VERRUCA TREATMENT

Verrucas are warts that occur on the soles of the feet

Verrucas (also called verrucae) are warts that occur on the soles of the feet or around the toe area and are a common occurrence in children but can also occur frequently in adult feet.

They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is highly contagious through direct contact, so we advise people to avoid touching the area as they can develop into a cluster of verrucae. The virus is also thought to thrive in damp environments such as swimming pools and changing room floors. It is possible to contract verrucae simply by walking across the same floor area as someone with a verruca.

Some people are more susceptible than others thought most build immunity to the virus with age. The most common appearance is that of a small cauliflower type growth on the soles of the feet with tiny black dots. Though harmless, if left untreated, verrucae have the potential to cause pain when walking.

pod marlow verruca

Verruca Treatment Services in Marlow

Treatment Options

At PodMarlow, our HCPC-registered podiatrists provide two primary clinical pathways to resolve verrucae (plantar warts) caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV):

Swift® Microwave Therapy (Primary Clinical Option)

  • Clinical Mechanism: Swift® delivers a precise 8-watt dose of microwave energy up to 5 mm into infected tissue. This causes water molecules within HPV-infected cells to vibrate, generating localised thermal energy (42°C–45°C) that destroys damaged tissue and triggers a systemic adaptive immune response.

  • Patient Experience: Requires no local anaesthetic or post-treatment dressings, leaving no permanent scarring with zero downtime. Each energy application lasts precisely 2 seconds.

  • Clinical Protocol: Suitable for adult patients and children aged 8 and over. Most stubborn cases resolve within 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart.

Podiatric Cryotherapy & Debridement

  • Clinical Mechanism: Consists of physical debridement (scaling down hyperkeratotic tissue) followed by controlled liquid nitrogen spray application to freeze infected epidermal cells.

  • Clinical Protocol: Recommended for older patients or isolated single lesions where microwave therapy is not indicated.”

Swift® Microwave Verruca Therapy

Introducing SWIFT® our new verruca treatment service

Swift is a new technology, developed in the UK, which has been licenced 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.

Infected tissue can exist several millimetres below the surface and can often be difficult to treat using traditional methods, resulting in either untreated tissue or significant damage.

Swift® delivers a precise, highly controlled energy dose. As microwaves travel into the tissue, water molecules begin colliding and creating localised heat energy – quickly destroying all infected tissue within a predetermined depth.
In just seconds the treatment is complete, leaving the body to absorb and replace the treated tissue.
 
 
 
 
 
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Benefits of the Swift® Microwave Treatment:

  • Fast and effective
  • Suitable for children aged 8 and upwards
  • No anaesthetic required
  • Minor discomfort similar to a prick or scratch lasting 2 – 3 seconds
  • No downtime – just a little tenderness afterwards

Our podiatrists will carry out an assessment prior to treatment to confirm if this treatment is suitable for you or to suggest an alternative.

Swift® Microwave Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions

Swift is an advanced, highly effective treatment for persistent or stubborn verrucae. Unlike traditional methods that attempt to destroy tissue from the outside, Swift uses targeted microwave energy to stimulate your body’s own immune system to recognize and clear the virus.

Yes.

All verrucae on the same foot can be treated during the same session, so there is no need for separate appointments for each lesion.

For most patients, three treatments are sufficient to see results. We typically see a 78% success rate within this course. For particularly large or long-standing verrucae, a 4th, 5th, or 6th session may occasionally be required, though this is less common.

Each session is quick, typically lasting around 10 minutes. During the treatment, you may feel a sharp, intense sensation for a few seconds as the microwave energy is delivered, similar to a brief burning feeling. Most patients tolerate this well.

One of the key benefits of Swift is that there is generally no downtime. You do not need dressings, and you can continue with your normal daily activities, including sports like swimming, immediately after your appointment. While the area can occasionally feel tender or bruised for a short time, most patients experience very little discomfort.

For optimum results, we recommend spacing sessions approximately one month apart. Because the treatment relies on your immune system to clear the virus, improvements are often gradual, and full resolution can take between 3–6 months following the final session for long-standing verrucae.

We offer two options for Swift treatment:

  • Swift Package (£460): Includes three treatment sessions plus a follow-up review appointment.
  • Pay-As-You-Go (£160): Per treatment session.

Note: New patients will also need an initial assessment appointment (£85) to confirm the diagnosis and ensure Swift is the most appropriate treatment option.