Cryotherapy for skin lesions

Cryotherapy is the process of destroying a skin lesion by freezing it with liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the lesion using a cotton applicator stick or an aerosol spray.

The skin may first be numbed with a local anesthetic. The liquid nitrogen is applied or sprayed onto the lesion and the immediate surrounding tissue. The application may be repeated. A dressing may be applied to the wound.

Cryotherapy is often used to destroy precancerous skin lesions such as actinic keratoses. It can also be used to treat other skin problems like warts, seborrheic keratoses, and skin tags.

Cryotherapy for skin lesions is done to:

• Destroy precancerous lesions like actinic keratosis. This can prevent the lesions from turning into cancer.
• Remove lesions that are painful or bothersome.
• Treat viral infections like warts or molluscum contagiosum.

Cryotherapy is not usually used to treat skin cancer. But it might be an option for some people.

How well cryotherapy works for skin lesions depends on what is being treated. Precancerous lesions like actinic keratoses usually go away after one treatment. But things like warts may need several treatments.