Whelehans pharmacy what is cryotherapy

Eamonn Brady is a pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie

The term ‘cryotherapy’ literally means ‘treatment using low temperature’, and refers to the removal of skin lesions by freezing them. This can include the removal of warts and verrucae. Chiropodist at Whelehans James Pedley is holding a Cryotherapy Clinic at Whelehans Pharmacy on Saturday May 30th and will treat warts and verrucae. I will discuss warts and verrucae in more detail in the coming weeks in the Westmeath Examiner.


What does the procedure involve?
Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold (boiling at minus 196°c) and is used to freeze warts ad verrucas; it applied to the skin by using a spray gun or a metal probe. Although there is slight local pain felt, cryotherapy does not normally require a local anaesthetic, and the procedure itself lasts a matter of seconds; the precise time depending on the thickness and size of the lesion.

The frozen skin becomes white and takes one to two minutes to thaw to normal skin temperature.

Over the following days, a scab will form, and this will take one to two weeks (and occasionally a little longer, especially on the legs) to fall off. Usually, the treated area will eventually look normal, although slight scarring and discolouration is possible, particularly on the legs.

Depending on the type and size of the wart or verruca, more than one treatment may be necessary, and this is usually repeated at regular intervals.

What are the side effects of this treatment?
Immediate side effects:
Pain - cryotherapy is usually well-tolerated, but can sometimes cause slight pain if a deep freeze has been used. This discomfort can occur both at the time of treatment and for a variable time thereafter.

Painkillers (such as paracetamol) taken for the first 24 hours may relieve that discomfort; also taking a painkiller an hour or so prior to anticipated treatment can reduce the discomfort.

Swelling and redness - this is a normal immediate response to freezing the skin, and usually settles after two to three days. For a short while the treated area may ooze a little watery fluid.

Blistering - this is also a common consequence of cryotherapy and blisters settle after a few days as the scab forms. Some people blister more easily than others and the development of blisters does not necessarily mean that the skin has been frozen too much.

Infection - uncommonly, infection can occur, resulting in increased pain and the formation of pus; this may require topical antiseptic or antibiotic therapy.

Subsequent side effects:
Scarring - rarely, a slight scar will form, especially if a deep freeze has been used.

Pigmentation changes - the skin at and around the treatment site may lighten or darken in colour slightly, especially in dark skinned patients.

Treatment may not be effective with all patients or the condition may recur if the infection is reintroduced by recurrent cross infection. Your Chiropodist will advise you at the time of treatment. 

Whelehans Cryotherapy Clinic on Saturday May 30th

Whelehans Cryotherapy Clinic takes place on Saturday May 30th from 9am. An appointment takes approximately 20 minutes. Cost is €45 euro for first treatment (this includes assessment) and then €35 for follow up treatments should you need them.

Our Chiropodist James can treat adults and children. James can treat warts on your hand and verrucae on your feet. Follow up clinic will be last Saturday of each month. There are no discounts for medical card, children or old age pensioners.

Chiropodist James Pedley has a twice weekly chiropody clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays with reduced rates on Tuesdays for over 60s. Call 04493 34591 to book a chiropody appointment.