Liquid Nitrogen Treatment
Liquid nitrogen is a very cold, liquid gas with a temperature of -384° F (–195° C)). It is used to freeze and destroy growths found on the surface of the skin, such as warts and keratoses. Liquid nitrogen causes stinging and mild pain while the growth is being frozen and then thaws. This feeling lasts less than five minutes. An aching is sometimes felt during the rest of the day.
Some hours after this treatment, your skin will become swollen and red. A clear or dark (blood) blister may form. Do not break this blister. A scab or crust will form over time and will fall off by itself in one to three weeks. The skin growth will come off along with the scab, leaving healthy new skin.
If deep freezing was needed to remove the growth, there may be a lot of blistering and swelling, especially if the back of the hand or eyelids were treated. The blisters and swelling are part of the treatment and will slowly heal by themselves.
No special care is needed after liquid nitrogen treatment. Wash the area every day. If clothing irritates the area, protect the spot with a bandaid. Makeup or other cosmetics may be used on the area, as long as the skin is intact.
If an open sore forms, clean the site every day with soap and water and apply white petrolatum (Vaseline®) and cover with a bandage. If you think you have an infection in the site, call the clinic or doctor that treated the sites. These are not seen often, but should be watched for.
The signs to watch for are:
- Fever
- Increased tenderness or swelling at the site
- Pus or smelly wound drainage
- Redness spreading out from the wound
Sometimes liquid nitrogen treatment fails. If the growth does not go away with the treatment, please make an appointment to return.
If you have questions or concerns, please call the health care provider where you received treatment at ______________________.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 06/20/2011
Copyright © 06/20/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5777
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