minutes. No cutting, freezing or chemical applications involved.
- Minimal discomfort, no aftercare needed and fewer sessions required compared to other treatments. Highly effective for persistent plantar warts.
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
- Liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart to freeze and destroy the tissue.
- Requires multiple sessions. Can cause blistering, discomfort and temporary skin irritation.
- Effective for many patients but may be painful, especially for children or those with sensitive skin.
Salicylic acid
- A topical solution applied daily to gradually peel away the wart tissue.
- Requires consistent application over several weeks or months.
- Non-invasive and affordable, but results can be slow, especially for deeper warts like plantar warts.
Laser treatment
- Focused laser energy destroys the wart tissue by heating it to a high temperature.
- Often effective for plantar warts but can require anaesthesia due to discomfort.
- May cause minor scarring and requires aftercare to manage the treated area.
Electrocautery
- Involves burning the wart tissue using a heated electrical current.
- Usually carried out with local anaesthesia to reduce any discomfort.
- Requires wound care after the procedure and carries a risk of scarring.
Surgical removal
- The wart is physically cut out using a surgical tool, often under local anaesthesia.
- Typically a one-time procedure but involves wound care and a recovery period.
- Suitable for stubborn warts, but there’s a risk of scarring and longer downtime.
Consult the experts in Swift Wart Removal in Sydney — Podiatry First
Considering Swift Wart Therapy and its benefits? A consultation with Podiatry First can help determine if this treatment is right for you. As a leading podiatry clinic in the Sydney CBD and Bondi Junction, we’ll assess your case and recommend the most appropriate course of action based on your needs.
Our goal is to provide clear, personalised advice and ensure you understand your treatment options fully. Contact our clinic and let us help you achieve healthier feet and skin.
