FAQ - Frequently Asked Question

Verruca is the Latin word for wart. There is no difference between a verruca and a wart and the terms are interchangeable usually depending on location.

There are approximately 150 different human papillomaviruses (HPV) some rare, others more common, causing warts on different parts of the body.

HPV has been with us for thousands of years and is highly adapted to human skin and mucosa.

Warts/verrucas may have many presentations and can appear on any epidermal surface.

They are generally transmitted via direct contact, but may also transmit indirectly, however, the virus will not affect tissues deeper than the basal (bottom) layer of the epidermis.

Swift verruca treatment uses microwave energy delivered through a special probe applied to the skin to treat the affected tissue.

Microwaves work by generating heat in the wart/verruca, focused under the probe, to a maximum depth of 5mm.

Microwaves love water and when the electric field is applied, local water dipoles (H2O) try to align with the field but lag slightly behind causing a collision between molecules and therefore generating heat.

Almost anyone who has stubborn warts and verrucas can benefit from Swift.

There are contra-indications to Swift but outside these anyone who has warts/verrucas on their hands or feet can benefit.

With a few exceptions, most people with verrucas and warts should be able to have this treatment.

Your Podiatrist will carry out an assessment prior to treatment and advise you accordingly.

Swift is suitable for most people with few exceptions, although the purpose and reason for a consultation prior to treatment is to identify anyone for who it may not be appropriate. One of our Podiatrists will discuss any concerns with you.

Immediately after the treatment there will be no change to the appearance of the wart/verruca.

A change should start to show after a few days.

Swift works by prompting an immune response and time is needed for the process to gather pace.

That is why there is a gap of at least two weeks between treatments.

As regression is established the verruca will shrink in from the edges at the same time as reducing in thickness – or ‘debulking’.

The dermal ridges or ‘fingerprint’ of the underlying tissue will gradually re-establish itself as the verruca resolves.

A follow up visit will allow one of our Podiatrists to evaluate any changes and make a decision on whether or not you require another Swift application.

This depends on how you respond to treatment.

Some resolve within three treatments but more may be needed particularly with large or multiple lesions.

These can be from 14 days to over a month apart depending on progress. Your Podiatrist will discuss this with you.

When the virus enters the skin, some people’s immune systems immediately respond by producing antibodies and killing it dead. Others don’t and verruca forms.

However, the necessary immune response can still happen at any time, and, days, weeks, months or years later, the verruca can suddenly disappear.

This is why your GP will tell you to leave it alone and it will go away in time.

Having a verruca does not mean there is anything wrong with your immune system.

Swift is designed to prompt that local immune response for the body to heal itself.

Swift treatment results in a degree of localized tissue damage prompting a healing response part of which is antibody recruitment.

It is also thought to stimulate heat stress protein production which is known to prompt a strong healing response.

Patients who are immune-suppressed are at risk of developing multiple, resistant lesions, which are difficult to treat.

Swift treatment consists of timed bursts of microwaves, usually up to five seconds.

Large and multiple sites can be treated during each appointment.

The microwaves are applied through a specialized applicator direct to the wart/verruca. Your Podiatrist may prepare the site by gently shaving off overlying dead skin with a scalpel.

Treatment is applied in timed bursts and can be applied to one or multiple sites with a short pause between each application. The number of sites to be treated can be discussed with one of our Podiatrists.

As with many treatments for skin lesions, some discomfort, even pain may be experienced during treatment.

The sensation varies from person to person but most people undergoing Swift describe it as similar to a prick with a needle although some may find it more painful.

Swift is applied for up to 5 seconds at a time and any discomfort usually lasts 1-2 seconds then quickly subside and disappear.

In rare cases, some minor discomfort or tingling may be experienced for 24hrs before dissipating completely.

Normally any pain or discomfort ends as soon as the treatment is finished but it is possible there may be some minor discomfort.

However one of the great things about Swift is there is no broken skin, also no dressings, and no need to keep it dry.

Therefore you can do anything you wish. Swim, shower, run, jump and play.

Once the wart/verruca has gone, it is usually gone for good.

However, even though Swift works by prompting an immune response and production of the appropriate antibodies communicating a degree of immunity, there can never be a guarantee that you won’t catch another at some point in the future.

Swift is now in use at Rivera Foot & Ankle.

For more detailed information on verrucas and other verruca treatment options in general click here.

If you would like more information on Swift in particular or verruca treatment options in general, to speak to one of our Podiatrists or to make an appointment please call  (713) 691-9600 or e-mail Rivera Foot & Ankle on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.