Does it Hurt to Freeze Skin Lesions?

Cryotherapy (freezing skin lesions) is a common dermatological procedure to treat various skin conditions including warts, skin tags, actinic keratoses and even certain types of skin cancer.

Cryotherapy involves applying extreme cold, typically using liquid nitrogen, to skin lesions. The cold temperature destroys abnormal or unwanted tissue by causing ice crystals to form within the cells, which kills them. This process stimulates the body to remove the damaged tissue naturally, making way for new, healthy skin.

The primary concern for many patients is whether cryotherapy hurts. The answer can vary depending on individual pain tolerance, as well as the size and location of the lesion. When the liquid nitrogen is initially applied, you may feel a cold, stinging sensation. It may feel like touching something extremely cold, such as ice. The cold may be uncomfortable but is generally not considered painful. Once the treatment is finished, the area may feel numb or tingly for a while. This numbness helps reduce any immediate discomfort after the procedure. After cryotherapy some patients may experience mild discomfort as the treated area begins to heal. Common side effects include:

• Redness and swelling of the treatment area for a few days. The area may feel as if it has been sunburned.
• Blistering at the lesion site which may cause mild tenderness. The blister may be filled with clear fluid or blood; both are normal.
• Scabbing as the blister dries out. Eventually, the blister will fall off, but the new skin underneath may feel raw or itchy during this time.

The discomfort associated with cryotherapy is generally mild and temporary. However, there are several ways to manage any post-procedure discomfort including over-the-counter pain medicines, application of hydrocortisone to soothe the skin and keeping the area covered to prevent further irritation.