Cryotherapy is a widely used and straightforward medical treatment that applies extreme cold to a targeted area of skin to destroy abnormal tissue. For wart removal, this process involves briefly applying a substance like liquid nitrogen, which is cold enough to cause controlled cellular injury. The rapid temperature drop inside the wart cells causes ice crystals to form, which rupture the cell membranes and ultimately kill the tissue. This mechanism of destruction is exactly what triggers the body’s healing response, leading to the eventual shedding of the wart.
The Immediate Aftermath
Following the application of the freezing agent, the treated site will immediately begin to react to the controlled tissue destruction. Most people feel a temporary stinging or burning sensation that typically subsides within 10 to 20 minutes after the liquid nitrogen is removed. Within the first 24 to 48 hours, the area will show signs of inflammation, which commonly includes localized redness and mild swelling around the perimeter of the wart.
The body’s reaction to the freezing injury is designed to separate the dead wart tissue from the healthy skin underneath. This process is most visibly marked by the expected formation of a fluid-filled blister directly beneath the treated area. This blister may contain clear fluid or, especially for deeper or larger warts, it may become hemorrhagic, appearing dark red or purple due to broken blood vessels. The treated tissue itself may also darken to a brown or black color as the dead cells separate and coagulate before the blister fully forms.
Caring for the Treatment Site
Managing the immediate discomfort is a simple part of the care process, and over-the-counter pain relievers can be used if the area remains tender or sore for the first day or two. The most important step in care involves protecting the blister, which acts as a sterile, natural bandage for the healing skin below. It is strongly advised not to intentionally puncture or pick at the blister, as this increases the risk of introducing bacteria and causing an infection.
If the blister is large or located in an area subject to friction, such as on the foot, covering it with a soft bandage can provide cushioning and protection. Should the blister break accidentally, the area should be gently cleaned with mild soap and water to prevent infection. After cleaning, a simple protective ointment, such as petroleum jelly, can be applied, and the site should be covered with a sterile bandage. Maintaining a clean and dry environment helps the underlying tissue heal and reduces the chance of complications.
The Healing Timeline and Wart Shedding
Once the initial blister forms, the next stage of healing is marked by the fluid being naturally reabsorbed by the body. This usually occurs within three to seven days, causing the blister to flatten and the overlying skin to dry out and harden. As the tissue dries, it forms a protective crust or scab over the dead wart and the new skin forming underneath.
The shedding of the wart, which is the ultimate goal of the cryotherapy, typically occurs between 10 days and three weeks after the treatment. The dead wart tissue, now encapsulated in the scab, will naturally separate from the healthy skin and fall off on its own. Forcing the scab off prematurely can lead to delayed healing and potentially cause scarring.
When the scab does fall away, the newly revealed skin underneath may appear pink or lighter in color than the surrounding tissue. This is a temporary change, and the skin usually regains its normal color and texture over the following weeks. Warts that are particularly large or deep may not be fully removed in a single session, and a second treatment may be required after a few weeks to completely eliminate the remaining virus-infected tissue.
Signs That Further Treatment is Needed
While the process of blistering, scabbing, and shedding is normal, certain signs indicate that healing is not progressing as expected or that a complication has arisen.
Signs of Infection
The most serious concern is the development of a secondary bacterial infection at the treatment site. This is often signaled by a progressive increase in redness spreading outward from the treated spot, or persistent, throbbing pain not alleviated by common medication. Other signs include the drainage of thick, cloudy, yellow, or green fluid from the wound, or a persistent fever.
Incomplete Removal
If the wart fails to shed completely after three or four weeks, or if the original wart tissue appears to remain or regrow beneath the scab, the initial treatment may have been incomplete. Any of these signs warrant a follow-up consultation with a healthcare professional to assess the need for an antibiotic prescription or a repeat cryotherapy session.