What are verrucas?
Verrucas are a common infection affecting the soles of our feet. They are caused by a virus known as the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV for short. The virus gets into the skin and creates this roughened area of skin known as a verruca. Children are most susceptible to the infection, particularly in teenage years. They can be unsightly and make walking or sports uncomfortable or even painful. The good news is that for most children, verruca disappear of their own accord as the body’s own immune system is able to destroy them eventually – usually within 2 years.
If you develop them as an adult they can take 5-10 years to disappear by themselves. If they are unsightly or painful, this can be a problem. There are a range of treatments available for verruca and at Christchurch Foot Clinic, we offer these and SWIFT microwave treatment.
What is microwave treatment for verrucas?
Our podiatrist, Ivan Bristow, was the first in the world to conduct research using the swift microwave system when he worked at the University of Southampton. His research was subsequently published in medical journals which showed how a course of 4 treatments (one a month) can cure more than three-quarters of adults with stubborn warts. The device is now used globally – over 300 000 treatments having been carried out worldwide.
How does microwave treatment work?
Microwaves work by agitating water to create heat. It is this heat, when microwaves are applied to the skin, that shocks the cells infected with the verruca virus. The skin releases a chemical signal as a result which stimulates the immune system to start attacking the verrucae. Research published by Ivan and others demonstrates it has a success of around 75-80% after four treatments (see below).
Can anyone have microwave treatment?
The good news is that it is suitable for most people with a few exceptions but it’s important to understand, like all verruca treatments, it’s not 100% successful. When you come in for an assessment, we should be able to advise you on your suitability and the likelihood of success based on your individual circumstances. We will also discuss other treatment options that are available to you.
Want to know more about verruca treatments?
At Christchurch Foot Clinic we can offer a range of verruca treatments including microwave for your troublesome warts and verrucas. Please make an appointment and our podiatrists will be happy to discuss your treatment options with you.
References
1. Bristow IR, Lim W, Lee A, Holbrook D, Savelyeva N, Thomson P, Webb C, Polak ME, Ardern-Jones MR: Microwave therapy for cutaneous human papilloma virus infection. Eur J Dermatol 2017, 27:511-518.
2. Gupta AK, Wang T, Cooper EA, Conenello RM, Bristow IR: The treatment of plantar warts using microwave—A review of 85 consecutive cases in the United States. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023, 22:2729-2736.
3. Hagon W, Hagon J, Noble G, Brenton-Rule A, Stewart S, Bristow I: Microwave therapy for the treatment of plantar warts. J Foot Ankle Res 2023, 16:37.