Cryotherapy for warts: Overview
Cryotherapy involves freezing a wart using a very cold substance (usually liquid nitrogen). Cryotherapy is a standard treatment for warts and can be done in a doctor's office. The liquid nitrogen application usually takes less than a minute.
- Your doctor may trim the wart with a small knife before applying liquid nitrogen.
- Cryotherapy can be uncomfortable. A numbing local anesthetic is usually not needed but may be used in some cases.
- Your doctor applies the liquid nitrogen to the wart using a probe or a cotton swab. Liquid nitrogen can also be sprayed directly on the wart.
Most warts require 1 to 4 treatments, with 1 to 3 weeks between each treatment.
There are over-the-counter products to freeze warts. These products are less powerful than liquid nitrogen. They may work for some warts, but it may work better to have your doctor freeze the warts.
Why is cryotherapy for warts done?
Cryotherapy is usually used if salicylic acid treatment has not eliminated a wart or if quick treatment is desired.
How well does cryotherapy for warts work?
Cryotherapy usually gets rid of warts. Two or more treatments may be needed.
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