Warts are small, non-cancerous skin growths that develop when the skin is infected with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This common virus causes an overgrowth of cells, leading to the formation of a rough, raised bump on the skin. Cryotherapy, often called freezing, is a common technique used to eliminate these growths by applying a substance that is intensely cold to destroy the infected tissue. This controlled freezing process is designed to target and kill the wart cells without causing extensive damage to the surrounding healthy skin.
Where Professionals Perform Cryotherapy
Professional freezing treatment is offered in various medical settings. Dermatologists, who specialize in skin conditions, are a frequent choice for cryotherapy, especially for large, recurrent, or sensitive warts. They often have the most experience with advanced application techniques for stubborn growths.
Primary care physicians also commonly provide wart cryotherapy as part of routine in-office procedures, offering convenience and familiarity. Urgent care clinics represent another accessible option, particularly for individuals needing faster treatment without a specialist appointment.
The substance utilized in these professional environments is liquid nitrogen, which boils at an extremely cold temperature of approximately -196 degrees Celsius (-320 degrees Fahrenheit). This intense cold is applied directly to the wart and surrounding margin, rapidly freezing the tissue and creating a deep freeze zone. The low temperature is what makes professional treatment significantly more effective than over-the-counter options, especially for thicker or more established warts.
Understanding At-Home Freezing Kits
Over-the-counter freezing kits are readily available at most pharmacies and drugstores for home treatment. These kits use cryogenic cooling agents such as a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane. Their main appeal is immediate accessibility and convenience.
The temperature achieved by the applicators in these at-home kits is substantially warmer than professional liquid nitrogen, typically reaching a minimum applicator temperature around -57 to -80 degrees Celsius. This warmer temperature and less precise application mean the freeze is shallower and less destructive to the root of the wart. While these kits may work for small, new warts, their lower efficacy often means multiple, repeated applications are necessary.
Professional treatment is recommended for warts that have failed to clear with home freezing attempts. Stubborn, deep, or plantar warts require the lower temperatures of liquid nitrogen to penetrate the thickened tissue and fully destroy the virus-infected cells.
The Treatment Process and Aftercare
The cryotherapy procedure is quick, typically lasting only a few seconds per wart. The medical provider uses a specialized spray device or a cotton-tipped applicator to deliver the liquid nitrogen. Patients commonly feel a brief sensation of intense cold, which may transition into a mild stinging or burning feeling during the application.
Immediately following the freezing, the treated area will blanch (turn white) before gradually returning to a normal color as the skin warms. Within hours to a few days, a blister is expected to form underneath or around the wart, signaling that the freezing process has successfully destroyed the tissue. This blister may be clear or hemorrhagic (containing blood), especially in areas like the feet.
Proper aftercare is important to ensure successful healing and prevent infection. The blister should be left intact, as it acts as a natural protective barrier over the wound. If the blister breaks, the area should be cleaned gently with soap and water, and a protective bandage applied. Avoiding picking or scratching the scab is important, as this can delay healing and potentially spread the HPV virus.
The treated tissue will eventually dry out, crust over, and fall off, typically within one to three weeks. Warts often require a series of treatments, spaced two to four weeks apart, to be completely resolved. Follow-up is common because a single freeze session may not always be enough to destroy the entire depth of the wart.