Cryotherapy is a treatment method where the affected tissue is exposed to extreme cold for a short period. The term "cryotherapy" refers to cold therapy and is designed to freeze and destroy diseased tissues. It is commonly used by gynecologists and dermatologists to treat skin lesions caused by various conditions without the need for surgical intervention.
Cryotherapy is applied using liquid nitrogen at temperatures of -190 degrees Celsius or nitrous oxide gas. It helps reduce inflammation and aids circulation. It can be applied to a single area or the entire body, which is an advantage. In localized treatment, the focus is on painful, swollen, or damaged areas of the body, and it is used to treat conditions such as eczema, warts, calluses, sunspots, genital warts, and certain types of cancer. It is an easy-to-administer and quick-result method. The procedure does not require hospitalization and provides an economical solution, making it increasingly popular today.
The time required to achieve results after wart freezing varies depending on the size, location, and depth of the lesion. Warts may recur after treatment, but cryotherapy helps reduce the chances of recurrence.
Cryotherapy is not a harmful procedure; on the contrary, it is advantageous. Possible side effects include swelling, pain, bleeding, and infection.
Advantages of Cryotherapy Treatment
Cryotherapy has several advantages. One notable benefit is that it does not require anesthesia, which is why it is often preferred. Generally, during the procedure, the patient feels no discomfort, eliminating the need for general or local anesthesia.
It is safe and affordable, which makes it suitable for pregnant individuals. Compared to other methods, it has a lower recurrence rate in wart treatments and has been successful in treating sunspots, which is why dermatologists often recommend it.
It can be performed in outpatient clinic settings, and the procedure is easy to administer. Other advantages include a low risk of complications or serious injury, and the ability for patients to resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
After Cryotherapy
The recovery process after cryotherapy is a common concern for many. In case of mild pain, pain relievers can be used. The recovery period after cryotherapy varies depending on the area treated. On average, healing after wart freezing treatment takes between 1 and 4 weeks, followed by the drying and scabbing of the wound. It is important to note that the healing time may be longer for elderly patients.
Bathing after cryotherapy is generally fine, as washing the wounds with flowing clean water poses no issues. Unless the doctor advises otherwise, bathing is not only safe but also soothing for the patient. As mentioned in the benefits of the procedure, it is possible for the patient to return to normal activities the day after the treatment.
After cryotherapy, there are some precautions to consider regarding sexual activity. Besides possible mild groin pain, light discharge may occur, which usually disappears within about two weeks. During this time, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse. It is important to remember that such discharge is normal, but if concerns arise, it is advisable to contact the healthcare provider.
After cryotherapy, complications such as swelling may occur, so proper aftercare and attention to hygiene are essential. Clean water and soap can be used to wash the treated area. If inflammation and pain occur in the treated area, daily dressing with povidone-iodine solution can help. If signs of infection appear, consulting your doctor will ensure a healthier recovery.
In cases where the scab on the wound sticks firmly to the underlying tissue, a doctor may recommend applying an antibiotic ointment twice daily. The use of ointment is important to prevent scarring and promote faster healing of any residual scars.
If a second cryotherapy treatment is necessary for the same area, it is important to wait at least 2 weeks before repeating the procedure. After wart freezing treatment, there may be temporary darkening or lightening of the skin. Histological analysis of the lesion treated with cryotherapy is not possible. For recurrent and large lesions, especially genital warts, it is recommended to use electrocoagulation (cauterization) rather than cryotherapy.
For further information and assistance regarding these procedures, feel free to contact us using the contact number available on our clinic's website.
