CRYOTHERAPY

Cryotherapy

What’s the Procedure:

Cryotherapy is a procedure that uses extreme cold (usually liquid nitrogen) to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue such as warts, skin tags, and actinic keratoses.

Mechanism:

Liquid nitrogen is sprayed or applied with a probe, freezing the skin lesion. This causes cellular damage and eventual shedding of the treated tissue.

Indications:

Warts, skin tags, and seborrheic keratoses

Molluscum contagiosum

Solar lentigines

Actinic keratoses

Keloids (in combination)

Anaesthesia Required or Not:

Usually not required. Local anesthesia may be used for sensitive areas.

Painful or Not:

Mild stinging or burning during application. Tolerable.

What to Expect from the Treatment:

Redness, swelling, and blistering may follow

Lesion peels off in 5–10 days

May require multiple sittings

Minimal risk of scarring or pigmentation (more in darker skin)

Who Can Do:

Any age group depending on indication. Not suitable for very large or suspicious pigmented lesions.

When It Can Be Done:

Any season. Avoid sun exposure immediately after treatment.