Foot Wart Treatment Options

We offer a comprehensive range of treatments for plantar warts and other foot warts

Recommended Treatment

SWIFT Microwave Therapy

Our flagship treatment for plantar warts using revolutionary microwave technology to trigger your immune system to fight the HPV virus naturally.

Advantages

  • +83% success rate within 3 treatments
  • +No open wounds or dressings
  • +No aftercare required
  • +Works by activating immune response

Considerations

  • -Brief discomfort during treatment
  • -Multiple sessions usually needed

Best For

Most wart types, especially stubborn or recurring warts

Salicylic Acid

High-concentration salicylic acid (up to 80%) applied professionally to dissolve wart tissue gradually over multiple treatments.

Advantages

  • +Non-invasive
  • +Can be used at home between appointments
  • +Relatively affordable

Considerations

  • -Requires multiple applications
  • -Can irritate surrounding skin
  • -Lower success rate for stubborn warts

Best For

Small, superficial warts or as complementary treatment

Cryotherapy

Traditional freezing treatment using liquid nitrogen to destroy wart tissue by creating controlled frostbite.

Advantages

  • +Well-established method
  • +Quick treatment sessions
  • +Can be effective for surface warts

Considerations

  • -Can be painful during and after
  • -May cause blistering
  • -Multiple sessions often needed
  • -Risk of scarring

Best For

Small plantar warts and superficial foot warts

Silver Nitrate

Chemical cauterization using silver nitrate to burn and destroy wart tissue through a chemical reaction.

Advantages

  • +Quick application
  • +Minimal pain during treatment
  • +No special equipment needed

Considerations

  • -Stains skin black temporarily
  • -Multiple treatments needed
  • -Less effective for deep warts

Best For

Small, surface-level warts

Spirularin

A newer, pain-free treatment option using microalgae-based compounds that have shown antiviral properties.

Advantages

  • +Completely pain-free
  • +Natural ingredients
  • +No tissue destruction

Considerations

  • -Newer treatment with less long-term data
  • -Slower results
  • -May require extended treatment

Best For

Patients seeking pain-free options or with low pain tolerance

Cantharidin

A blister-forming agent derived from beetles that causes the skin to blister, lifting the wart away from the healthy tissue.

Advantages

  • +Painless application
  • +Works overnight
  • +Effective for certain wart types

Considerations

  • -Forms large blisters
  • -Can be uncomfortable after blistering
  • -Requires careful monitoring

Best For

Warts in children or patients who cannot tolerate other treatments

Surgical Excision

In rare cases, surgical removal (curettage) may be recommended for very large or resistant warts.

Advantages

  • +Immediate removal
  • +High success for single treatment
  • +Tissue can be sent for biopsy

Considerations

  • -Requires local anaesthesia
  • -Risk of scarring
  • -Longer healing time
  • -Higher recurrence rate

Best For

Large warts not responding to other treatments (rare cases only)

Not Sure Which Treatment is Right for You?

Our experienced podiatrists will assess your warts and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the type, location, size, and your medical history. Book a consultation to discuss your options.

Why We Recommend SWIFT

While we offer many treatment options, SWIFT microwave therapy delivers the best results for most patients - 83% success within 3 treatments, with no wounds, no dressings, and no aftercare required.

Learn More About SWIFT