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cryotherapy for warts

Cryotherapy at SurreyGP: Safe, Effective Treatment for Skin Lesions

At SurreyGP, we provide professional cryotherapy treatments for a range of skin conditions including warts, verrucas, skin tags, and seborrheic keratoses. Our private GP service delivers safe, effective, and minimally invasive care tailored to your needs.

What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a ‘freezing’ treatment that removes abnormal skin lesions using liquid nitrogen. The treated cells freeze and die, allowing healthy skin to regenerate naturally. This process occurs in the epidermis, the surface layer of the skin.

At SurreyGP, our experienced doctors apply liquid nitrogen with precision using a spray device, ensuring maximum effectiveness with minimal discomfort. After treatment, the skin may be red, blistered, or temporarily look burnt, which is a normal part of the healing process.

Benefits of Cryotherapy for Skin

  • Quick and minimally invasive treatment
  • Effective for warts, verrucas, skin tags, and seborrheic keratoses
  • Performed by qualified medical professionals
  • Promotes natural skin regeneration
  • Minimal downtime

Cryotherapy provides lasting cryotherapy skin benefits, including faster lesion removal and a reduced risk of recurrence compared to home remedies.

Conditions Treated by Cryotherapy

Warts

Warts are non-cancerous growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere and sometimes cause pain or discomfort. Cryotherapy is a medically proven treatment for fast resolution of warts.

  • Non-cancerous skin growths
  • Caused by HPV infection
  • Can last months or years without treatment
  • Treatable by a medical professional

Verrucas

Verrucas are warts on the soles of the feet, sometimes painful when walking. Cryotherapy is effective even for stubborn verrucas and prevents further spread.

  • Contagious but low-risk for spread
  • Common in communal showers or swimming pool areas
  • Safe and proven treatment by a medical professional

Skin Tags

Skin tags are small, painless growths, often on the neck, underarms, or chest. They are harmless but can be removed for cosmetic or comfort reasons using cryotherapy.

  • Common due to friction or hormonal changes
  • Painless and non-cancerous
  • Quick and safe removal with cryotherapy

Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic keratoses are benign, brown, warty growths that increase with age. Though harmless, they can be removed if itchy or cosmetically bothersome using cryotherapy.

  • Common in adults over 50
  • Non-contagious and benign
  • Temporary lightening of skin possible after removal

Benefits and Risks of Cryotherapy

Benefits:

  • Fast and effective lesion removal
  • Minimal downtime and low discomfort
  • Promotes natural skin regeneration
  • Safe when performed by trained professionals

Risks:

  • Temporary redness, blistering, or lightened skin at treatment site
  • Rarely, infection or scarring

At SurreyGP, patients enjoy the benefits of cryotherapy for skin with expert care, precision, and minimal discomfort.

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Everything You Need to Know About Cryotherapy

At SurreyGP, we provide professional cryotherapy treatments for a variety of skin conditions including warts, verrucas, skin tags, and seborrheic keratoses. In this guide, we answer common questions about cryotherapy, including how it works, what to expect, and its benefits.

What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy, also known as “freezing therapy,” is a treatment where liquid nitrogen is applied to abnormal skin growths to destroy the affected cells. The treated cells freeze and die, allowing healthy skin to regenerate. It is commonly used for warts, verrucas, skin tags, and seborrheic keratoses.

How Does Cryotherapy Work?

Cryotherapy works by rapidly lowering the temperature of the skin. The liquid nitrogen drops the skin temperature well below freezing. This destroys abnormal cells on the surface (epidermis) while allowing the surrounding healthy skin to recover. Over time, the treated area heals with new, fresh skin cells.

Does Cryotherapy Work?

Yes, cryotherapy is a medically proven and effective treatment for many benign skin conditions. Warts and verrucas often require multiple sessions for complete resolution. Skin tags and seborrheic keratoses usually respond well to a single session.

What is Cryotherapy Used For?

  • Warts (including hand and foot warts)
  • Verrucas
  • Skin tags
  • Seborrheic keratoses
  • Solar keratoses

What to Expect After Cryotherapy

After cryotherapy, it’s normal for the treated area to show redness, blistering, or temporary scabbing. The lesion may look burnt for a few days to weeks. Over time, healthy skin regenerates. A follow-up may be recommended for stubborn lesions.

How Cold is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen, which is extremely cold, reaching temperatures below -196°C (-321°F). This extreme cold destroys the targeted abnormal skin cells effectively.

How Long Does Cryotherapy Take to Work?

The freezing procedure itself usually takes only a few minutes per lesion. Visible results, such as lesion falling off, may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the type of lesion.

Does Cryotherapy Hurt?

During cryotherapy, you may feel a brief stinging or burning sensation. After treatment, discomfort is minimal, though blistering and redness are common.

How to Speed Up Healing From Cryotherapy

  • Keep the treated area clean and dry
  • Avoid scratching or picking at the lesion
  • Follow your doctor’s advice on dressings
  • Avoid swimming or soaking until the area heals

What Should I Avoid After Cryotherapy?

After cryotherapy, avoid:

  • Scratching or picking at the treated area
  • Sharing towels, shoes, or clothing that contacts the lesion
  • Swimming or soaking in pools or baths until healed
  • Excessive sun exposure on the treated area

How Often Should You Do Cryotherapy?

The number of sessions depends on the condition. Warts and verrucas may require repeat treatments every 3-4 weeks until fully resolved. Skin tags and seborrheic keratoses often need only one session.

How Long After Cryotherapy Does a Wart or Skin Tag Fall Off?

After treatment, warts or skin tags typically fall off within 1-3 weeks, though some stubborn lesions may take longer.

How Long After Cryotherapy Can I Shower or Swim?

It’s recommended to keep the area dry for at least 24-48 hours after treatment. Swimming should be avoided until the area has healed and scabs have fallen off.

How to Get Rid of Cryotherapy Scars

Cryotherapy rarely leaves scars, but if the skin lightens or darkens, gentle moisturizers and sun protection can help. Most discoloration improves over time.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does cryotherapy feel like? Brief stinging or burning during treatment.
  • How long is a cryotherapy session? Usually 1-5 minutes per lesion.
  • What to wear for cryotherapy? Loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the treated area.
  • What is cryotherapy good for? Removing warts, verrucas, skin tags, and seborrheic keratoses.
  • Is cryotherapy safe? Yes, when performed by trained medical professionals.
  • How many sessions of cryotherapy are needed? Depends on lesion type and size; warts may need multiple sessions, skin tags often one.
  • Cryotherapy facial? Cryotherapy can be used cosmetically for skin rejuvenation, but our focus at SurreyGP is for lesion treatment.

At SurreyGP, our experienced doctors provide expert care for all your cryotherapy needs. We ensure safe, effective treatment with minimal discomfort and maximum results.