What is SWIFT?
Swift microwave therapy is a treatment used for plantar warts and verrucae. It delivers controlled microwave energy directly to the affected skin without cutting or breaking the skin. SWIFT is the latest and most revolutionary medical microwave technology that is highly effective at resolving warts, verrucae or papillomas. Swift Wart therapy has an amazing 83% success rate!
Why Consider Swift?
- clean, non-invasive treatment
- no cutting or breaking of the skin
- dressings are usually not required
- minimal disruption to normal activity for most patients
- no routine home treatment between sessions
- treatment can be used for single or multiple warts
What Are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts, also called verrucae, are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They usually develop on the sole of the foot and can sometimes be painful, especially when they form over weight-bearing areas.
Warts can spread to other areas of the foot and, in some cases, to other people. They may also persist for a long time because the virus can avoid a strong immune response.
Some plantar warts settle on their own, while others remain painful or continue to spread. Assessment can help confirm the diagnosis and determine whether treatment such as Swift microwave therapy is appropriate.
SWIFT Treats:
Is Swift Microwave Therapy Safe?
Swift uses controlled, localised microwave energy applied directly to the wart through a handheld applicator. Microwave energy is non-ionising and the treatment is delivered only to the targeted area for short periods. Some brief discomfort or a sharp heat sensation can occur during treatment, but this usually settles quickly once the application stops.
Swift is not appropriate for every patient, so your podiatrist will check your medical history, the location of the wart and other relevant factors before recommending treatment.
What Should I Expect During Swift Treatment?
Before treatment, your podiatrist will assess the wart and check whether Swift is suitable for you. During the session, the Swift applicator is placed directly over the wart and short bursts of microwave energy are delivered to the affected area. A brief sharp or hot sensation can occur during treatment, but the application itself is very short.
Most patients can return to normal daily activities after the appointment. Dressings are usually not required, and there is generally no routine home treatment between sessions. The number of treatments needed varies between patients depending on the size, number, location and duration of the warts, as well as the individual response to treatment.
When Should You See a Podiatrist for a Plantar Wart?
Consider an assessment if the wart is painful, spreading, keeps returning, or is affecting walking, footwear or sport. Assessment is also useful if you are unsure whether the skin lesion is actually a wart, or if previous treatments have not worked. Your podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis and discuss whether Swift microwave therapy is suitable for you.
