Verrucas are warts that appear on the soles of the feet. They are small, rough growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause discomfort, especially when walking.
Common symptoms include:
Verrucas are not simply excess skin. They're caused by a virus (which spreads easily in warm, moist environments like swimming pools and gym floors). For complete verruca removal, the underlying virus needs to be eliminated — and home treatments only target the surface.
That's why we offer SWIFT microwave verruca treatment as well as other effective options at our podiatry clinic in Grey Lynn, Auckland.

Many people delay the treatment of warts and verrucas, assuming they're simply a cosmetic issue. However, the longer treatment is delayed, the more stubborn warts become. This can trigger increased pain and risk of spreading.
SWIFT is the industry's most advanced verruca removal technology. A fast, premium option, SWIFT verruca treatment is usually effective even when other treatments have failed.
Clear Step Podiatry is Auckland City's only clinic offering SWIFT Microwave verruca treatment. Patients travel from across the region for a treatment they can't access anywhere else in the city.
Developed in the UK, SWIFT® is a licensed microwave therapy used by podiatrists and dermatologists to treat verrucas and other skin lesions. A specialised probe delivers controlled microwave energy to destroy infected tissue beneath the skin's surface.
Before applying the probe, your podiatrist will remove any thickened skin with a surgical scalpel.
What makes SWIFT microwave verruca treatment the best on the market?
Most patients describe discomfort as brief, similar to a scratch or pin-prick (lasting 2–3 seconds). Your clinician may gently prepare the area beforehand to reduce discomfort. Pain levels vary, but many resume daily activities immediately.
The treated area might feel tender temporarily, but this rarely interferes with normal routines. Avoid picking the area to support healing.
The recommended number of SWIFT treatments varies between people.
Most verrucas clear in 3-4 sessions, although some patients require more, and others see the desired outcome in 1-2 sessions. Sessions are spaced 14 days to a month apart. Your podiatrist will tailor the verrucas treatment plan to your needs.
SWIFT verruca treatment has an 82% success rate following four sessions.
Most people with verrucas are eligible. However, precautions should be taken for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a low immune system or pain threshold, or have a pacemaker or replacement joints below the knee. SWIFT treatment for verrucas is also unsuitable for children.
Your clinician will assess your medical history and lesion type to confirm suitability.

Microwaves heat water molecules in the infected tissue, generating localised heat.
Energy destroys infected cells at a controlled depth, avoiding harm to healthy skin.
The body begins repairing the area immediately, replacing treated tissue with healthy skin.
Case Studies
Over-the-counter treatments are often inconsistent and can take months to fully remove stubborn verrucas. At Clear Step Podiatry, we offer three tiers of professional verruca treatment, and your podiatrist will recommend the right level for your case:
Nitric acid wart removal is a non-invasive therapy that destroys the wart tissue, causing the wart to fall off while leaving intact skin underneath. It is a safe, painless treatment with a high success rate.

A minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic. The verruca is repeatedly punctured to stimulate the body's immune response against the virus. This involves some recovery time and post-treatment discomfort.

The industry's most advanced verruca removal technology, detailed above. A fast, premium option that is usually effective even when other treatments have failed.

Book your verruca consultation at Clear Step Podiatry in Grey Lynn, Auckland City's only SWIFT Microwave clinic.
We've provided verruca treatment and general podiatry care to thousands of patients over the last ten years. Our specialists always take a personalised approach to find the most effective treatment plan for you.