SWIFT therapy for plantar warts is a highly effective treatment option that requires minimal preparation. However, there is some minor SWIFT therapy preparation that will help you be ready for your appointment, while also maximizing the benefits of your treatment session. In this post, we highlight everything you need to include in your plantar wart appointment prep, including how to prepare your feet; medications to avoid and what to bring on the day of your session.
SWIFT Therapy Preparation: One Week Prior to Treatment ![A man holding his bare foot]()
Once your Marietta podiatrist has decided you’re a good candidate for SWIFT therapy, you’ll be given some pre-treatment preparation instructions.
First, you’ll need to stop use of any topical plantar wart treatments that you may have been using previously, whether they were home remedies or over-the-counter medications. While you might think that doubling up on treatments could reduce your overall treatment, topical products could interfere with SWIFT’s efficacy. They could also damage or irritate the healthy skin surrounding your wart, leading to increased discomfort during your SWIFT session. Dr. Alvin Cowans will advise you on the exact timeline of this step in your plantar wart appointment prep, but you will likely need to give your skin at least one week without using topical treatments prior to undergoing microwave therapy.
Day of Plantar Wart Appointment Prep
Before heading out to your SWIFT therapy appointment, thoroughly wash your feet with warm water and soap, making sure to carefully dry them afterward. Avoid using any foot cream or lotion on the day of your SWIFT treatment. You can wear any shoes you like to your appointment. But we suggest choosing a pair that’s very comfortable, since your feet may feel a little tender after your treatment.
Be Mentally Prepared
While SWIFT therapy is a safe, effective, and non-invasive plantar wart treatment, some patients worry about the mild discomfort they may experience during the process. We find that knowing exactly what to expect during treatment helps reduce anxiety and improve your overall experience.
Prior to beginning your session, Dr. Cowans will examine the wart or warts being targeted with SWIFT. He may then debride the wart’s tough top layer to maximize the benefit of your treatment session. (This involves using a sterile tool to gently remove some of the skin on your foot.)
Next, you’ll undergo the actual SWIFT treatment—Dr. Cowans will target the microwave energy to your wart, heating the area to help your body fight the HPV virus, causing wart formation. The application typically lasts between 2 and 5 minutes. During this time, you may experience warmth and mild discomfort.
Once the application is complete, you’ll be free to go and resume all normal activities. You won’t have any wounds to cover, and there will be no restrictions on weight-bearing or shoe choice. You may experience mild swelling or discomfort immediately after your treatment, but this should be easy to manage and will resolve quickly.
Be sure to follow all instructions regarding medication use after SWIFT therapy. We advise steering clear of anti-inflammatory medications throughout your treatment process, as they could tamp down the internal immune process that SWIFT is trying to stimulate.
We also tell patients to avoid picking or scratching the treatment area, even if you see peeling skin. Touching your plantar wart could interfere with the treatment process, and could even lead to spread of the virus and new wart formation.
SWIFT Therapy Preparation: Be Ready for More Appointments
Most patients require 3-4 SWIFT sessions before their warts resolve completely, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t see the wart’s appearance improving after your first session. Rest assured, the treatment is effective—it just takes time. So stick to the recommended timeline for follow-up appointments, and even the most stubborn of warts should resolve by the end of the prescribed treatment course. And, if any questions or concerns arise between treatment sessions, you can always reach out to our team by calling 770-727-0614 or by following this link to send us a message.
