Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a procedure in which the targeted tissue is destroyed using extremely low temperatures achieved through the use of liquid nitrogen.

This interventional procedure is used to treat various skin lesions, including:

• Verruca vulgaris (of choice in the treatment of palmoplantar warts);
• Actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions that look like scaly patches on the skin and may develop into cancer in the future);
• Seborrheic keratoses.

Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen involves the use of a cryospray or cotton-tipped applicator. The nitrogen is applied to the skin lesion for a few seconds or longer, depending on the type of lesion, its diameter and depth.

Treatment is repeated in some cases at regular intervals to ensure therapeutic success.

After treatment you may experience some redness and a small blister with fluid at the cryopunctured area, physiologic reactions of the post-porcedural healing process. Usually no special attention is needed during the healing phase. The treated area can be gently washed once or twice a day and should be kept clean. Dressing is optional, but is advisable if the affected area is subject to trauma or if there are areas of friction there.