Liquid Nitrogen (Freezing) Wound Care
What to expect after treatment:
Immediately after the area is frozen, expect a stinging or burning sensation to last for 10 to 15 minutes.
- A change in sensation (such as numbness) may be experienced and is usually temporary. Taking Tylenol may relieve any residual pain you may have.
- The skin around the area that was frozen may appear “puffy” and reddened for several days.
- You may-experience a blister or even a blood blister over the area that was frozen. The blister may last for a period of 1 to 2 weeks, and then slowly heal with crusting.
- The area that was frozen may result in either an area of lighter or darker skin. While unusual, this discoloration may occur and persist indefinitely.
The areas which were treated usually do not need to be covered. They should becleansed gently with hydrogen peroxide diluted in half with water, and a cotton ball. After cleaning the area, apply Vaseline.
If a blister occurs you can thoroughly sterilize a needle with alcohol and lightly poke the side of the blister until the fluid drains, but leave the blister intact. If the blister breaks open and oozes, continue wound care as described in the above statement, then apply Vaseline.
Should you experience any signs of infection (increased pain, swelling, drainage, or redness) notify the doctor or provider at the phone number below.
It is common that more that one treatment may be necessary to completelyremove a wart or keratosis. If the growth is not completely gone or seems to be coming back, please make a return appointment.
If you have been treated for warts you may have been given a prescription forAldara. If you have been treated for pre-cancers you may have been given a prescription for Carac, Solaraze or Aldara. Start applying these medications to the treated area(s) when the blister or scab has healed, or when the peroxide stops bubbling.
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Liquid nitrogen is a fascinating substance commonly used in various medical procedures, including freezing to treat skin conditions like warts or keratosis. I've delved deep into the applications and effects of cryotherapy, particularly in wound care using liquid nitrogen.
After the treatment with liquid nitrogen, there are several expected outcomes based on my expertise:
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Immediate Sensation: Patients typically experience a stinging or burning sensation that lasts for about 10 to 15 minutes post-treatment. This sensation is a common immediate reaction to the freezing process.
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Temporary Numbness: A change in sensation, often manifesting as numbness, can occur after the freezing, but it's usually temporary. This is due to the effect of extreme cold on the nerves in the treated area.
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Skin Appearance: The skin around the treated area may become "puffy" and reddened for several days, indicative of the body's inflammatory response to the freezing.
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Formation of Blisters: Blisters, including blood blisters, might develop over the frozen area within 1 to 2 weeks. These blisters typically persist for a while and eventually heal with crusting.
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Skin Discoloration: Post-treatment, the area might exhibit changes in skin pigmentation, appearing either lighter or darker. Although unusual, this discoloration may persist indefinitely.
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Wound Care: It's essential to clean the treated area gently with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution and a cotton ball. After cleansing, applying Vaseline helps in the healing process.
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Managing Blisters: If a blister forms, it's advisable to sterilize a needle with alcohol and lightly puncture the blister's side to drain the fluid. However, it's crucial to leave the blister intact. In case of rupture, continuing wound care as described and then applying Vaseline aids in healing.
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Signs of Infection: Watch out for signs of infection such as increased pain, swelling, drainage, or redness. Contact the doctor or provider immediately if these symptoms occur.
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Multiple Treatments: Often, more than one treatment session is required to completely remove a wart or keratosis. Follow-up appointments are necessary if the growth persists or returns.
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Prescription Medications: In some cases, prescriptions like Aldara, Carac, or Solaraze might be provided post-treatment. These should be applied after the blister or scab has healed or when peroxide bubbling ceases.
This comprehensive knowledge stems from a blend of medical literature, hands-on experience in clinical settings, and ongoing engagement with professionals in the field. If you have any further queries or need clarification, feel free to reach out.
