Warts are noncancerous growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These common lesions frequently affect the hands and feet, though they can appear anywhere on the body. Many people investigate cryotherapy, a highly effective method that uses extreme cold to destroy the unwanted tissue. However, the specific product used by medical professionals is not available for public purchase.
Availability of Medical-Grade Liquid Nitrogen
Medical-grade liquid nitrogen (LN2) used in professional cryotherapy reaches an extremely low temperature of approximately -196°C (-320°F). Because of this extreme temperature and the specialized equipment required for safe handling, LN2 is classified as a hazardous material subject to strict regulatory controls. The general public cannot legally or practically purchase liquid nitrogen for at-home use.
This substance is restricted to licensed healthcare professionals, such as dermatologists and podiatrists, who have undergone specific training. Precise application is necessary to target the wart tissue while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy skin. The intense cold rapidly destroys the infected cells, which is why LN2 is used only in controlled clinical environments.
Understanding Over-the-Counter Cryotherapy Products
Over-the-counter (OTC) wart freezing products do not contain liquid nitrogen; instead, they rely on significantly warmer refrigerants. The most common active ingredients in these home kits are a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane (DMEP). These compounds are packaged under pressure and rapidly cool the foam applicator through evaporative expansion when released.
This chemical process achieves a temperature range of approximately -50°C to -70°C, a considerable difference from the -196°C achieved by professional liquid nitrogen. Some newer, non-prescription devices may use nitrous oxide (N₂O), which can reach a slightly colder temperature, often around -80°C. This lower temperature means the freezing process is less intense and penetrates the skin less deeply than the professional treatment.
Comparing Professional and At-Home Cryotherapy Effectiveness
The temperature difference between professional and at-home products directly impacts their effectiveness in removing warts. Professional LN2 application achieves a rapid, deep freeze that destroys the wart’s deeper layers and its blood vessels. This results in a higher success rate, with many common warts clearing after only one to four sessions performed a few weeks apart.
Conversely, the warmer refrigerants in OTC kits often only freeze the superficial layer of the wart. This requires users to apply the product for multiple, prolonged sessions over several weeks or months to achieve clearance.
Professional treatment can achieve success rates ranging from 60% to over 85%. At-home kits have a lower efficacy and may only temporarily reduce the size of larger or deeper warts. The shallower freeze of home kits can also lead to a higher rate of wart recurrence if the entire base of the lesion is not successfully destroyed.
Safety Precautions and Risks of At-Home Treatment
Using at-home cryotherapy kits requires strict adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize injury. Common side effects include localized pain, a burning sensation, and the formation of a blister around the treated area. However, improper use, such as prolonged application time, can lead to more serious localized frostbite and permanent scarring.
Individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or poor circulation, should consult a healthcare professional before using any freezing product. These conditions can impair the skin’s ability to heal and increase the risk of infection or nerve damage.
OTC cryotherapy is not intended for use on sensitive skin areas, such as the face or genitals. It should also not be used on warts that bleed, change color, or persist after the maximum number of recommended treatments. Persistent or worsening pain, increased swelling, or discharge of pus are signs of a potential infection requiring medical attention.