Wart Freezing – Verruca Removal
What is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy (or cryosurgery) is the treatment of skin lesions by a cold substance, mainly liquid nitrogen. It is a relatively straightforward, almost painless procedure that involves the short exposure to liquid nitrogen or other cryogens, followed by slow thawing, also known as the freeze-thaw cycle.
This causes the destruction of selective cells, leaving cartilage and collagen intact, providing a framework for new tissue to adhere to. It also stimulates the immune system to destroy any remaining cells which might have survived the freezing temperature.
What lesions can be treated with cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is often used in the treatment of benign, pre-malignant and malignant lesions. However, it is not recommended for those skin changes of uncertain diagnosis.
Some examples of eligible conditions include:
- Viral warts
- Verrucae
- Skin tags
- Seborrhoeic keratoses
- Sebaceous hyperplasia
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Actinic/solar keratoses (sun damage)
Are there any side-effects of cryotherapy?
After a cryotherapy session, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Mild pain on the treatment site
- Swelling and redness
- Blistering
Other less common reactions are:
- Scarring
- Pigmentation changes
- Lesion recurrence
- Delayed healing and ulceration
- Local nerve damage (usually temporary)
Reasons why cryotherapy might not be suitable for you
The administration of cryotherapy is generally well-tolerated and constitutes a safe procedure for most individuals. That being said, there are certain conditions which may increase the possibility of developing an undesirable complication post-treatment:
- Immunosuppression
- Cold urticaria
- Concurrent treatment with renal dialysis
- Raynaud’s disease
- Platelet deficiency disease
After-care
Your healthcare professional will explain how to look after the area in order to promote skin healing and ensure the best possible outcome. It is usually recommended to keep the area clean from any discharge or external contaminants.
The application of vaseline is also advisable to prevent scab formation. It is important not to pick the scab as this will encourage scarring. A dressing or plaster is not usually necessary but may be appropriate if the treated area is likely to be knocked or rubbed by clothing.
Please note cryotherapy is only available at our Oxford Street clinic.
Histofreeze for Wart Freezing or Verrucae Removal
At London Doctors Clinic, all of our GP’s are trained and experienced in histofreeze for the removal of unsightly warts, verrucas and minor lesions.
Our team of doctors use special histofreeze spray to directly freeze warts, verrucas and other minor skin lesions, for both practical and cosmetic removal.
Simply book in online for a 15-minute consultation, mentioning your interest in histofreeze or wart removal in the Notes section when booking. You can discuss the wart freezing process with the GP in a 15 minute consultation from £89 and if deemed appropriate the removal process will cost £20. Alternatively, give us a call or drop us an email for more information.
Please Note: We do not use liquid nitrogen but Histofreeze. We do not provide Histofreeze for children, but we can provide an onward referral where necessary.
*we do not offer removal or freezing of genital warts or warts on the facial area.
Cryotherapy London Doctors Clinic Locations: Bank, Canary Wharf, Chislehurst, Chiswick, Esher, Fulham, Guildford, Hampstead, Islington, Kensington, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Oxford Street, St Albans, Twickenham, Victoria and Wandsworth or you can book an Online Doctor