Cryotherapy Treatment in Point Cook

How cryotherapy removes a spot

In general practice, cryotherapy is most often done with liquid nitrogen, which is far colder than ice. Applied to a small patch of skin, it freezes and destroys the cells in that spot. Over the next few days the damaged layer blisters or crusts, then lifts away as new skin forms underneath. For a freeze lasting only seconds, local anaesthetic is not normally needed.

Sunspots and warts

Sunspots, known medically as solar keratoses, are rough, scaly patches on skin that has had years of sun, such as the face, ears, scalp, forearms and backs of the hands. They are not skin cancer, but a small proportion can develop into squamous cell carcinoma over time. That is one reason to have them treated and to keep watching sun-damaged skin.

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. Many disappear by themselves within a year or two, particularly in children, so treatment is often kept for warts that hurt, spread, catch on things or have not responded to pharmacy wart paints.

Spots that should not simply be frozen

Freezing destroys the tissue, so nothing is left to examine afterwards. That makes it unsuitable for:

• Any spot that has not been diagnosed and could be a skin cancer
• Moles, which need assessment rather than freezing
• Lesions that are thick, deep or need a sample sent to pathology

Tell the doctor first if any of these apply

• Poor circulation, or diabetes affecting the feet or legs
• Raynaud’s phenomenon, cold urticaria or another condition set off by cold
• Darker skin, which is more likely to be left with a lighter or darker patch
• Wart paints or other remedies already used on the spot

The first few weeks after freezing

Stinging during the freeze is normal and fades soon after. Redness and swelling often follow within hours, and by the next day a blister, sometimes filled with blood, may appear. It dries into a scab that comes away within about one to three weeks, depending on the site. Thick warts on the hands and soles often take several rounds of freezing a few weeks apart. Scarring is uncommon, although lighter skin, hair loss in that area and, rarely, numbness can occur.

Caring for the skin as it heals

• Wash gently as part of your normal routine
• Leave the blister or scab alone so it comes off by itself
• Put a plain dressing over it if clothing or shoes rub
• Keep healing skin out of the sun, or cover it with clothing or sunscreen
• Get it looked at if it turns very red, hot or swollen, or weeps pus, as these can point to infection

Spots that change or come back

Anything growing, bleeding or looking different from your other spots needs assessment before any treatment, which is where a skin check or a skin cancer biopsy comes in.

Sunspots can return, and new ones tend to appear on skin with a long history of sun exposure. Should a frozen spot grow back or never quite heal, call reception to arrange a review, as it may need a different approach or a sample taken.

Fees and bulk billing

Out-of-pocket fees apply to most consultations, and each practitioner sets their own fees. Bulk billing is available with all our doctors for Veterans’ Affairs patients, pensioners over 65, childhood and adult immunisations and GP care plans. See our fees page or call reception before you book.

Other services

• Skin Check / Mole Mapping
• Keloid Treatment
• Skin Tag Excision
• Skin Cancer Biopsy
• Acne Care