Does cryotherapy treat warts?

Warts are rough skin growths associated with a viral infection in the outer skin. Cryotherapy uses a very cold substance to damage the wart tissue. The area can sting during treatment and may become red, swollen, blistered, or crusted afterward. A wart may gradually shrink as the treated skin heals. Warts on thick skin, such as the sole of the foot, can be slower to clear and may feel tender when walking.

The appearance of a wart can overlap with other growths. A clinician may examine it first, particularly when it is painful, bleeding, unusually coloured, or located on the face or genitals.

Tell the clinician about poor circulation, reduced sensation, diabetes, immune problems, or medicines that affect healing. Do not cut, burn, or repeatedly pick at the wart yourself. After treatment, follow wound-care instructions, avoid removing a blister roof, and keep shared towels, nail tools, and footwear separate where practical. Wash hands after touching the area to limit spread to nearby skin or another person.

Arrange an assessment for a wart that bleeds, changes quickly, becomes very painful, or does not resemble your previous warts. After cryotherapy, contact the clinic for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, severe pain, numbness, or fever. A foot lesion that makes walking difficult also deserves review.

Ask which type of wart is being treated, how the area should be dressed, when normal activity can resume, and what signs would mean the wound needs review. You can also ask about other options if freezing is unsuitable or the wart persists.