22 Apr Swift Microwave Therapy: A Smart Way to Treat Stubborn Warts
Warts might be small, but they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort whether they appear on your feet or fingers. Fortunately, there’s a modern solution changing the game in wart removal: Swift Microwave Therapy. Let’s take a closer look at what warts are, how they’ve traditionally been treated, and why Swift has become the preferred treatment method with our podiatrists.
What Exactly Is a Wart?
Warts are small, rough lumps on the skin caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 200 types of HPV, which infect the skin and mucous membranes. Small microscopic wounds in the skin, caused by injury or intense pressure, allow HPV to enter and invade specialised skin stem cells located at the bottom of the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. These stem cells, called keratinocytes, will actively divide and mature as they travel towards the surface of the skin. Unfortunately, HPV has evolved ways to avoid detection by the immune system, allowing the virus to replicate and multiply within the infected cell.
Warts can develop anywhere on the body, but the most common types seen in clinics are common warts found on the hands and fingers and plantar warts that typically appear on the soles of the feet.
HPV is highly contagious and can be spread via direct skin contact or through surfaces like communal showers and swimming pools – that’s why it’s so important to wear footwear in these areas. Although some warts may disappear on their own, many linger for months or even years if not properly treated.
Traditional Wart Removal Methods
For years, wart removal options have included over-the-counter treatments, cryotherapy (freezing), acid applications, and even minor surgery. While these methods can work, they can be painful, may take a long time to be treated, can recur, and may even damage the surrounding healthy skin. In particular, cryotherapy and acid treatments can cause blistering and require multiple appointments with inconsistent results.
What Is Swift Microwave Therapy?
Swift Microwave Therapy is a revolutionary wart treatment that uses microwave energy to target the root cause of the wart right at the source.
Developed in the UK and now widely available in Australia, Swift uses precisely controlled microwave energy to heat the wart tissue and trigger an immune response. This immune activation is key. Instead of destroying the wart from the outside (as with traditional methods), Swift encourages your body to recognise and eliminate the HPV from within.
How Is Swift More Efficient?
Swift stands out for several reasons:
- Fast treatment times
Each session takes just a few minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for busy patients.
- No downtime
There’s no need for dressings or aftercare, and you can return to normal activities straight after treatment. Aftercare is simple – no dressings, no creams – just get on with your day. - Minimal discomfort
Most patients report only a brief, mild sensation during treatment, often described as similar to a quick pinch or warm scratch. - No damage to skin
Because the energy is delivered in a highly targeted way, the surrounding skin is left unharmed. - Impressively high success rate
Clinical studies and real-world results show that Swift is more effective than traditional methods. A study published in the National Library of Medicine (USA) reported an 83.3% clearance rate of plantar warts using Swift Microwave Therapy.
What Can Patients Expect?
During your first visit to footinjuryclinic, our podiatrists will assess the wart to determine whether Swift is suitable for you. Most patients require around three sessions spaced about four weeks apart. Each treatment session involves a few quick pulses of microwave energy, delivered using a handheld device.
Because Swift activates the body’s immune response, results often become visible between the second and third treatment. Over time, the wart shrinks and eventually disappears as the immune system clears the virus.
Say Goodbye to Warts
If you’ve tried everything and those warts just won’t budge, it’s time to try something different. Swift Microwave Therapy offers a smarter, faster, and more effective solution to stubborn warts with less pain and fewer appointments.
At footinjuryclinic, we specialise in Swift treatments for both common and plantar warts. Our experienced clinicians will guide you through the process and help you finally take control of your skin health.
Want to learn more about Swift treatment for warts? Go to our dedicated webpage here.
Don’t put up with warts any longer – book your Swift consultation at our clinics today.