Textile-based heating system for safe localized warts treatment

In this paper we present an integrated system for home treatment of cutaneous warts. Our work includes the development of textile-based heater and electronic module regulating the temperature within the range 43-46 ºC. Commercially available silver-coated polyamide conductive threads were used for embroidering of three space filling curves: a standard serpentine, a Peano curve with rounded angles, and a Gosper curve. Embroidered heaters were characterized using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy, thermal imaging, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. All three designs showed similar thermal performance. However, owing to a lower consumption of materials and easier attachment of the feedback temperature sensor, the serpentine structure was selected for the integrated system development. Response and recovery times were determined to be less than one minute. The developed system was validated by means of monitoring the temperature regulation over a prolonged period, as well as in contact with human skin. The presented heat patches, along with an efficient electronics system, have the potential to enhance the personalized treatment of warts using local hyperthermia.