Swift for Verrucae and Warts
Swift Verruca and Wart Treatment – A&A Podiatrists Radlett
At A&A Podiatrists, we do things thoroughly — but with purpose. Every appointment is focused, every treatment plan is tailored, and every decision is made with your long-term foot health in mind.
This page explains Swift Emblation — our preferred treatment for verrucae and warts. While it’s highly effective for many people, it isn’t right for everyone. We’ll go through all your options in detail at your first appointment, allowing time for discussion and treatment. Swift can be used to treat verrucae on both the feet and hands.
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What Is Swift Microwave Therapy?
Swift uses low-dose microwave energy to stimulate the immune system to clear the virus. Each area (approximately 5 mm) receives five 2-second applications, and the total delivery time is usually under 35 seconds per area.
The treatment is briefly painful during delivery, but there is no pain afterwards, no need to keep the area dry, and no dressings are required. Most patients require around three sessions, spaced approximately four weeks apart.
This treatment is ideal if you:
- 🏊♂️ Swim regularly – no need to keep the area dry after treatment
- 🧼 Shower or bathe daily – unlike acids, there’s no waterproof dressing
- 👟 Are active or on your feet all day – no disruption to walking or footwear
- ⏱ Have a busy schedule – only three short appointments, a month apart
- 👶 Are treating children or teenagers – no aftercare for parents to manage
- 🧳 Are going on holiday (allow a week before travel to be safe) – no wounds or dressing changes
- 💼 Need minimal downtime – treatment is quick, clean and completed in clinic
- 🧘♀️ Do yoga or gym – no restriction on movement, socks or mats
- 🩺 Can’t attend for repeated visits – traditional care can require 6–10 sessions
How Swift Works
To understand why Swift is so effective, it helps to understand why verrucae are difficult to treat in the first place.
A verruca is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Unlike many infections, HPV does not circulate in the bloodstream. Instead, it remains confined to the upper layers of the skin. Crucially, it releases proteins that suppress the local immune response. In simple terms, the virus hides in plain sight.
This is why many traditional treatments fail. Acids, creams and freezing treatments focus on destroying surface tissue, but the virus itself remains protected underneath. The immune system continues to ignore it, allowing the verruca to persist for months or even years.
Swift works differently. Rather than trying to destroy the verruca from the outside, it stimulates the immune response itself.
During treatment, your podiatrist applies a small handheld probe directly to the verruca. The probe delivers a precise dose of microwave energy into the affected tissue. This energy penetrates only a few millimetres and does not damage surrounding skin.
Microwave energy is absorbed by water molecules within the tissue. As these molecules vibrate, heat is generated from within the verruca itself. The tissue is rapidly heated to around 45–50°C — hot enough to trigger a biological response, but not hot enough to burn or break the skin.
At this temperature, cells release a signal known as Heat Shock Protein 70. This acts as an immune alarm, alerting the body to the presence of HPV.
Each treatment consists of five short applications, each lasting just two seconds, with brief pauses in between. Most patients describe the sensation as a sharp, intense heat — similar to a quick sting. Importantly, the discomfort stops immediately once the probe is lifted.
Because the skin is not broken, there is no wound, no dressing, and no aftercare required. You can leave the clinic and return immediately to normal activities, including work, school, sport, gym and swimming.
Over the following weeks, your immune system takes over. Immune cells migrate to the area, recognise the virus, and gradually clear the infection. The verruca may shrink, darken, peel away, or resolve as healthy skin replaces it.
Swift does not remove the verruca directly — it enables your body to do what it was previously unable to do. This immune-led approach is why Swift is particularly effective for stubborn verrucae that have not responded to other treatments.
Suitability & Contraindications
Swift is suitable for most adults and children. It is not suitable if you:
- Have a pacemaker or implanted electronic device
- Have metalwork directly under the treatment area
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Prices & Packages
- Initial consultation: £80 (credited if Swift treatment is started at this appointment)
- Swift treatment (pay as you go): £150 per session (usually three)
- Further treatments (after three): £120 each
- Additional probe (rare): £30 (most patients require only one)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many verrucae can be treated in one session?
We aim to treat all verrucae within the 15-minute treatment period using one probe. If there are many or very large lesions, the largest or most painful are treated first. Longer or additional appointments are rarely needed and depend on tolerance.
How long has Swift been around?
Swift was introduced to UK podiatry clinics in 2016 and is now used internationally. We followed its development for many years before adopting it due to the limitations of traditional care.
Will it hurt?
Yes — for two seconds at a time. It is often described as similar to a wasp sting: sharp but very brief. There is no pain afterwards and no wound.
Can I swim, shower or go to work afterwards?
Yes. There is no dressing and no restriction on activity. You can return to normal life immediately.
Is it safe?
Yes. Microwaves have been used safely in medical treatments for decades. Swift uses a small, controlled dose that does not damage DNA or internal structures.
What if I change my mind?
Once a probe is activated, it cannot be refunded (£30 value). If you stop after one or two sessions of a package, completed treatments are re-costed at the standard rate and any remaining balance is refunded or credited (minus an admin fee).
Meet the Team
Swift treatments are carried out by Michael Abrahams, a highly experienced podiatrist with a commitment to evidence-based care and long-term outcomes. Lindsay Lux, our Practice Manager, ensures everything runs smoothly so your experience is clear, efficient and welcoming.
Why Choose A&A Podiatrists?
At A&A Podiatrists, we do things thoroughly — but with purpose. Every appointment is focused, every plan tailored, and every decision aimed at long-term foot health.
- MLS & MiS Laser: for pain, inflammation and soft tissue healing
- Swift Microwave Therapy: for stubborn verrucae
- Lunula Laser: for fungal nails
- Heidi AI: for clear, collaborative consultations
- Pedique Nail Reconstruction: cosmetic nail restoration
- Patient summary letters & online booking: after every appointment
Our team — Michael (Podiatrist), Craig (Podiatrist) and Lindsay Lux (Practice Manager) — provide honest, professional care in a relaxed, modern clinic environment.