Cryotherapy for plantar wart

Application of cold to minimize the pain of trauma and decrease inflammation is known since ancient Egyptian time. Variety of cryogens like CO2 slush, liquid nitrogen and nitrous oxide are used to treat skin conditions such as warts, cystic acne, acne scars and few precancerous and cancerous skin conditions.

Cryotherapy is a method of superfreezing tissue in order to destroy it. Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen (temperature; –196°C) involves the use of a cryospray, cryoprobe or a cotton-tipped applicator. The nitrogen is applied to the skin lesion for a few seconds, depending on the desired diameter and depth of freeze.

Cryogen is sprayed onto skin lesion for a specific time period. The treated area may look red afterwards. A blister will often form within a few hours. It may appear clear or have a red or purple color. Most of the time, no special care is needed during healing. The area should be washed gently once or twice a day and kept clean.

Advantage of cryotherapy is, it is painless, no local anesthesia and can be used for multiple lesions. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve desired results. Cure rate is high and cosmetic results are excellent. All ages can be treated with cryotherapy.