Cryotherapy for Seborrheic Keratosis

A seborrheic keratosis is a common, usually harmless growth that may look waxy, rough, or stuck onto the skin. A clinician directs cold treatment at the growth so the affected surface tissue breaks down and later sheds. The area may sting briefly, then become red, swollen, blistered, or crusted. Healing can leave temporary lightening or darkening, and a thicker growth may respond unevenly. Because some serious lesions can resemble a seborrheic keratosis, a new or unusual growth should be examined rather than frozen based on appearance alone.

Before treatment, mention prior reactions to freezing, poor wound healing, pigment changes, and medicines that affect bleeding or immunity. Keep the site clean, avoid picking the crust, and use only the ointment or dressing recommended by the clinic. Protect healed skin from strong sun to reduce lingering colour change. If freezing is not suitable, the clinician may consider Curettage And Cautery or Electrosurgery, depending on the growth's thickness, position, and appearance.

Have a lesion assessed promptly if it changes rapidly, becomes persistently sore, bleeds without clear injury, develops an irregular dark area, or forms a sore that does not heal. Following cryotherapy, contact the treating service if pain or redness is worsening, drainage becomes thick or foul-smelling, fever develops, or the wound is not improving. A clinician can distinguish expected inflammation from infection or an incorrect initial diagnosis.

Ask whether the diagnosis is clear, whether the lesion needs sampling, how long the treated area may remain crusted, what wound care is appropriate, and which alternative would be considered if freezing does not clear it.