Post-treatment Care of Cryosurgery (Liquid Nitrogen)

Cryosurgery is an excellent method of removing skin lesions. It involves the application of a very cold material (in this case, liquid nitrogen), which causes a reaction similar to frost bite.

Immediately after treatment, pain and swelling may occur for one to two hours. The treated site then darkens (brown, brown-red, or even blue) within 24 – 48 hours. If the freezing was extensive enough, a blister (or bloodblister) may develop. If blistering is severe, the area may weep for several days.

Total healing varies between one and three weeks, depending on which area of the body was treated.

Wound Care:

No special care is needed if the treated area remains dry (i.e., the skin remains intact); however, it is always a good idea to keep the skin clean with soap and water.

If a blister (or blood-blister) develops and you are concerned about it breaking (because it is located on the hands, etc.) then you can remove the fluid with a sterile needle (by popping the blister) but leave the blister-roof intact. This will permit it to heal quickly.

If the treated area weeps, apply Polysporin ointment and a Band-Aid.

For Questions or Emergency Care:
Call the office at 601-984-5160. You may need to speak with the doctor on-call.

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