Cryotherapy at Your GP Surgery
Cryotherapy is a quick procedure used in GP surgeries to freeze and remove certain small skin lesions. Please be aware that in some cases, the GP may not recommend cryotherapy at your appointment once the lesion has been fully assessed.
What Cryotherapy Is
Cryotherapy uses a very cold substance—often liquid nitrogen—to freeze the surface of the skin. This helps remove unwanted or problematic skin lesions such as:
· Viral warts
· Verrucas
· Some small benign skin growths
Your GP or nurse will tell you if cryotherapy is suitable for your condition.
Before Your Appointment
You don’t usually need to do anything special beforehand. However:
· Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated.
· Let the clinician know if you have any concerns or if the area has recently become painful, infected, or changed in appearance.
· Tell the clinician if you have circulation problems, diabetes, or reduced sensation in the area being treated.
What Happens During the Procedure
A cryotherapy appointment is usually very quick—often just a few minutes.
Here’s what typically happens:
· The clinician examines the area to confirm treatment.
· A spray or cotton-tipped applicator is used to apply the freezing agent to the lesion.
· You may feel:
o A sharp, stinging, or burning sensation
o Tingling or numbness as the area freezes
· The freezing usually lasts a few seconds, sometimes repeated in short bursts. Most people find the discomfort manageable and brief.
After the Treatment
It’s normal to experience some changes in the treated area:
· The skin may look red or swollen.
· A blister may form within a few hours—this can be clear or blood-filled.
· The area may feel sore for a day or two.
· A scab will usually form and fall off naturally over 1–2 weeks.
Your clinician will explain how to care for the area, but general expectations include:
· Keeping the area clean and dry
· Avoiding picking or bursting any blisters
· Letting the scab fall off on its own
When to Seek Advice
Contact your GP surgery if:
· The area becomes very painful, hot, or increasingly red
· You notice signs of infection such as pus
· You are unsure whether healing is progressing normally
· You have concerns about the appearance of the lesion after healing
Follow-Up
Some lesions need more than one cryotherapy session. Your clinician will advise whether you may need to return for further treatment.