Cryotherapy is a dermatologic treatment that uses liquid nitrogen at very low temperatures (down to –196 °C) to selectively destroy specific benign or precancerous skin lesions. At MAVIT, it is performed on an outpatient basis: liquid nitrogen is applied to the lesion with a spray or dedicated probes, freezing the target tissue in a controlled manner.
During the session, the lesion is frozen for a few seconds and then allowed to thaw; this freeze–thaw cycle produces controlled cellular injury, leading over the following days to crust formation and gradual clearance of the lesion. It is normal to experience redness, a short-lived burning or painful sensation, possible serous or blood-filled blisters, followed by a crust that falls off spontaneously. In the case of plantar warts, several sessions spaced about 2–3 weeks apart are often required.
Cryotherapy is indicated for selected benign and precancerous lesions, including common warts, genital warts, actinic keratoses, some superficial epithelial tumours and seborrhoeic keratoses, depending on lesion type, site, size and the patient’s phototype and history
Treatment options
At MAVIT, cryotherapy is offered only after specialist dermatologic assessment. The dermatologist confirms the diagnosis, may request a biopsy or histology when needed, and chooses cryotherapy when it represents the most appropriate option compared with alternative treatments. The physician defines the number and intensity of applications, explains the expected post-treatment course (pain, blisters, crusts, healing times) and schedules any follow-up or repeat sessions, especially for resistant or plantar warts. Clear aftercare instructions are provided (cleansing, topical antiseptics, local protection) to minimise the risk of infection and scarring.
The goal is to remove target lesions effectively and safely, while keeping visible scarring and discomfort to a minimum, within a controlled and personalised care pathway at MAVIT
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