What’s the Best Verruca Treatment?| Swift Microwave Therapy Explained

If you're dealing with a persistent verruca that just won't go away, you're not alone—and you're likely overwhelmed by all the so-called solutions. From freezing kits to duct tape, acid creams to home remedies, the internet is full of options. But what actually works? What treatment is backed by evidence and delivers consistent, fast, and lasting results?

This guide from the team at We Fix Feet covers:

• What verrucas really are

• How they spread

• Why they’re so stubborn

• How the most popular treatments compare

• Why Swift Microwave Therapy is often the gold-standard option for safe, effective, and fast verruca resolution

Let’s dig in.

What is a Verruca?

A verruca is a type of wart caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the skin through small cuts or abrasions. Unlike warts that develop on the hands or knees, verrucae grow on the soles of your feet (plantar surface), which means they are constantly subjected to pressure from standing, walking, and exercise.

Typical signs include:

• A rough, raised or flat lesion on the foot

• A white or grey surface with black pinpoint dots (thrombosed capillaries)

• Discomfort or pain when standing or walking

Verrucas can appear alone or in clusters (mosaic warts), and they are notoriously difficult to treat—especially if left too long.

Why Do Verrucas Spread?

Verrucae are contagious. HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why communal changing rooms, gyms, pools, and locker rooms are common transmission sites.

You can catch or spread verrucas by:

• Walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces

• Sharing shoes, socks or towels

• Touching a verruca and then another part of the foot

Although they’re more common in children, adults can and do get them too—especially runners, swimmers, and gym-goers.

Common Myths (Debunked)

• "Leave it alone, it will go away on its own." – Sometimes true, but many persist for months or years without treatment.

• "Cut it out with scissors or a blade." – Dangerous and ineffective.

• "Duct tape cures verrucas." – No strong clinical evidence supports this.

• "Freezing works first time." – Often needs multiple painful sessions.

How Verruca Treatments Compare

Here’s how the main options stack up:

Treatment: Cryotherapy

How it works: Liquid nitrogen freezes

Sessions Needed: 3–6+

Pain Level: Moderate

Suitable for: Small or recent the infected tissue verrucae

Treatment: Verrutop

How it works: Chemical agent causes tissue destruction

Sessions Needed: 3–6+

Pain Level: Mild

Suitable for: Chiildren, shallow verrucae

Treatment: Swift Microwave Therapy

How it works: Microwave energy heats and denatures viral tissue

Sessions Needed: 3-4

Pain Level: Mild-Moderate

Suitable for: All ages (over 10), chronic cases

Why We Recommend Swift Microwave Therapy

Swift is a clinically proven verruca treatment used by over 300 UK clinics. It works by delivering very short bursts of microwave energy directly into the infected tissue, targeting the HPV virus and triggering a natural immune response.

Top Benefits of Swift:

• ✅ No need for dressings

• ✅ No need for anaesthetic

• ✅ Minimal discomfort (2–3 seconds of heat)

• ✅ No downtime or lifestyle disruption

• ✅ High success rate in even the most stubborn cases

“It’s not magic, but it feels like it when you’ve tried everything else.” – Steve Carter, Clinical Director at We Fix Feet

What to Expect in a Swift Appointment

1. Assessment – Confirm diagnosis and rule out other conditions

2. Skin Prep – Clean and lightly debride area

3. Swift Application – 2–3 short bursts (usually under 10 seconds total)

4. Advice & Aftercare – You walk out wearing your shoes

Repeat sessions are typically spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Most patients require 3–4 treatments.

What Does Swift Feel Like?

Most describe it as a sharp pinch or short burst of heat. Discomfort is very brief, and most people resume daily activities immediately.

Is Swift Safe for Children?

Yes. Swift is safe for patients aged 10 and over. It’s ideal for children who struggle with longer or more painful treatments like cryotherapy.

Results You Can Expect

• Noticeable improvement after 2–3 treatments

• Complete resolution typically within 12 weeks

• Long-term clearance due to immune activation

Real Patient Story – “I Tried Everything”

Emma, 34, had a verruca for over 18 months. “I tried duct tape, banana peel, acid, freezing kits—you name it.” After three Swift sessions at We Fix Feet (Beeston), her verruca disappeared completely.

“I only wish I’d come here sooner.”

Cost of Treatment

• Swift Microwave Therapy: £695 for the verruca package of six treatments

• Verrutop (Children): £65 per session

Prevention Tips Post-Treatment

• Wear flip-flops in shared spaces

• Keep feet clean and dry

• Don’t pick or scratch your feet

• Don’t share shoes or socks

Final Thoughts

Verrucas can be annoying, painful, and persistent. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. Swift microwave therapy is a fast, effective, and low-hassle option—especially for people who have tried other routes without success.

Our team of HCPC Registered Podiatrists are ready to help you find the right path to pain-free, wart-free feet.

Book Now or Learn More

📞 Call our team or book your Swift consultation online
📥 Download our free PDF: “7 Verruca Myths You Should Stop Believing”
📍 Available at both our Beeston and Ilkeston clinics