Cryotherapy is a common method for treating warts, which are noncancerous growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This treatment involves applying extreme cold, typically liquid nitrogen, to the wart to destroy the infected tissue.
Immediate Post-Treatment Reactions
Immediately after cryotherapy, the treated area will likely exhibit several noticeable reactions. Within minutes, the skin around the wart may become red and begin to swell. Patients often experience a stinging or burning sensation, similar to frostbite, which can persist for a few minutes to a couple of days. This discomfort indicates the treatment is affecting the wart cells.
Within 24 hours of the procedure, a blister typically forms around the wart. This blister can be clear, filled with serous fluid, or sometimes dark purple or black if it contains blood. The formation of a blister is an expected part of the healing, signifying the destruction of the wart tissue and the separation of the damaged cells from healthy skin.
The Healing Process
The wart undergoes a distinct healing progression over several days to weeks. The blister that forms will typically flatten within two to three days and then dry out, leading to the formation of a scab. The treated wart tissue often turns dark, appearing black or purple, as the frozen cells die. This color change indicates effective treatment.
The scab, along with the dead wart tissue underneath, will naturally detach from the healthy skin. This shedding process usually occurs within one to three weeks, though it can vary based on the wart’s size and location. Once the scab falls off, new, healthy, pink skin will be revealed underneath. The treated area may appear lighter in color for a few months, especially in individuals with darker skin tones, but this usually returns to normal pigmentation over time.
Post-Treatment Care and What to Watch For
It is generally recommended to keep the area clean and dry, gently washing it with mild soap and water daily after the initial 24 hours. While it is not always necessary to keep the area covered, a bandage can be used if the blister breaks or if the area is uncomfortable. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage any mild discomfort.
Avoid picking at the blister or scab, as this can delay healing, increase the risk of infection, or lead to scarring. While complications are rare, it is advisable to watch for signs of infection, including increased redness, warmth, swelling, pus, severe pain that does not improve, or red streaks extending from the treated site. If these symptoms occur, or if the area has not healed within six weeks, medical attention should be sought.
Understanding Wart Resolution
However, a single cryotherapy session may not always be sufficient to fully eliminate a wart, especially for larger or more stubborn lesions. Multiple treatments, typically spaced two to four weeks apart, are often necessary to achieve complete removal.
Even after successful treatment and the wart has cleared, recurrence is possible because the human papillomavirus can persist in the skin. Studies indicate recurrence rates can vary, with some showing recurrence within several months of treatment. Consistent follow-up and patience are therefore important, as the full resolution of the wart and long-term outcome can take time.