Cryotherapy is commonly used for:

• Actinic (solar) keratoses – sun-damage scaly patches

• Warts and verrucae

• Seborrhoeic keratoses (“age warts”)

• Skin tags and other small benign lumps

• Occasionally, selected superficial, slow-growing skin cancers when recommended by a specialist

Cryotherapy is not used for suspicious moles or pigmented lesions that might be melanoma.

• People with conditions made worse by cold (e.g. cold urticaria, Raynaud’s disease)

• Areas with poor circulation or healing

• Darker skin types where pigment change would be a major cosmetic concern

• If you have metal allergy to instruments is not relevant; however please tell us if you have pacemakers/implants near the treatment area, are pregnant, or have reduced sensation (e.g. neuropathy) so we can plan safely.

Your clinician will discuss the benefits and risks for your specific lesion and skin type.

1. The area is cleaned and, if needed, the surface scale is gently pared.

2. The freezing agent is applied either with a spray or a cotton-tipped stick for a few seconds. You’ll feel stinging or burning which settles quickly.

3. One or more freeze–thaw cycles may be used depending on the lesion type and thickness.

4. A protective ointment may be applied. Dressings are rarely required unless the site rubs on clothing or footwear.

A typical appointment lasts 5–10 minutes. Local anaesthetic is not usually needed

• The area can sting for a few minutes to a few hours.

• Redness and swelling are common.

• A blister (sometimes blood-filled) may form within 24 hours; this is part of normal healing.

• The blister dries to a scab/crust and usually falls off in 1–3 weeks on the face and 2–4 weeks on the body or limbs.

• The new skin underneath is pink at first and may gradually blend in over months. A pale or darker patch can remain.

You can wash and shower as normal. Pat dry—don’t rub the area. Make-up can be used when the skin is dry and unbroken.

Most side-effects are mild and short-lived.

Common (up to 1 in 10):

• Pain/stinging during treatment and for a few hours after

• Redness, swelling

• Blistering, crusting

• Temporary colour change in the skin

Uncommon:

• Permanent light or dark patches (more likely in darker skin types)

• Small surface scar or change in skin texture

• Temporary numbness/tingling if a small nerve is irritated

• Nail changes if treated near the nail

Rare:

• Infection (increasing pain, pus, spreading redness)

• Significant scarring or persistent sensitivityIf you’re concerned about any reaction, please contact us or seek urgent help if you feel unwell.

When should I seek help?

• Increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, or pus

• Fever or feeling systemically unwell

• The area hasn’t healed after 4–6 weeks

• The lesion persists or returns

Some lesions clear after one session. Thicker or stubborn lesions (e.g. warts, actinic keratoses) may need repeat treatments every 2–4 weeks until resolved. Your clinician will advise what to expect.

Depending on the diagnosis and location, alternatives may include watchful waiting, topical treatments (e.g. prescribed creams), curettage/shave, or other therapies. We will discuss the best option for you.

• If a blister is painful, you may leave it intact and cover it with a simple dressing.

• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a bland moisturiser once or twice daily until healed.

• Avoid picking the scab.

• Protect the area from the sun: SPF 30+ and clothing/hat while healing.

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help if sore (check it’s suitable for you).