Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a treatment for benign and precancerous skin lesions. Liquid nitrogen (-196°C) is sprayed from a canister onto your lesion(s) for a few seconds. This will sting briefly.
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Complications
- The treated area will become red, possibly blistered, and sore or itchy.
- The wound will take up to 2 to 3 weeks to heal. Hopefully, your skin lesion will have subsided by then but sometimes repeat sessions of cryotherapy are required.
- You may be left with a pale or pink, flat scar after a few months.
- Recurrence of your lesion is possible.
Wound care
Leave the wound open unless it is rubbing on clothing and in which case, we will provide dry dressings.
- Pop blisters with a sterile needle or pin. Sterilise the needle/pin in boiling water for a couple of minutes before use.
- Do not peel the skin off once the blister has been lanced.
- Vaseline® or Savlon® can be applied daily to the wound if necessary.
- Oral pain relief should not be required.
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Reference number
GHPI0879_08_22
Department
Dermatology
Review due
August 2025