Verruca treatment that actually works
Swift microwave therapy is the modern, evidence-based treatment for verrucas. No dressings, no liquid nitrogen, no acid. Walk out normally after each session.
For patients who've tried over-the-counter treatments without success, or who want a definitive specialist approach from the start.
The case for microwave therapy
Most verrucas eventually resolve — but "eventually" can mean years. Swift accelerates resolution by triggering an immune response in tissue that the body had been ignoring.
Fast sessions
20-minute appointments. The microwave application itself takes seconds per lesion.
No dressings
No anaesthetic, no broken skin, no creams to apply daily. Walk out and continue your day.
No downtime
Return to work, sport, swimming. No restriction on footwear or activity after treatment.
Evidence-based
Published clinical evidence supports Swift's efficacy. Used in NHS and private podiatry across the UK and Ireland.
What microwave therapy does
Verrucas are caused by HPV. They persist because the immune system doesn't always recognise the infected tissue — the virus hides effectively.
Swift delivers a precisely controlled dose of microwave energy into the verruca tissue. This rapid, localised heating creates a controlled inflammatory response. The immune system "wakes up" to the affected tissue and begins to clear the virus.
Most patients require 3–4 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart, though this varies depending on the size, depth, and chronicity of the verrucas. Some patients clear with fewer; persistent lesions may take longer.
Verruca Treatment (Swift)
Each session is approximately 20 minutes. We assess the verruca or verrucas, prepare the lesion, deliver the Swift microwave treatment, and book your follow-up appointment 4 weeks later.
What's included in each session
- Clinical assessment of the verruca and surrounding tissue
- Confirmation it's a verruca (not a corn or callus — they're different)
- Swift microwave treatment to all visible lesions
- Aftercare advice and review of progress
- Follow-up appointment scheduled
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt?
Most patients describe it as a brief, sharp warming sensation lasting 2–3 seconds per pulse. Several pulses are typically delivered. It's tolerable for almost everyone — no anaesthetic is required, and the discomfort ends as soon as the pulse stops.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients clear with 3–4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. Some respond faster; deep or chronic verrucas may take longer. We'll assess progress at each visit and only continue if treatment is helping.
How is this different from freezing or acid treatments?
Cryotherapy (freezing) and acid both work by destroying surface tissue, hoping the verruca goes with it. They're often slow, painful, and require dressings between sessions. Swift works on a different mechanism — triggering immune recognition rather than burning tissue — and there's no dressing or recovery between visits.
Will it work for me?
Published clinical data shows good outcomes for the majority of patients, including chronic and treatment-resistant verrucas. Like any medical treatment, success isn't guaranteed for every individual. We'll give you a realistic view at your first appointment.
Can I swim, exercise, walk normally afterwards?
Yes. There's no dressing, no broken skin, and no activity restriction. Patients walk out and continue their day — including sport, swimming, and work — without modification.
Should children have Swift?
Most podiatrists prefer to monitor verrucas in young children before treating, because immune response in children often clears verrucas spontaneously. We'd discuss your child's specific situation at the appointment and recommend treatment only if appropriate.
Is this covered by health insurance?
Verruca treatment may be covered under Irish health insurance specialist outpatient cover (VHI, Laya, Irish Life Health). Check your policy or contact your insurer for pre-authorisation.