Warts are a common skin condition. Cryotherapy, a method using extreme cold, is an effective treatment for these growths. It involves applying very low temperatures to eliminate wart tissue. This precise application of cold leads to cellular events that result in the wart’s removal.
Understanding Warts
Warts are noncancerous skin growths caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While over 100 types of HPV exist, only a few cause skin warts. The virus typically enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions, leading to an overgrowth of cells in the outer skin layer.
Warts can appear in various forms and on different body parts. Common warts are small, grainy bumps with a rough surface, often found on hands and fingers. Plantar warts, on the soles of the feet, can be flat and may contain tiny black dots, indicating clotted blood vessels. While many warts are harmless and may resolve on their own, some can be bothersome, painful, or spread.
The Science of Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, also known as cryosurgery, destroys wart tissue using extremely low temperatures, typically liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen, with a boiling point of about -196°C (-320°F), creates a rapid temperature drop when applied. This immediate freezing initiates cellular damage within the wart.
Cellular destruction primarily involves the formation of ice crystals. As tissue rapidly cools, water inside and outside cells crystallizes. This draws water out of cells, causing dehydration. At very low temperatures, ice crystals form inside cells, physically damaging membranes and organelles, leading to cell rupture.
Beyond direct cellular damage, freezing also affects the wart’s blood supply. Extreme cold causes vasoconstriction, narrowing blood vessels. Damage to vessel walls and micro blood clots lead to a lack of blood flow. This deprivation of oxygen and nutrients significantly contributes to the death of wart cells.
The combined effects of ice crystal formation and vascular disruption result in irreversible cell damage and death. The destruction of wart cells and tissue damage can also activate the body’s immune system. This immune response may help the body recognize and clear remaining viral particles, potentially reducing recurrence.
What to Expect During and Immediately After Treatment
During a cryotherapy session, liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the wart using a spray device, cotton swab, or specialized probe. Application typically lasts a few seconds, varying by the wart’s size and location.
Patients commonly experience an intense cold sensation upon application, quickly transitioning to stinging or burning, similar to frostbite. This discomfort is temporary and subsides shortly after the liquid nitrogen is removed.
Immediately following the procedure, the treated area will likely appear red, swollen, and tender. Within hours, a blister may form at the site. This blister can be clear or filled with blood, appearing dark purple or black. Blister formation is a normal response, indicating effective freezing.
The Healing Process and Results
After cryotherapy, the treated area enters a healing phase. If a blister formed, it usually flattens within days. The blister may dry up and form a scab, or it might burst. It is advised not to pop blisters to prevent infection.
The scab over the treated area will darken and fall off within one to two weeks, often taking the dead wart tissue with it. The skin underneath will appear new and pink. Complete healing can take several weeks, depending on the wart’s size and depth.
Multiple treatment sessions are often necessary, especially for larger or stubborn warts, spaced several weeks apart. Temporary side effects include changes in skin coloration, such as lightening or darkening, which usually fade over a few months. While scarring is rare, it can occur, particularly with deeply embedded warts or if the treated area is not cared for properly.