Warts are common skin growths caused by various types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on different parts of the body, often on the hands and feet. Cryotherapy, a treatment method involving extreme cold, has become a popular approach for removing warts. Knowing what happens after freezing helps set recovery expectations.
The Freezing Process
Cryotherapy involves the application of liquid nitrogen to the wart. This extremely cold substance, with a temperature of about -196 degrees Celsius (-321 degrees Fahrenheit), is applied to the area. The rapid cooling causes ice crystals to form within the wart cells.
These ice crystals disrupt the cell membranes and internal structures, leading to the destruction of the wart tissue. This process eliminates virus-infected cells and stimulates an immune response. This targeted destruction aims to remove the wart while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy skin.
Immediate Post-Treatment Effects
Following cryotherapy, the treated area will show immediate reactions. Within minutes to hours, it is common for the skin around the wart to become red, swollen, and tender. This inflammation is a natural part of the healing process as blood flow increases to the damaged tissue.
A blister often forms over the treated wart within 24 to 48 hours. This blister can be clear and fluid-filled or appear dark. Its formation signifies successful damage to target cells, as fluid accumulates for repair. As the blister dries, it will typically flatten and form a scab in several days.
Wart Detachment Timeline
The process of a wart “falling off” after freezing involves the natural shedding of the dead tissue. Once the blister has dried and formed a scab, the underlying skin begins to heal. The treated wart tissue, dead, will gradually detach along with the scab.
This detachment timeline can vary significantly depending on the size, location, and depth of the wart. Generally, the dead wart tissue and scab will fall off within one to three weeks. Larger or deeper warts might take longer, or they may require multiple cryotherapy sessions to fully resolve. It is common for a wart not to completely disappear after a single treatment, so follow-up applications may be needed.
When Freezing Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, cryotherapy may not achieve complete wart removal. If a wart does not fall off after several weeks, or if it reappears after seemingly detaching, additional treatment sessions may be necessary. Some stubborn warts are resistant to freezing and might require alternative removal methods.
Signs of complications, such as increased pain, pus discharge, or spreading redness around the treated area, indicate a possible infection and require medical evaluation. It is also important to consult a healthcare professional if there is any uncertainty about the diagnosis of the growth. A doctor can confirm whether the growth is indeed a wart or if it might be another skin condition requiring different management.