This page has been written to help you understand more about Liquid Nitrogen “Cryotherapy”. It tells you what it is, how it works, how it is used to treat skin conditions, and where you can find out more about it. For further information contact your accredited Skin Cancer Doctors at Skin on Forty-Five for advice or to review of any lesions of concern.
Cryotherapy is the technique of freezing a skin lesion to kill any abnormal or cancerous cells. Liquid Nitrogen is applied to the lesion for a few seconds and the affected cells freeze resulting in the destruction of the skin growth. Sometimes more than one freeze/thaw cycle is required at the time of treatment. In some cases you may be required to return at a later date for a second and/or third treatment. Liquid Nitrogen is a gas which liquefies at an extremely cold temperature. The cold liquid is used to destroy skin cancers, pre-cancerous lesions, warts and other skin growths.
The procedure is slightly painful, however the pain (often described as a ‘stinging’ sensation) generally resolves quickly. The treated skin will initially become red then a blister may appear on the treated site within a few minutes or several hours. It will then become a crust and a scab, which will eventually lift. The time it takes to heal varies, but is usually within 5 – 10 days, with the face being the quickest area to heal.
Complications are uncommon. If the area becomes infected you will need treatment with antibiotics. If you notice any signs of infection such as heat, redness, swelling or an increase in pain, please contact the clinic where you were treated immediately.
The wound usually resolves with a flat area of the skin which is sometimes different in colour from the surrounding skin, usually lighter. Deep scarring is rare.
