Warts are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While many resolve on their own, some individuals choose removal due to discomfort, appearance, or to prevent spread. Cryotherapy, a widely used method for wart removal, involves freezing the wart tissue to destroy it. This process prompts the body to replace it with healthy skin. Understanding the visual changes after freezing helps individuals know what to expect during healing.
Immediate Changes After Freezing
Immediately following cryotherapy, the treated area undergoes several noticeable changes. Within minutes to hours, the site where the wart was frozen often turns a pale white or gray due to the extreme cold. This discoloration is normal. You might also experience a stinging or burning sensation as the skin thaws, which typically subsides within 10 to 20 minutes.
Within 24 hours, a blister commonly forms around the treated wart. This blister can be clear or sometimes filled with blood, especially on thick-skinned areas like hands or feet. Swelling and tenderness around the site are also typical within the first day or two.
The Healing Process Over Time
The treated wart’s appearance evolves over days and weeks following cryotherapy. Any blister generally flattens and dries out within two to three days. Over the next three to seven days, the treated area often darkens, turning brown or black, and a scab forms as dead wart tissue separates from healthy skin. Do not pick at this scab; it needs to fall off naturally to promote proper healing and prevent scarring.
As healing progresses, the scab and dead wart tissue peel away. The skin underneath may appear pink and new. The recovery process typically takes one to two weeks, though larger warts may require multiple sessions. The treated area might also be slightly sore for several days or weeks after the initial application. A reduction in the wart’s size and a change in its color, such as darkening, are positive indicators that the treatment is working.
Signs of Successful Wart Removal
Once healing is complete, a successfully treated wart shows distinct signs. The most prominent indication of success is the return of normal skin where the wart once was. The wart tissue will have flaked away, leaving behind healthy, unblemished skin. This new skin may initially appear a lighter color than the surrounding area, but it should gradually regain its natural pigmentation over several months.
While a single treatment can be effective, larger or more stubborn warts may require multiple cryotherapy sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
When to Consult a Doctor
While cryotherapy is generally safe, medical consultation is sometimes advisable. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe pain that does not improve after a few days. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, throbbing pain, yellow discharge, or pus around the treated area, warrant immediate medical attention.
Seek professional advice if the wart does not show improvement after several weeks or reappears in the same spot or nearby. Additionally, if the wart is on your face or genitals, bleeds, itches, hurts, or changes in appearance, consult a doctor. Individuals with certain conditions, such as diabetes or a compromised immune system, should consult a doctor before attempting wart removal.