Verrucas and Warts
Verrucas, also known as plantar warts, are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are usually found on the soles of the feet and can be painful and discomforting. At SW Podiatry & Health Clinic, we can provide treatments to help alleviate the pain and reduce the size of the verruca. Verrucas are easily spread from person to person, especially in communal areas, like changing rooms. If you think you may have a verruca, it is important to seek professional advice from a podiatrist to ensure the best treatment for your condition.
Procedures
At SW Podiatry & Health Clinic, we offer a range of treatment options for verrucas, depending on their size, duration, and how they've responded to previous care.
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For the gold standard of verruca treatment, we offer Swift Pro microwave therapy — A specialised microwave device delivers low-dose microwave energy into the lesion. The heat and energy stimulate a local immune response and target the underlying viral tissue, thereby assisting clearance of the verruca.
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Our more traditional/low-tech treatments include the use of silver nitrate or salicylic acid, both of which work by breaking down the verruca tissue and stimulating the body’s immune response. These treatments are applied in clinic at regular intervals, but it’s important to note they may require weekly sessions over 10 weeks, and in some cases up to a year or more, to achieve full resolution.
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If the first two options don't resolve the verruca, we also offer verruca needling — a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic. This technique works by directly triggering the body’s immune system to recognise and fight the virus. Needling is generally more effective than traditional treatments but not as effective as Swift Pro. It often requires two sessions and has a longer recovery time involving dressings and some pain. This is why we offer it when we have tried all other treatments.​
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We understand there’s a lot of information and many treatment options, but there’s no need to worry. We always start with an assessment appointment, where we’ll review your verruca, discuss all available options, and create a tailored treatment plan that’s right for you.
Swift Pro
Treatment plan at our clinic: On average ~3 sessions spaced ~4 weeks apart (we may adjust depending on response).
Efficacy (what research shows):
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One large post-marketing series (6,998 adults) using microwave treatment reported a median efficacy rate ~79.2% (range ~66-88%) with a median of 3 treatments required. emblation.com
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Smaller clinic audits report ~80% success within 3 treatments. Round House Podiatry
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Some reports describe up to ~83% or higher (~84-95%) in selected cohorts. Swift
What we advise: This is our most advanced treatment option and currently offers the highest success rates. We treat it as the “gold standard” in our offering. Standard plan: three monthly visits, review after third session. Most patients respond by then; some may require additional visits depending on severity.
Patient's verrucae before receiving Swift microwave therapy.
Patient's feet after receiving Swift microwave therapy.
Patient's foot after receiving Swift microwave therapy.
Patient's verrucae before receiving Swift microwave therapy.
Swift Results
Swift® is supported by a substantial body of clinical data and case studies, including patients with long-standing verrucas of over 50 years’ duration and those who have not responded to other forms of treatment.
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If you’ve tried everything else, this might be the solution you've been waiting for.
Traditional/Low-Tech Treatment
Treatment plan at our clinic: Weekly applications for ~10 weeks.
Efficacy (what research shows):
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One RCT of 95 % silver nitrate applied weekly reported a complete response rate of ~37.5% after 10 weeks. www1.racgp.org.au
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Other studies with 10% silver nitrate solution applied every other day for 3 weeks reported ~63% complete regression. PubMed
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Because of the variability in studies, we adopt a more conservative figure when discussing expectations.
What we advise: This is a more traditional/low-tech approach, with modest success rates compared to newer modalities. Skin surrounding the lesion may stain black/brown temporarily and some discomfort is expected. Up to 10 weekly visits may be required. If no significant response by a set point we will review alternative treatments.
Verruca Needling
Treatment plan at our clinic: Usually two sessions spaced ~4 months apart (to allow immune response and healing).
Efficacy (what research shows):
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A retrospective series found a complete resolution in ~69% of cases. MDPI
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Another recent study found 57.7% success after 30 days, rising to 80.7% after 60 days. PubMed Central
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However, a larger randomised trial (EVerT2) found no significant difference in clearance between needling and simple debridement at 12 weeks. OUP Academic
What we advise: While some centres report high success (70-80%+), the evidence is mixed. We likely quote a realistic success rate of ~65-70% and emphasise that results depend strongly on the individual’s immune response and other factors. Two sessions may be needed; recovery includes some discomfort and healing time after the needling.
Needling Results
Swipe through these incredible before and afters showing the effectiveness of verruca needling — our minor surgical treatment designed to trigger the body’s immune response. Fewer sessions, long-lasting results, and real relief for stubborn verrucae.
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If you’ve tried everything else, this might be the solution you've been waiting for.