What does cryotherapy (lesion removal) treat?

A clinician applies extreme cold, commonly using liquid nitrogen, to the target area. Freezing damages the unwanted tissue; the area may then blister, crust, and shed while new skin forms. It can be useful for viral warts and certain raised or pigmented lesions, but not every skin bump is suitable. Diagnosis matters because a changing or uncertain lesion may need another assessment or a biopsy rather than freezing.

Cryotherapy can also be considered for selected spots of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis or some keloid scars, depending on their appearance, location, and skin response. Treatment choice is individual, particularly where pigment changes or scarring would be noticeable.

The treated spot may sting briefly and become red or swollen. Keep it clean, avoid picking a blister or crust, and follow the dressing instructions you receive. Ask whether the lesion needs repeat sessions and how to protect healing skin from sun exposure, since temporary lightening or darkening can occur.

For context, see the pages on Warts, Skin Bumps, and Liquid Nitrogen. A cryotherapy device delivers the cold in a controlled way; Imiquimod Treatment may be an alternative for some lesions.

Contact the treating clinic if pain, swelling, warmth, discharge, or redness is worsening rather than settling, or if you develop fever. Arrange a review if the lesion continues to grow, changes colour or shape, bleeds without a clear reason, or does not heal as expected.

Ask what the lesion is, why freezing is appropriate, how many sessions may be needed, and what colour or texture change could remain. Also ask how to dress the area and what alternatives are available if the diagnosis is uncertain.