Cryotherapy is the use of extreme cold to treat skin lesions. It is used for the treatment of benign (non cancerous), pre-cancerous and certain cancerous lesions. In the past ‘dry ice’ was used but today liquid nitrogen is the preferred cryogen. Usually the liquid nitrogen is sprayed onto the treatment area until the desired degree of freezing has occurred.

This results in a ‘frost bite’ type of injury to the lesion and allows for new skin to heal from the sides and underneath. Healing is usually rapid and for lesions that are treated on the face, make-up can usually be worn within a week.

Initially in the first hours after treatment the treated spots will look red and then they may crust up or even blister. Blistering is common in certain areas like the backs of the hands. If this occurs the blister is best left intact as it will act like a natural dressing. When the blister breaks, a dressing may be applied together with a little Vaseline or an antiseptic cream.