What is liquid nitrogen used for?

Liquid nitrogen produces a localized freezing of growths and a small area of surrounding skin.  The full effect of the freezing will be most noticeable in one to three days, although the skin defrosts moments after the initial application. This modality is used to treat Actinic Keratoses, Seborrheic Keratosis, warts, genital warts, Molluscum Contagiosum and many other conditions.

Is the treatment painful?

There will be pain or a stinging sensation lasting from 5 to 30 minutes following the actual freezing.  There may be some redness and swelling.  Once this pain stops, you should have no further pain, but the area may itch or be tender for several days.  Topical Vitamin C serum and Vitamin E lotion applied as soon as possible after the liquid nitrogen and twice daily can speed resolution of the treated lesions.

What can I expect after treatment?

By one to two days a blister may form in the treated area.  There may be some blood in the blister producing a purple color.  Do not be concerned about this.  If the blister is large, sterilize a needle and prick the blister once to allow fluid to seep out onto a tissue.  Do not remove the blister roof; an infection may result if you do. 

In some cases just a scab will form without a preceding blister.  Once the scab appears, the skin will gradually heal beneath it and eventually shed the scab.  This will take between 14 and 28 days.  When the scab comes off, the underlying skin will be temporarily slightly pink or red in color.

How should I care for blisters that occur?

Simply leave the blister or scab alone. You may wash and use cosmetics as usual.  If a blister does form that is painful, especially on the bottom of the foot, it is best to return to the physician's office to have it drained.  It’s better to leave the blister roof in place since this protects against infection.

If a blister breaks, cover it with a Band-Aid and change it daily until a dry crust forms over the area.

Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, increased pain or pus should prompt a call to your physician.

If the growth has not disappeared completely by 4-6 weeks, you should be seen again by your physician.  In some cases, the area may require several treatments or even a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and make sure the growth is not skin cancer .

How can I prevent the need for liquid nitrogen treatments?

If you received liquid nitrogen treatment for skin cancer, you may consider a more proactive approach to prevention, namely the use of a hat, sun protective clothing, avoidance of peak sun exposure and use of topical antioxidants like topical Vitamin C serum and Vitamin E lotion applied twice daily to help repair and prevent additional sun damage .