What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses extreme cold, usually liquid nitrogen, to freeze and destroy abnormal skin tissue. It’s a common method used in both dermatology and aesthetic medicine to remove unwanted skin lesions.
Cryotherapy works by causing controlled damage to the targeted skin cells. The cold temperature destroys the tissue, leading to peeling, blistering, and eventual shedding of the lesion. Even when the procedure goes well, it causes a minor cold burn or wound as part of the healing process.
Conditions Treated:
- Warts
- Skin tags
- Seborrheic keratosis (non-cancerous growths)
- Actinic keratosis (precancerous patches)
- Milia or small cysts
- Solar lentigines (sun spots)
- Other benign or superficial lesions
How the Wound Happens:
Cryotherapy causes a freezing injury to the treated area. When the liquid nitrogen is applied, it freezes the lesion and the surrounding skin, forming a blister or scab. Over time, the dead tissue falls off and new skin forms underneath.
However, if too much freezing is applied or if the area is not properly cared for afterwards, the wound can worsen. In some cases, the skin damage may extend deeper than intended, especially in people with sensitive skin or darker skin tones.
What Happens If Not Treated:
If the wound from cryotherapy is not managed properly:
- The area may become infected, especially if the blister bursts or is scratched
- Hyperpigmentation (dark marks) or hypopigmentation (light patches) may occur
- Poor healing could result in scarring
- Continued irritation or delayed recovery may lead to pain, swelling, or secondary wounds
