Plantar warts are a common problem, with a prevalence rate of about 10% in children and young adults. There are various available treatments for warts on feet, including topical solutions and cryotherapy. While these options can be effective, warts can persist despite use of these treatments. Some people may have specific difficulties with these treatment options including the inconvenience of frequency and length of time that topical solutions may need to be applied.
But… another highly effective treatment option is now available!
The GenesisPlus laser system has been shown to have a high success rate in removing foot warts, including warts that may have been previously unresponsive to other treatments. In a study involving 348 people, a 96% success rate was achieved in clearing warts using the GenesisPlus laser system (1). These are very promising results, when compared with other studies of cryotherapy for example, that have reported clearance rates below 70% (1).
How does laser treatment remove foot warts?
The GenesisPlus laser system is a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser which emits a strong laser pulse and has a 5mm spot size (unlike many other lasers on the market). Blood vessels are a characteristic feature of warts and help to maintain growth of warts. It is believed that the laser pulse is absorbed by these blood vessels, causing destruction of blood vessels to the warts. This deprives nutrient supply to the wart, thus impeding further growth of virus-containing skin cells.
It is also thought that laser treatment may enhance the body’s own immune response to the wart-causing virus, further assisting the process of eradicating the wart virus. Read more about the causes of plantar warts.
How many plantar wart treatment sessions are required?
The number of laser treatment sessions that are required to remove foot warts will depend on the size and depth of the warts. More superficial plantar warts may be eradicated successfully with only one treatment session, while deeper warts may require up to 4 sessions.
People who have had warts in the past may be prone to reinfection, and recurrence is a possibility. As such, subsequent laser treatment sessions may be required at a later date, despite initial clearance.
Below is an example of before and after photos of a wart on a foot located on the little toe, which was given one treatment session with the GenesisPlus laser.
Is laser treatment for removing plantar warts safe?
Yes. Laser treatment involves minimal effect on surrounding tissue, however there may be some short term redness and/or swelling after treatment.
There are some contraindications to laser therapy and other possible complications can occur, however these tend to be uncommon. Specific risks associated with this treatment, as relevant to individual patients, are discussed and clarified in more detail prior to administering laser treatment.
Is laser treatment for foot wart removal painful?
Most patients describe the laser treatment as an uncomfortable warming sensation. Some people may experience temporary pain during the procedure, but it is very fast and less painful than other treatments. Laser is definitely less painful than burning warts off with liquid nitrogen and it is also less painful than Swift microwave treatment. Read a comparison between the Swift microwave system versus the Cutera GenesisPlus laser system.
One of the unique benefits of the GenesisPlus laser compared to other lasers, is the digital temperature feedback system. This feature enables the podiatrist to monitor the temperature of the skin being treated, ensuring that an acceptable temperature is not exceeded.
Where can I find a podiatrist experienced in warts on feet removal?
Entire Podiatry were the first clinic in Queensland to offer treatment using the GenesisPlus laser system. Our laser podiatry services are available through three of our clinics – Brisbane CBD, Northlakes as well as our Gold Coast clinic based at Robina.
For more information or to enquire about making an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact our Brisbane CBD clinic on 07 3229 9959, Northlakes clinic on 07 3491 6099, or Gold Coast clinic on 07 5503 6399.
Read more about our laser podiatry services:
References:
- Han TY, Lee JH, Lee CK, Ahn JY, Seo SJ, Hong CK. Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser Treatment of Warts: Report on a Series of 369 Cases. Journal of Korean Medical Science. 2009;24(5):889-893. doi:10.3346/jkms.2009.24.5.889.
