The cryotherapy unit contains liquid nitrogen, which is extremely cold. Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) treatment of a flat wart on the hand. Liquid nitrogen can be applied by spray device, as seen here, or delivered by a cotton-tipped applicator. The white area in the photograph is the frozen, or "frosted", wart that has just been treated by liquid nitrogen spray.
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Cryosurgery 

Picture of Cryosurgery: The cryotherapy unit contains liquid nitrogen, which is extremely cold. Divider line
The cryotherapy unit contains liquid nitrogen, which is extremely cold.
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Following the Procedure / Aftercare
Patients will notice mild swelling and redness immediately after the procedure. Mildly throbbing pain may last for several days and often peaks several hours after the procedure. A small blister may appear a few hours after the treatment. The blister will evolve into a scab over a few days, and the scab will fall off after 1–2 weeks. The treated area may stay red for a few weeks and might have temporary or permanent discoloration.

The lesion should be kept dry for the next 24 hours. Gentle cleansing with water and soap is recommended. Petrolatum or antibiotic ointment can be applied for larger lesions to protect the site from developing an infection, but this is usually not necessary for smaller lesions. If desired, the lesion can be covered with a bandage or dry gauze on a daily basis until it heals.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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