The Successful Use of a Novel Microwave Device in the Treatment of a Plantar Wart

Energy-Based Devices for the Treatment of Cutaneous Verrucae: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Warts are one of the most common benign neoplasms caused by human papillomavirus infection and often pose a therapeutic challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of laser and energy-based devices for the treatment of cutaneous verrucae.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic review of the literature on laser and energy-based devices for the treatment of cutaneous verrucae was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 904 unique studies were identified, of which 109 were included in this review. The most commonly used lasers as a single treatment modality for verrucae included the long-pulsed Nd:Yag (n = 20) and pulsed dye (n = 18) lasers. Other modalities included the CO2 ablative laser (n = 10), photodynamic therapy (n = 11), local hyperthermia (n = 11), microwave therapy (n = 2), and nanopulse stimulation (n = 1). Other studies combined energy-based modalities with additional treatments, such as retinoids, imiquimod, and intralesional bleomycin. Overall, such devices were generally well-tolerated, with only a mild side effect profile.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the use of laser and energy-based devices is a safe and well-tolerated option for cutaneous verrucae that is relatively less invasive than surgical interventions. Future studies using more consistent outcome assessment tools will be valuable to help clinicians develop device-specific protocols and treatment regimens to ensure replicable and effective outcomes.

Microwave therapy for the treatment of plantar warts

BACKGROUND

Plantar warts, or verrucae plantaris, are common lesions causing considerable pain during weightbearing activity. Although current treatment modalities have low success rates, microwave therapy has been introduced as a promising intervention. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of microwave therapy for the treatment of plantar warts and to determine the clinical factors associated with plantar wart resolution.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 150 plantar warts from 45 patients treated with microwave therapy was undertaken. Binomial regression was conducted to explore clinical characteristics (age, gender, immunosuppression, impaired healing, multiple vs single wart, location of lesion, lesion diameter) associated with lesion resolution.

RESULTS

Of the total 150 plantar warts treated with microwave therapy, 125 (83.3%) warts resolved and 25 (17%) warts did not resolve. The mean (SD) total treatment sessions for resolved lesions was 2.8 (1.0). Decreasing age (P = 0.046) was the only clinical characteristic associated with resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study has shown that plantar warts may be resolved with two to three sessions of microwave therapy, which may be more successful in younger populations.

Potential use of microwave technology in dermatology

BACKGROUND

Microwaves are used in medicine for diagnostics, and treatment of cancer. Recently, novel microwave devices (Swift^®, Emblation Ltd, UK and miraDry^®, Miramar Labs Inc., CA) have been cleared by the FDA and Health Canada for various dermatological conditions.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

To review the dermatological use of microwave-based treatments (plantar warts, corns, actinic keratosis, dermatophytosis, axillary hyperhidrosis, osmidrosis, and hidradenitis suppurativa). Clinical trials, case reports, or in vitro studies for each condition are summarized.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Microwaves are a promising alternative therapy for cutaneous warts, actinic keratosis, axillary hyperhidrosis, and osmidrosis, with favorable safety profiles. However, patients with hidradenitis suppurativa have had negative clinical outcomes. Limited treatment of corns showed good pain reduction but did not resolve hyperkeratosis. A preliminary in vitro study indicated that microwave treatment inhibits the growth of T. rubrum. We present the first case of toenail onychomycosis successfully treated with microwaves. Despite the advancements in the use of microwaves, the mechanism of action in non-ablative treatment is not well understood; further research is needed. More high-quality randomized clinical trials with larger groups and long follow-up periods are also required to evaluate the clinical benefits and possible adverse effects of microwaves in treating dermatological conditions.

Applications of Microwave Energy in Medicine

Microwaves are a highly utilized electromagnetic wave, used across a range of industries including food processing, communications, in the development of novel medical treatments and biosensor diagnostics. Microwaves have known thermal interactions and theorized non-thermal interactions with living matter; however, there is significant debate as to the mechanisms of action behind these interactions and the potential benefits and limitations of their use. This review summarizes the current knowledge surrounding the implementation of microwave technologies within the medical industry.