Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy in Birmingham
At Your Local Pharmacy cryotherapy is as new as is the trend for the treatment. Sitting in a cold tank might seem an odd path to health. But the trend, which goes by the name of cryotherapy, is becoming increasingly popular.
At Your Local Pharmacy we give you service on Removal of Skin Tags, Age Spots, Cherry Spots, Milia, Warts, Verrucae’s
What is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a method of freezing which uses a substance called liquid nitrogen. A carefully controlled amount of liquid nitrogen is applied to the affected area of skin. This has the affect of freezing the targeted cells and destroying the lesion.
What conditions are treated?
Cryotherapy can be used for a number of different skin conditions such as:
- Warts and veruccas
- Seborrheic warts
- Basal cell carcinomas Sun damage (solar keratoses)
- Small fleshy growths and similar small ‘lumps and bumps’ on the skin that are ideal for liquid nitrogen treatment.
What does the procedure involve?
The liquid nitrogen is usually applied using a spray gun or cotton bud for about 10 to 30 seconds. It feels cold, but most people find the discomfort quite bearable. A doctor or nurse may carry out your treatment.
What are the risks and side effects of this treatment?
Cryotherapy is a safe and reliable treatment, and the cosmetic result is usually very good. However –
- Cryotherapy may not completely destroy the abnormal cells. Depending on the nature of the lesion, more than one treatment may be necessary, and this is usually repeated at regular intervals.
- Very rarely, a scar may form, especially if a deep freeze has been necessary (such as to treat a basal cell carcinoma).
- Pigmentation changes – the skin on and around the treatment site may lighten or darken in colour, especially in dark skinned people.
After treatment?
- Within 24 hours, the treatment skin will become red and swollen. The degree of swelling will depend on the site and the duration of freezing. This is normal.
- If the area is very sore, paracetamol or a similar pain killer using the recommended dosage may be taken.
- The redness and swelling usually lasts for a few days. Sometimes, a blister will form (blood in a blister is not sinister) just as with a burn. If this happens, keep the area clean. If necessary, do this using a dry dressing. If the blister becomes uncomfortable, use a clean needle to release the fluid.
- A scab will form after a few days. This will normally come off approximately 10 days later, leaving a pinkish coloured area underneath which will gradually fade. You should allow the scab to fall off naturally.
- You should be able to wash the area normally, but do not rub the area when drying with a towel – instead, pat the area dry.
- Do not go swimming until the area has scabbed over.
If you have any problems such as severe pain, swelling that does not respond to simple painkillers, you are concerned about infection, or if any change occurs that has not been covered by the above explanations,
For more contact us:
238 Wheelwright Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B24 8EH
0121 377 8811
DISCLAIMER
This service will not diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. We strongly advise you to seek medical advice should you be concerned about any related health matters.
For certain spots/warts/lumps we may need a doctor’s letter to confirm that it is treatable by us.
To make an appointment, or for more information about the Vitamin B12 Injection in Birmingham, call or pop into the pharmacy and speak to one of our highly trained staff.
