Cryotherapy of skin lesions: Treatment via freezing

1. Cryotherapy (cryosurgery, treatment via freezing) is a medical treatment that the doctor uses to freeze tissue with the aim of destroying it. Cryotherapy is available in many areas, such as prostate, eye, and uterine problems. The doctor also uses cryotherapy for skin problems, such as warts and skin lesions that may lead to cancer. Cryosurgery requires little time, is very effective, safe and easy to perform by a general practitioner. However, it is important that the doctor has correctly diagnosed the skin lesion.

Indication procedure: Warts and benign skin lesions

1. Cryosurgery is a very effective treatment for a wide variety of benign skin problems. Cryotherapy is most suitable for use in light-skinned patients for the treatment of lesions in most non-hairy areas of the body. The doctor therefore performs cryosurgery to remove warts (common warts, genital warts, water warts, age warts (benign, painless skin growths), benign skin lesions and precancerous skin lesions. The following benign or precancerous skin lesions are removed next to the warts using cryotherapy:

Benefits of cryotherapy

1. Cryosurgery requires a short preparation time from the physician. The procedure takes a maximum of one minute, making the entire treatment quick. Moreover, cryosurgery carries little risk of infection. Only minimal wound care is required after the therapy. Furthermore, for cryotherapy, the physician does not require expensive materials or injectable anesthetics, and the patient does not have to return for suture removal. Finally, skin lesions can often be treated in one session, although some skin problems may require multiple treatments.

For the treatment form

1. The patient does not need to make any special preparations for cryotherapy. It is important that the doctor is aware of the medication use and the other conditions of the patient. Immunosuppressive drugs (immunosuppressants) such as corticosteroids (strong anti-inflammatory drugs) weaken the immune system, delaying wound healing (slow wound healing) or even causing the wound to die.

During freezing treatment

1. Practical Cryosurgery usually takes less than one minute to take. The ideal temperature to remove skin lesions is −196 ° C. The physician achieves this in about thirty seconds once he has applied a sufficient amount of liquid nitrogen. The dosage of the liquid nitrogen and the choice of application technique (spray or cotton swab) depends on the size, tissue type and depth of the lesion, as well as the thickness of the epidermis and underlying structures, the moisture content of the skin and the skin. local blood flow.

Procedure itself

1. During the treatment itself, the doctor uses a cotton swab (cotton bud) that is immersed in liquid nitrogen or a spray. The frostbite often causes some momentary discomfort, a burning sensation or pain in the patient. That is why the doctor sometimes numbs the area he wants to treat first. The doctor will apply the liquid nitrogen to the area to be treated for five to thirty seconds, taking a margin of one to two centimeters when freezing the tissue. Often the doctor treats the area again during the same procedure.

After skin lesions treatment

1. The treated area has a red skin color after the procedure. A blister will then form within a few hours. This one has a clear or otherwise red or purple color. The pain usually lasts for up to three days. Most patients do not require special care during healing. The patient does, however, ensure that the treated area remains clean by washing it twice a day. A bandage is only necessary if the area rubs against clothing or is easily damaged. After a few days, a crust slowly forms and usually peels off within one to three weeks, depending on the area treated.

Cryosurgery Prognosis

1. Cryotherapy works well for many patients. Some skin lesions, especially warts, often require multiple treatments.

Cryotherapy Complications

1. Cryotherapy carries some risks, although this is generally a safe procedure.