Liquid Nitrogen Treatment (Freezing Therapy)

Cryotherapy for wart removal is one of the most common and effective dermatology treatments. It uses liquid nitrogen (−196°C) to freeze and destroy wart tissue caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), allowing the lesion to fall off naturally as the skin heals.

What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a non-surgical wart removal method where extreme cold is applied directly to the wart. The freezing process:

• Destroys virus-infected skin cells
• Interrupts blood supply to the wart
• Triggers natural skin renewal

It is widely used as a first-line treatment in dermatology clinics.

Types of Warts Treated

• Common warts (hands, fingers)
• Plantar warts (soles of the feet)
• Flat warts (face, arms)
• Filiform warts (face, neck)
• Warts in children and adults

Treatment plans vary depending on wart size, depth, and location.

Treatment Procedure

1. Dermatologic evaluation of the wart
2. Liquid nitrogen application using spray or cotton tip
3. Freezing for a few seconds (may be repeated)
4. Temporary redness, swelling, or blister formation
5. Wart dries up and sheds naturally within days

⏱ Treatment time: 5–10 minutes
🏥 Outpatient procedure

Pain & Recovery

• During treatment: brief stinging or burning sensation
• After treatment:
• Redness or swelling
• Possible blister or scab
• Downtime: none
• Healing time: 1–2 weeks

Most patients return to daily activities immediately.

Number of Sessions

• Small or early-stage warts: 1–2 sessions
• Deep or plantar warts: 3–6 sessions or more
• Sessions are usually spaced 1–2 weeks apart

Consistency is key to reducing recurrence.

Benefits of Cryotherapy

• ✔ No surgery or stitches
• ✔ No general anesthesia
• ✔ Quick procedure
• ✔ Low risk of scarring
• ✔ Suitable for most skin types
• ✔ Often covered by insurance (Korea)

Possible Side Effects

• Temporary pain or tenderness
• Blistering or scabbing
• Temporary pigmentation changes
• Rare risk of scarring

Following aftercare instructions helps minimize complications.

Cryotherapy vs Other Wart Treatments

Treatment특징Best forCryotherapyStandard, reliableMost wartsLaser removalFast, preciseLarge or resistant wartsTopical medicationGradualEarly-stage wartsImmunotherapyReduces recurrenceRecurrent cases

Aftercare Tips

• Do not pop blisters intentionally
• Keep the area clean and dry
• Avoid friction or pressure on treated areas
• Follow up if the wart persists or spreads

When to See a Dermatologist

• Rapid growth or pain
• Bleeding or color changes
• Multiple warts spreading
• No improvement after several treatments

Summary

Cryotherapy is a safe, proven, and effective wart removal treatment used worldwide. Early treatment and proper follow-up significantly improve outcomes and reduce recurrence.