Liquid Nitrogen Treatment

(Cryotherapy/Cryosurgery)

Liquid Nitrogen is a very cold, liquefied gas with a temperature of 321 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit). It is used to freeze and destroy a variety of skin lesions such as certain keratoses (growths) and warts. It stings/burns when applied and sometimes for several minutes thereafter.

After treatment, you should expect some variation of the following : The skin tends to become red and swollen within hours of treatment. In many patients, true blisters occur, and these are especially common around the fingers and eyelids. A scab then forms which will sometimes remain for 1-3 weeks and drop off. The lesion treated will often drop off at that point as well.

If you get a large blister or one that is hurting, you may gently prick the blister with a “sterilized” (i.e. soaked in alcohol before using) needle and allow the blister to drain. Try not to remove the entire covering of skin overlying the blister if this is possible. If the blister isn’t bothering you, it is best to leave it alone.

Clean the treatment sites as you would any area of your skin with mild soap and water. Cleaning in this manner once a day is usually sufficient. You may apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment (preferably Polysporin or Bacitracin) or just plain Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to the treatment site if you wish, but this is generally not necessary. A ban-daid is not necessary unless you find that the area is very weepy, and then you may use one if you wish.

In general, you may participate without restriction in your daily activities after Liquid Nitrogen Treatment, and this applies to playing sports, swimming and showering.

If you have any problems or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Click here to download this liquid nitrogen treatment information in PDF format.