Foot, skin, and nail problems aren’t uncommon, but managing them may feel like a difficult obstacle to overcome. However, advances in technology mean that treatment options for conditions like warts, ingrown toenails, and more are more accessible than ever before. When it comes to wart treatment there are many options available. Swift Microwave Therapy is known globally as best in class for its precision and success rates.
This article explains what Swift wart treatment is and its possible side effects. For personalised advice, contact our team at The Foot Clinic today.
What are Warts?
Warts are fleshy bumps, or lesions, found on the skin. They’re often brown, tan, or a similar colour to your skin, and are caused by a viral infection called the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts vary in appearance and may be rough, smooth, large, or small, and may occur on their own or in clusters. The warts most commonly found on the feet are plantar warts, or verruca.
There are several different types of warts, including common warts, flat warts, genital warts, and plantar warts. The warts most commonly found on the feet are plantar warts, or verruca.
While anybody may get plantar warts, they’re most common in children and teenagers, people who use public swimming pools and changerooms, and people with compromised immune systems. This is because the virus that causes them is highly contagious and can enter your skin through direct contact, especially in moist areas.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are most common on the balls or heels of the feet, as these areas bear the most weight. As a result, it may be uncomfortable to walk if you have a plantar wart.
Signs of plantar warts include:
- A small growth on the bottom of the foot
- A lesion that interrupts the normal lines and patterns on your foot
- A solid border around the lesion
- Black dots on the growth, which are clotted blood vessels
- Hard or thickened skin (callus)
Symptoms of plantar warts include:
- Pain or tenderness
- Discolouration
You may have one plantar wart or several. If you have several and they grow together, these are called mosaic warts.
What are the Options for Wart Removal?
While it’s possible for warts to go away on their own, this often takes a long time, and usually causes pain and discomfort in the meantime. As such, many people turn to wart treatment options such as:
- Swift wart treatment
- Over-the-counter topical medications
- Salicylic acid
- Surgery
- Cryotherapy
What is Swift Wart Treatment?
Swift wart treatment is designed to target the source of the virus, uncovering the HPV for your body to find. It utilises microwave therapy, which is non-invasive.
With Swift wart treatment, our trained podiatrists apply the Swift microwave wand to the affected area, where its targeted heat shock therapy heats the wart up to 45 degrees Celcius. This process is repeated several times, and then your session is complete. Most people require three sessions of Swift wart treatment, though results will vary from one person to another.
What are the Possible Benefits of Swift Wart Treatment?
- Quick treatment time
- Precise wart targeting
- No downtime
- No dressings
- Fewer sessions than other treatments may require
- Non-invasive
- No harsh chemicals
- Reduced risk of scarring when compared to other treatment options
- Suitable for children and adults
What are the Possible Side Effects of Swift Wart Treatment?
As with any medical procedure, there are possible side effects of Swift wart treatment that people should be aware of. This may include mild discomfort or pain and should be discussed with the Podiatrist.
Although no procedure is without risks, the risks of Swift wart treatment are typically very rare and minor. Even so, it’s recommended you don’t undergo Swift wart treatment if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, or have any metal implants near the wart.
Swift Wart Treatment at The Foot Clinic
While most warts are typically harmless, they can be painful and are highly contagious, meaning they can be spread quickly from one spot to another, or from person to person. See us at The Foot Clinic to discuss your options. Whether you’re interested in Swift wart treatment, or another option, we aim to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Book your appointment today!