02/01/2026
Uses of Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy—most commonly using liquid nitrogen (−196 °C)—destroys tissue via rapid freezing, ice-crystal formation, vascular stasis, and secondary inflammation. It is effective, quick, and office-based.
1. Viral & Benign Lesions
Warts (verruca vulgaris, plantar, periungual) – High clearance with repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
Molluscum contagiosum – Useful for limited lesions.
Skin tags (acrochordons) – Pedunculated lesions respond well.
Seborrheic keratoses – Especially thin/superficial variants.
2. Premalignant Lesions
Actinic keratoses – First-line for isolated lesions; reduces progression risk to SCC.
Bowen disease (SCC in situ) – Selected, small, well-defined lesions.
3. Selected Malignancies (Case-selected)
Superficial basal cell carcinoma – Only when surgery is unsuitable and margins are well defined (higher recurrence than excision).
4. Pigmentary Disorders
Solar lentigines / freckles – Spot treatment with caution to avoid hypopigmentation.
Vitiligo (test spots) – Rare, selective use for depigmentation in stable, refractory cases.
5. Nail & Other Indications
Nail matrix warts – Careful technique to minimize dystrophy.
Pyogenic granuloma – Adjunct or alternative when cautery is unsuitable.
Practical Considerations
Advantages: Rapid, cost-effective, minimal anesthesia, low infection risk.
Limitations: Pain, blistering, dyspigmentation (↑ risk in darker skin), scarring with overtreatment.
Contraindications: Cold intolerance disorders (e.g., cryoglobulinemia), poor circulation in treated area, uncertain diagnosis.
