Wart therapy using the wIRA method (water-filtered infrared light A) is one of the light therapy methods and is used in dermatology (skin medicine), among other things, for the therapy of the common wart (Verruca vulgaris). This disease is caused by an infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). It mainly affects hands and feet and is transmitted by smear infection.
The water-filtered infrared light A is a special infrared radiation (thermal radiation) in the range of 780-1400 nm (nanometers). This radiation is naturally produced by the filtering effect of water and water vapor in the earth’s atmosphere on the infrared radiation of the sun and is characterized by very good compatibility. Compared to other infrared radiation, the thermal effect is not on the uppermost layers of the skin, so it can be used in a variety of ways.
Indications (areas of application)
The wIRA method is widely used in various fields of medicine. The treatment of vulgar warts on hands and feet shows good efficacy, even in therapy-resistant findings.
Further indications for this method exist in other dermatological diseases (e.g., herpes labialis (lip herpes), herpes zoster (shingles), acne papulopustulosa), diseases of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., arthrosis), and in neonatology to maintain the body temperature of premature infants.
Contraindications
Because the wIRA method is a noninvasive procedure with few side effects, there are no contraindications to consider.
Before the examination
No special measures need to be taken before the examination. In preparation for therapy, application of a keratolytic (corneal dissolving) salicyl patch to soften the warts is recommended.
The procedure
In therapy with wIRA, the warts are treated from a combination of different therapeutic measures to achieve optimal success. This involves keratolytic therapy with salicylic acid patches and bloodless curettage (scraping) of the softened surface of the warts prior to irradiation. The wart is carefully scraped off and then irradiated with wIRA for 20 to 30 minutes. This procedure must be repeated several times. 6-9 one-week therapy cycles each are recommended, but shorter intervals may be indicated at the beginning. The effectiveness of this method showed in a study of the Dermatological Clinic of the University of Jena, in terms of reduction of the wart surface, a decrease of up to 86%.
The effect of infrared radiation is based on different processes. There is a reduction of pain, a reduction of secretion as well as a regression of inflammatory processes. Locally, both blood circulation and the immune system are stimulated, resulting in an improved ability of the skin to regenerate.
After the examination
No special measures need to be taken after the examination.
Possible complications
Because the wIRA method is a noninvasive procedure with few side effects, no complications are expected.
