Cryotherapy is commonly associated with wart and verruca removal, but freezing treatment can also be used for a range of other benign skin lesions and unwanted skin growths.
The treatment uses extremely low temperatures to freeze targeted tissue, which is then gradually removed through the skin’s natural healing process. It’s generally a quick procedure, although whether cryotherapy is suitable will depend on the type, size, depth and location of the lesion.
Importantly, not every lump, bump or pigmented area should simply be frozen. Identifying the skin lesion correctly before treatment is an important first step in deciding whether cryotherapy is appropriate.
What Skin Lesions Can Cryotherapy Treat?
Cryotherapy has a wide range of dermatological uses. Some of the common benign skin lesions that may be suitable for freezing include:
Warts
Warts are small skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Although many eventually disappear without treatment, they can persist, spread or become uncomfortable.
Cryotherapy works by freezing the wart tissue, causing damage to the affected cells. Depending on the size and thickness of the wart, more than one treatment may be needed.
Verrucas
Verrucas are warts that develop on the soles of the feet. Because pressure from walking can cause them to grow inwards beneath harder skin, they can sometimes become uncomfortable or more difficult to treat.
Cryotherapy may be used to freeze the affected tissue, although stubborn or thicker verrucas can require repeat treatment.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, soft growths that commonly develop around areas where the skin rubs, including the neck, underarms and skin folds.
They’re usually harmless but can become irritating if they catch on clothing or jewellery. Depending on the size and location of the skin tag, cryotherapy may be one option for removal.
Seborrhoeic Keratoses
Seborrhoeic keratoses are common benign skin growths that tend to become more frequent with age. They can vary considerably in colour, thickness and appearance and are sometimes described as having a waxy or “stuck-on” appearance.
Suitable lesions may be removed with cryotherapy for cosmetic reasons or because they’re becoming irritated.
Because some skin conditions can look similar, however, assessment before removal is particularly important if there is any uncertainty about a lesion.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection that causes small, raised bumps on the skin. Although the condition can clear naturally over time, treatment may be considered if the lesions are persistent, spreading or causing discomfort or concern.
Cryotherapy can be used to freeze individual molluscum lesions, helping to destroy the affected tissue so it can gradually heal and clear. More than one treatment may be required depending on the number of lesions and how they respond.
As molluscum contagiosum can spread to other areas of the skin and to other people through close contact, professional assessment can help confirm the diagnosis and determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Can Every Skin Lesion Be Frozen?
No. Just because a skin lesion can potentially be treated with cryotherapy doesn’t mean freezing is automatically the best option.
Before recommending treatment, factors such as the type, size, depth and location of the lesion should be considered, alongside your skin and medical history.
Some lesions may respond better to another removal method, while others shouldn’t be removed without further investigation.
This is particularly important if you have a lesion that is new, changing, bleeding, unusual in appearance or hasn’t previously been diagnosed. Rather than simply treating the visible lesion, appropriate medical assessment should be required first.
How Does Cryotherapy Remove Skin Lesions?
Cryotherapy works by exposing the targeted lesion to an extremely low temperature, freezing and damaging the unwanted tissue.
Following treatment, the area begins a natural healing process. Depending on the lesion and intensity of treatment, the treated tissue may blister or form a scab before gradually coming away as the skin heals underneath.
The exact treatment process varies according to the type and thickness of the lesion being treated.
Will One Cryotherapy Treatment Be Enough?
Sometimes, but not always.
The number of cryotherapy sessions required depends on the type of lesion, its size and depth, and how it responds to freezing.
Some small superficial lesions may respond well to a single treatment, while thicker or more persistent lesions, including some warts and verrucas, may require several sessions.
Your doctor can give you a better indication of what to expect after assessing the area.
What Happens After Cryotherapy?
It’s normal for the treated area to react following freezing. You may experience temporary redness, tenderness, swelling, blistering or scabbing as the skin heals.
Avoid picking or scratching the treated area, particularly if a scab develops, and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your clinician.
Healing time will vary depending on the area treated and the intensity of the treatment.
Not Sure If Cryotherapy Is Suitable for Your Skin Lesion?
If you have a wart, verruca or unwanted skin lesion you’d like removed, the first step is establishing what it is and whether cryotherapy is the most appropriate treatment.
At Dr.Derme, our experienced team will assess your skin concern and advise whether cryotherapy or an alternative treatment may be suitable.
Book your consultation with Dr.Derme to have your skin concern assessed and discuss your treatment options.
✨ Book your consultation today at drderme.com/book
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