This is a localized form of cryotherapy where a probe is used to freeze small areas of skin for removal and is a very common procedure dermatologists use often to remove warts and to treat skin lesions. It is sometimes called cryosurgery.
Benefits of Cryotherapy:
- It is an effective and non-invasive treatment option.
- The procedure is inexpensive, simple, and safe, making it suitable for outpatient settings.
- It is a versatile treatment for various skin issues, ranging from skin tags to cancerous moles.
How Cryotherapy Works
During cryotherapy, an icy substance is applied to the targeted area. The rapid and intense cold creates ice crystal formations within skin cells, eliminating undesired cells. The procedure takes only a few minutes with minimal discomfort and virtually no bleeding.
Conditions Treated With Cryotherapy
Some people might remember having warts frozen off as children with this method, called liquid nitrogen therapy, where it’s often used for wart removal. Cryotherapy is useful for a range of skin treatments for patients of all ages.
Cryotherapy can be considered for use for all of the following:
- Actinic keratoses
- Seborrheic keratoses
- Viral warts
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Skin tags
Related Article: Understanding Warts: Identifying, Preventing, Treating
Following Treatment
After cryotherapy, patients can resume normal activities immediately. Depending on the condition being treated, one or multiple rounds of cryotherapy may be necessary. For viral skin issues, multiple rounds of therapy may be recommended to prevent further spread.
At Revival Dermatology we use dermatological cryotherapy as a valuable and versatile treatment option to effectively address a wide range of skin conditions and will recommend it as part of personalized treatment plans, when needed. Its minimal invasiveness, short duration, and rapid recovery make it a preferred choice for many patients requiring targeted skin treatment.
If you have any of the above skin issues that you think might benefit from Cyrotherapy, please schedule an appointment with one of our board certified dermatologists today to get on a path to addressing your needs.
