The novel treatment of children with viral warts using microwave technology

Cutaneous warts, caused by infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), are prevalent among school‐age children, with an estimated prevalence of up to 44%.

These warts can cause pain, impair mobility, and result in psychological distress. Existing treatments for warts are suboptimal and encompass destructive treatments, virucidal agents, anti‐proliferative agents, and immunological therapies. In this context, microwave technology has emerged as a potential treatment option.

Microwaves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and can induce rapid heating to sub‐ablative temperatures (<50°C) to modulate immune responses against HPV infected cells. The Swift microwave unit (Emblation Ltd.) is a medical device licenced in the UK, EU, and cleared in the US, which allows the delivery of microwave energy through the application of a probe.

A previous study using microwaves has demonstrated efficacy for plantar warts in adult patients but there is limited data on its benefit and tolerability in a paediatric cohort.