Textile-based heating system for safe localized warts treatment

We present an integrated system for the home treatment of cutaneous warts. Our work includes the development of a textile-based heater and electronic module regulating the temperature within the range of 43–46 °C. Commercially available silver-coated polyamide conductive threads were used for embroidering 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 the 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 1 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.