We are delighted to now offer Swift, the most successful verruca treatment!

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What is Swift Microwave Treatment for verrucas?

Swift is a professional treatment for verrucae that can only be administered by trained & registered healthcare or medical practitioners. It is suitable for adults and some older children who have stubborn verrucas that are painful or unsightly.

Swift is a new technology, developed in the UK, which has been licensed for the general treatment of skin lesions in Podiatry and Dermatology. Swift uses microwave energy which is delivered through a special probe applied to the skin to treat the affected tissue in a very controlled and precise way.

 

Treatment is fast and there are no dressings required, which means you can continue your everyday activities immediately.

Swift does not involve weekly lengthy treatments, there is little after pain compared with other treatments, no wounds to care for and whilst some discomfort is felt during treatment, it only lasts between 2-5 seconds per application.

How does Swift Microwave Treatment for verrucas work?

Microwave energy is delivered directly to the site of the verruca using a hand-held probe. It sends microwaves to a precise and predetermined depth (maximum 3.2mm) leaving surrounding tissue undamaged. It targets water molecules within the skin, creating heat. This activates an immune response, which then destroys the infected cells. See www.treatverruca.com for more information.
 

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What are the benefits of using Swift?

After each treatment session you do not normally need any paddings or dressings to protect the area. Unlike other treatments you do not have to keep your foot dry after Swift has been used. You can go about your day to day activities as normal. You do not need to have an anaesthetic however this is available if you find the treatment too painful (this would incur an extra fee).
 

Does it hurt?

It is not uncommon for patients to feel a sharp or hot sensation, like an injection or a bee sting. This lasts for a few seconds only. Unlike most treatments for verruca, pain felt during the treatment quickly subsides, and only in very rare cases is there any prolonged discomfort. However, if you have a particularly low pain threshold you may wish to consider one of our other treatment options.
 

Are microwaves safe?

Yes. Microwaves have been used in clinics for over 30 years. Microwaves are a form of non-ionising radiation, which means they cannot cause damage to the DNA of living things.

How many treatments will I need?

This varies from person to person. Most patients require 4 treatments, but some will require more, and progress will be assessed at each appointment before determining if further treatments are required. Generally, the longer your verruca has been present, the longer it will take to resolve.

Swift is approximately 75 - 80% effective after 4 treatments. However, verruca(s) are caused by viruses with no definite cure, and success rates for all verruca treatments will vary from person to person. We cannot guarantee success levels of the treatment and the verruca may not resolve after treatment. Resolution of your verruca does not mean you will not catch one again in the future

Contraindications

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• Swift cannot be used in conjunction with other verruca treatments

• Swift cannot be used; if you have diabetes, if you have any metalwork in your foot or ankle, or if you have any implanted electronic devices such as a pacemaker or cochlear implant.

• It is also unsuitable for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, immunosuppressed, have poor healing, or those who have peripheral neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease.

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Before the procedure

The podiatrist will need to check if there have been any changes since your assessment. Please inform the podiatrist if you think you may be pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, if your medical history has changed or you have changed medications.

Your circulation will be checked, and your podiatrist will perform a few tests to check the sensation in your feet is normal. Please remove all nail varnish from toenails before attending the clinic – this enables us to better assess your circulation.

 

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Your podiatrist will make sure you are suitable for Swift and will fully explain the treatment prior to its use. Your podiatrist will discuss all the possible side effects at your consultation before proceeding with the treatment. You will be required to give written consent before the procedure can proceed.

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Following your assessment, if suitable, a further appointment will be arranged to commence treatment. Swift treatment will not be administered on the same day as your assessment.

What will happen during the procedure?

 

• You will be awake during the procedure and will not normally require any local anaesthesia – this will be discussed with you at your assessment appointment.

• Photos will be taken of the verruca(s) before and after each treatment to monitor progress.

• Hard skin (callus) overlying the verruca(s) will be pared back using a sterile blade.

• The treatment will be performed by applying the single use applicator to the verruca.

• Each application of the treatment lasts approximately 2 seconds per verruca and is repeated up to 5 times. It may feel uncomfortable, a little like a sharp injection. Treatment settings can be altered to match your tolerance as closely as possible.

• Padding and dressings are not normally needed as the treatment does not break the skin.

• You will be given a post-op advice sheet about how to look after your feet and a follow-up appointment in around 3 - 4 weeks time will be booked for your second treatment. Your 3rd treatment (if needed) will be 3 - 4 weeks after the second appointment.

• A review appointment will be booked for approximately 5 to 6 months after your third treatment, to see if further treatment is required.

• You will be able to walk normally after the procedure.

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After the procedure

After the procedure you would not require any time off work and can go about your daily activities as normal. However, if you are very active, such as long distance running, you may wish to shorten your activity levels for a few days.
A few days after treatment the verruca(s) may start to change colour.
The podiatrist will book you a follow up appointment for around 4 weeks time and give you a post-operative advice sheet.
You will be advised to contact the podiatrist as soon as possible should you experience any problems or have any concerns.

 

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Interested in Swift? Please call 427 4937 to book a consultation appointment.

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