Warts are common skin growths resulting from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). These growths can appear on various parts of the body, including the hands and feet. Cryotherapy, often referred to as freezing, is a widely used method for wart removal. This non-invasive procedure involves applying extreme cold to the wart tissue, aiming to destroy the infected cells.
How Freezing Affects Warts
Cryotherapy works by damaging wart cells through extreme cold, typically using liquid nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen, which can reach temperatures as low as -320°F, is applied directly to the wart, causing the cells to freeze and rupture. This freezing process cuts off the wart’s blood supply and triggers an immune response in the body. The damaged tissue then dries out, leading to its eventual shedding.
Following treatment, the treated area may show immediate effects such as redness and swelling. A blister often forms within hours to a day, which can be clear or filled with blood. This blister indicates effective freezing. Over the next few days, the blister dries up and forms a scab as the dead wart tissue separates.
The Typical Detachment Timeline
The process of a wart detaching after cryotherapy is gradual, not an immediate event. Generally, the wart, along with the scab that forms, will fall off within one to three weeks after the freezing treatment. The dead tissue slowly separates from the underlying healthy skin as the body heals.
During this period, the treated area may be sore or tender. It is important to allow the scab to fall off naturally and avoid picking at it, as this can slow healing and potentially lead to scarring or spread the virus. The skin underneath will regenerate, and it may take a few months for the treated area to return to its normal color.
What Influences How Long It Takes
Several factors can influence how long it takes for a wart to detach after cryotherapy. Wart size plays a role; larger or deeper warts may require more intensive treatment or multiple sessions, extending the overall healing time. The wart’s location on the body also matters, as areas with thicker skin, such as the soles of the feet, might take longer to heal and for the wart to fall off.
The number of warts treated simultaneously can also affect the healing process. An individual’s immune system response is another factor. The intensity and depth of the freezing application, including the duration of liquid nitrogen contact, impact the effectiveness and subsequent detachment timeline. Some warts are more stubborn, leading to variability in detachment.
When Warts Remain After Treatment
Sometimes, a wart may not fully detach within the expected timeframe or may only partially resolve after a single cryotherapy session. This often occurs with larger, older, or deeper-rooted warts. In such cases, multiple cryotherapy sessions are frequently necessary for complete removal. Healthcare providers space these follow-up treatments several weeks apart to allow for healing.
If a wart persists or shows no improvement after two to three months of treatment, or if it recurs, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess the situation and determine if additional cryotherapy or alternative treatments are appropriate. Other options for stubborn warts can include prescription-strength topical medications, surgical removal, laser therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the wart’s characteristics and location.