Patient Information Leaflet
Care of your skin
after Cryotherapy
Information for Patients,
Relatives and carers
Department of Dermatology
01625 663675
Macclesfield District General
Hospital
www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk
Contact: 01625 421000 www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk
Leaflet Ref: 11181
t @eastcheshirenhs
Review: 11/2017
t @echonhscharity
Page 1
Patient Information Leaflet
Care of your skin after cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a safe, effective and efficient treatment which is used to treat lots of
skin different skin conditions, such as actinic keratoses (small areas of sun damaged
skin), seborrhoeic keratoses and viral warts. It may also be used to treat small skin
cancers, such as basal cell carcinomas and Bowens disease.
It is a technique which uses liquid nitrogen to rapidly freeze the cells on your skin
which need treating. As the skin thaws, the cells which have been frozen are
damaged and new healthy cells grow to replace them.
General Care of the treated area.
The area can be washed with luke warm water using a soap or a soap substitute
(avoid anything perfumed as this may irritate the area). Leave dry unless it is
weeping then it may be covered with a simple dressing.
When it stops weeping a scab will form which may remain in place for up to 2 weeks,
sometimes longer. After this the area should heal normally. Please do not be
tempted to pick the scab. Areas that have treated on the legs may take longer to
heal.
As with any treatment there are always possible side effects and potential
complications.
Immediate side effects

Pain – a burning pain is usually felt on freezing which may become more
Intense and throb on thawing. This can last for a short while afterwards.
Painkillers, such as paracetamol, may be taken for up to 24 hours to help with
any discomfort.

Swelling and redness – this is a normal response and usually settles after 2
-3 days. Cool compresses may help.

Blistering – this is quite common but usually settles after a couple of days
and then a scab will form. Blisters are best left alone. However, if it begins to
feel very uncomfortable, becomes tense (hard) or the blister becomes blood
filled,then it may be punctured with a sterile needle to allow the fluid to drain
out and then covered with a dressing.
Contact: 01625 421000 www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk
Leaflet Ref: 11181
t @eastcheshirenhs
Review: 11/2017
t @echonhscharity
Page 2
Patient Information Leaflet

Infection – this is unusual A smear of antiseptic cream, such as Savlon or
Germaline may be applied twice a day to reduce the very small risk of
infection.
Later possible side effects

Pigment change – sometimes the treated area may become darker or lighter
in colour than it was before, especially in people with darker skin. This may be
permanent.

Scarring – this rarely happens but may if a deep freeze has been necessary,
such as when treating a basal cell carcinoma.

Numbness – this is a rare occurrence and only happens if a superficial nerve
is frozen in the area. This only lasts a short time and normal feeling will return
within a couple of months.

Return of the problem – sometimes the treatment may not be effective or the
problem could return.
Useful contact numbers and for further information:
British Association of Dermatologists
www.bad.org.uk
New Zealand Dermatological Society
www.dermnetnz.org
Any Questions?
If you are worried about something or don’t understand anything you have been told,
the specialist nurse is there to help. She is available from 9am – 5pm Monday to
Friday & can be contacted on 01625 663016
Contact: 01625 421000 www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk
Leaflet Ref: 11181
t @eastcheshirenhs
Review: 11/2017
t @echonhscharity
Page 3
Patient Information Leaflet
For further information on the references and sources used for this leaflet, please contact
01625 661184
Comments, compliments or complaints
We welcome any suggestions you have about the quality of our
care and our services. Contact us: Freephone: 0800 1613997
Phone:
01625 661449
Textphone: 01625 663723 Customer Care, Reception,
Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Road,
SK10 3BL
For large print, audio, Braille version or translation, contact
Communications and Engagement on 0800 195 4194.
East Cheshire NHS Trust operates a smoke-free policy
(including e-cigarettes)
For advice on stopping smoking please contact our Stop Smoking
Service on 0800 085 8818.
.
East Cheshire NHS Trust
does not tolerate any form of
discrimination, harassment,
bullying or abuse and is
committed to ensuring that
patients, staff and the public
are treated fairly, with dignity
and respect.
Contact: 01625 421000 www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk
Leaflet Ref: 11181
t @eastcheshirenhs
Review: 11/2017
t @echonhscharity
Page 4