The Perth Wart clinic offers the latest technology for the treatment of warts using our flagship treatment - Microwave Swift Technology. We are also able to offer more traditional wart treatments if more appropriate. Treatment is available at one of two locations in conjunction with our two Podiatry surgeries in Morley and Ellenbrook. We have multiple trained staff at each location.
Warts are a common contagious infection in the outer layers of the skin which are caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). They can spread to other areas of our body and from person to person. Warts are generally very difficult to get rid of, as they are excellent at evading the body’s immune system.
SWIFT is medical microwave technology that is highly effective at resolving warts, verrucae or papillomas.
A focused microwave signal is emitted into the skin to a predetermined depth to ensure only the wart is treated.
A process called Heat Shock occurs within infected skin cells. This causes the wart to release certain proteins into the circulatory system, allowing the immune system to recognise the infection and begin to fight the virus.
The rapid heating of the wart to 42-45ºC can cause discomfort, however this lasts for only a second. This temperature range is merely a few degrees warmer than a hot bath, and will not cause any serious tissue damage or scarring.
Microwaves are a form of non-ionising radiation, which means that they can not cause damage to the DNA of living things. SWIFT uses very low energy levels that are only able to vibrate water molecules within skin cells.
* Based on data collected and analysed from post market surveillance July 2017 of trained SWIFT users.
This is dependent on how you respond to treatment. Most patients require 3 treatments or less. Your Podiatrist will be able to discuss your treatment plan.
With a few exceptions, most people with skin lesions would be able to have this treatment. Your Podiatrist will carry out an assessment prior to treatment and be able to advise you on this.
Rapid treatment time
No dressings required
No need to self-care
Pain relief post-treatment
Few treatments needed
Highly effective
As well as the Microwave Swift Technology we also offer a number of alternative treatments that are available. Below is a summary of the most common treatment options available.
Salacylic Acid in varying concentrations can be applied directly to the wart. Many over the counter Chemist preparations contain low levels of Salicylic Acid (approx. 20%) sometimes mixed with other ingredients to be used for wart treatment. The Podiatrist can use concentrations of up to 80%. Repeat treatments are often done each fortnight with dressings required along the way.
Cryotherapy or freezing has been a long time favourite of medico’s to treat warts. Freezing can be applied in various ways but the colder the better which allows for a deep blister to help remove the wart. Cryotherapy guns traditionally give the coldest temperatures. Freezing also usually needs multiple treatments.
The use of duct tape has been found to be effective in the treatment of warts when directly applied covering the wart and its surrounds. This treatment is useful in young children when a painless treatment is desired and is low cost. Treatment will usually last 8-12 weeks if successful.
Silver Nitrate is a liquid containing silver that combines with the skin proteins to form an eschcar which can be debrided. It is often used in conjunction with Salicylic acid to maintain the integrity of the skin or can be used in higher concentrations as a stand alone treatment.
Cantharadinis a liquid extract from a blister beetle that provides a very abrupt blister within 24 – 48 hours. It is highly aggressive and can be quite painful. Cantharadin is now restricted but can be organized in conjunction with your GP if desired.
Spirularin is our topical of choice when a pain free option is required especially in very young children. Spirularin has an active ingredient from microalgae. This product is for sale within our clinics.
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Laser treatment is not offered at our clinics but is another alternative. The use of Low Level laser has been shown to be effective in the treatment of some warts.
In rare situations if warts are in suitable locations, not too big and are proving difficult to remove, surgical removal can be considered. Scar tissue is a possible issue with plantar warts so due consideration must be given if this direction is utilised. We are able to refer you to Podiatric Surgeons, dermatologists or a general surgeon if required.
