What is it?

Swift is a new technology, developed in the UK, which has been licenced for the general treatment of skin lesions in Podiatry and Dermatology. Swift uses microwave energy which is delivered through a special probe applied to the skin to treat the affected tissue.

Microwaves are a form of non-ionising radiation, which means that they can’t cause damage to the DNA of living things. Microwaves sit between radio waves and infrared waves (at any frequency between 300MHz and 300GHz – Swift itself operates at 8GHz) in the electromagnetic spectrum.

How does it work?

As microwaves travel into the tissue, water molecules begin colliding and creating localised heat energy – quickly destroying all infected tissue within a predetermined depth.

75.9% of clinics reported successful outcomes in the research. Check it out for yourself: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1684/ejd.2017.3086

Does it hurt?

It is not uncommon for patients to feel a sharp sensation, similar to an injection. Unlike most treatments for verruca, pain felt during the treatment quickly subsides, and only in rare cases is there any prolonged pain. Before treatment your Podiatrist or Dermatologist may lightly reduce your lesion with a blade (debride)

Are there any Contraindications or Precautions to be aware off?

SWIFT is not allowed if you have a pace maker or are pregnant. 

If you have diabetes, you should consult your podiatrist to see if this is safe for you.

What to do following the treatment?

There are no restrictions after the treatment session- you may continue with your normal activities.

• Week 1

  During your first treatment, your Podiatrist may lightly reduce your lesion with a blade (debride), before applying 3-5 very short treatments with Swift (usually 2 seconds in duration). This quickly raises the temperature within the skin, without breaking the surface – meaning no blisters, no padding, and no scarring. It is not uncommon for patients to feel a sharp sensation, similar to an injection, but unlike most treatments for verruca, pain felt during the treatment quickly subsides.

• Week 4

  Your second treatment for Swift will usually occur 4 weeks later. Some patients will see black spots appear beneath the surface of the skin after the 1st treatment, but the size of the lesion may remain the same. The Swift treatment works by reducing the depth, rather than the width. Your Podiatrist will provide advice on what to expect, but patients report a similar sensation to their 1st treatment.

• Week 8

  Your third appointment will usually be your last treatment appointment, although your Podiatrist will provide specific advice based on your individual condition. Of the patients who will resolve, 75% will resolve after this final treatment.

• Week 20

  Your Podiatrist will usually leave a gap of 12 weeks for the body to heal and cycle through the immune response. You should feel little to no pain from the verruca at this stage, and your normal skin should be returning where the verruca was.

Further Information:

If you require any further information regarding our SWIFT service please contact us.

Email: cheltenham@supafoot.com

Call: 01242 321242