EASY AND PAINLESS WART REMOVAL IN 2024
Warts are one of the most common skin conditions we see at Alaska Family Dermatology. Wart removal used to be painful and could require a long recovery time. While those traditional methods are practiced, including here at AK Family Derm, there are now painless methods that require no or very minimal recovery time. Alaska Family Dermatology is the first clinic in Alaska to offer Swift, a revolutionary new wart treatment. Below we will discuss the benefits of Swift and the advancements of wart treatment.
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF WARTS
Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Like any virus, warts are spread through contact. The virus enters the body through tiny cuts or cracks on the bottom of the foot. This can occur when walking barefoot on surfaces where the virus is present. The virus thrives in warm and moist environments, making locker rooms and swimming pools a common source of infection.
It can take as long as six months to develop a wart after the skin has come into contact with the virus, making it difficult to identify the source of the infection. Individuals can reduce their chances of contracting a wart by avoiding walking barefoot, especially in public spaces. Keeping the feet clean and dry can also help.
Symptoms of plantar warts include:
- Small, fleshy growths on the bottom of the foot, which may be rough or grainy.
- Hard, thickened skin, where a wart has grown inward.
- Black pinpoints in the center of the growth, which are clotted blood vessels.
SWIFT® Is a New Technology for Easy Wart Removal
The Swift® system is a non-invasive device that uses precisely tuned microwave energy to increase the temperature of the treatment area, resulting in the coagulation of the soft tissue.
FAST & EFFICIENT
Microwave energy is able to travel to a precise depth, once there the water molecules within the tissue area begin colliding and creating localized heat energy. This allows the device to target only the treatment area. The entire process only lasts between 5-10 minutes! There is also limited post-procedural padding or dressing.
SIMPLE & CLEAN
The Swift® device focuses on a highly contained treatment zone. The microwaves travel in straight lines with no lateral spread, which can be seen in procedures such as Cryotherapy. The treatment device eliminates the risk of cross-contamination and the need for sterilization by using a disposable tip.
BENEFITS OF THE SWIFT® DEVICE
The Swift device offers several benefits in treating the root cause of plantar warts over traditional treatments:
- Virtually painless: The treatment involves minimal discomfort (lasting only a few seconds)
- Leaves no evidence of scarring: Unlike traditional treatments that leave scarring after treatment, Swift treatment leaves tissue without scars.
- Minimal impact: Microwave energy does not break the surface of the skin and instead penetrates the tissue to a pre-determined depth.
- Minimal recovery time: Patients can to return to normal activity after treatment.
- Quick: Sessions last between 5-10 minutes.
- Safe & Clean
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS AVAILABLE
Traditional methods for treating plantar warts have conventionally relied on injections or medications at the site of the wart which are designed to remove the affected tissue. They include >
- Salicylic acid or other types of acid
- Laser treatment (not performed at Alaska Family Dermatology)
- Cryotherapy (freezing the area)
- Surgical excision (not performed at Alaska Family Dermatology)
