Cryotherapy Wart Removal
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2025.
What do I need to know about cryotherapy wart removal?
Cryotherapy wart removal is a procedure to remove your wart by freezing it with liquid nitrogen.
How do I prepare for cryotherapy wart removal?
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare for this procedure.
- You may need to treat your wart at home for several days before your procedure:
- Clean your wart with soap and water.
- Apply 17% salicylic acid gel on your wart. You can instead cover the wart with 40% salicylic acid pad cut slightly larger than the wart.
- Leave the pad or the gel on your wart for up to 24 hours. If the pad comes off during the day, you can leave the area uncovered. Your provider may tell you to keep the pad on only at night.
What will happen during cryotherapy wart removal?
- Your healthcare provider will remove any dead skin on your wart.
- He or she will then use a cotton swab, spray, or cryoprobe (long, pointed device) to apply the liquid nitrogen to your wart. It may take up to 60 seconds for the wart to freeze.
- The frozen tissue will then be allowed to thaw.
- Your provider may apply liquid nitrogen again after a few minutes.
What should I expect after cryotherapy wart removal?
- You may have pain and burning in the treated area for 1 to 2 days after your procedure.
- You may have redness and swelling, or you may develop a blister in the treated area.
- A scab will form in the treated area and may take up to 2 weeks to fall off.
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to care for the treated area as it heals.
What are the risks of cryotherapy wart removal?
A scar may form after the treated area heals. Cryotherapy may cause the treated skin to be lighter or darker than the skin around it. The wart may not go away or it may come back. You may need to return to see your healthcare provider for more cryotherapy treatments.
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Further information
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