While verrucae are a very common issue, they are something that none of us wants to deal with at any point. The good news is there are now very advanced and effective solutions for this problem, allowing you to reduce the pain and discomfort that comes as a result of verrucae. Cryotherapy is one treatment option that is often used for this issue, working to apply extreme cold temperatures to destroy the affected tissue on the sole of your foot. Today we’re going to discover how cryotherapy works and the benefits of this treatment for patients. Contact us to learn more about Swift Verruca Treatment and the other services we offer.
What is Cryotherapy?
Before we can look at the benefits of Swift Verruca Treatment, let’s discover how cryotherapy for warts works. Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses cold substances to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue which causes a verruca to form in the first place. In the case of verrucae, liquid nitrogen is the most commonly used agent due to its extremely low temperature. When applied to your skin, the liquid nitrogen freezes the water within the skin cells, leading to tissue destruction.
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The cryotherapy procedure is relatively simple and is performed in our clinic by an experienced member of our team. The process starts with an assessment, where we examine the verruca to ensure cryotherapy is the best treatment option. Multiple verrucae or certain medical conditions may require alternative solutions, but our team will discuss these with you ahead of making any decisions about your course of treatment. Once we’ve decided to go ahead with Swift Verruca or cryotherapy, then we’ll prepare the foot for the treatment. The skin surrounding the verruca may be cleansed, and any overlying thickened skin may be reduced down to ensure the treatment can work effectively.
From there, the skin will be ready for the application of the treatment. Liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the verruca using a cotton-tipped applicator, spray device, or probe. The duration of application varies depending on the severity of your verruca but typically lasts between 10 and 30 seconds per application. After the treatment, it’s very important to keep an eye on how effectively it is working. The treated area is monitored for signs of blistering or inflammation. Our team will advise you about how to best take care of the wound and then can book you in for follow-up sessions or verruca laser treatment if needed. Treatment sessions may need to be repeated every two to four weeks, depending on the size and condition of the verruca.
The Benefits of Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy offers many advantages to patients which makes it a commonly chosen treatment for verrucae. Firstly, the procedure is non-invasive, so it does not require incisions or stitches, reducing the risk of scarring. This is great for anyone who is scared of medical treatments or doesn’t like visiting their GP. Each session is relatively short, often lasting only a few minutes, so you’ll be able to go back to your busy schedule quickly. Cryotherapy is now widely available and accessible in many dermatology clinics and GP surgeries. Should you find that you can’t make it to our office again for any reason after your first treatment or are travelling, you’ll be able to book another session easily anywhere in the UK.
Drawbacks and Side Effects of Cryotherapy
While cryotherapy is generally safe and very effective, it is not without its disadvantages and side effects. For many patients, the procedure can be uncomfortable, particularly when treating larger verrucae or those located on a more sensitive part of the foot. Our team will work with you to reduce the pain you feel and try to make you as comfortable as possible throughout the treatment. After your session, blisters may form. This can lead to more pain and they are often prone to infection if not managed properly.
Another side effect you may notice after your treatment is skin dissolution. Temporary or permanent changes in skin pigmentation may occur, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. Keep in mind that even after successful treatment, verrucae may reappear. This is due to the fact that cryotherapy does not eliminate the underlying HPV which causes this condition in the first place. Finally, for more severe cases, you may want to factor in the cost of this treatment. The need for multiple sessions can make cryotherapy an expensive option for some patients.
Cryotherapy is a widely used and effective treatment option for many patients suffering from verrucae. With many benefits and its non-invasive nature, patients find that it is much more comfortable than some of the other options on offer today. Contact us today for more information about cryotherapy for treating verrucae or to discuss any questions you have about this type of treatment.