Skin Cryosurgery
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Skin cryosurgery, or cryotherapy, is a procedure to treat a skin lesion by freezing it. A skin lesion is a growth on your skin. Cryosurgery uses a cold substance, usually liquid nitrogen, to kill the lesion without damaging nearby healthy skin. You may need cryosurgery more than 1 time.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your doctor or dermatologist if:
- Your lesion area is red, swollen, and hot to touch.
- Your lesion area is draining yellow or green fluid.
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- You have a fever or chills.
- You have severe pain.
- You see new lesions on your skin.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines may be needed to decrease redness, pain, and swelling, or to prevent a bacterial infection.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your lesion area as directed:
Carefully wash your lesion area with soap and water. It may have loose crusts. Dampen a piece of gauze with hydrogen peroxide and gently remove them. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty.
Follow up with your doctor or dermatologist as directed:
You may need to return to have your skin checked. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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