What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is the use of extreme cold – 87°c to freeze and destroy the cell structure of Verrucae/Warts (which are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus HPV) and various other skin lesions.
I use the Cryopen, this is a new and advanced Cryotherapy innovation which is fast, effective, safe and is a new solution for the removal of skin lesions and imperfections.
How does it work?
The Cryopen emits a fine jet of Nitrous Oxide under high pressure (725 psi), which allows the clinician to work with millimetre precision, this means the N20 (Nitrous Oxide) is delivered directly to the area being treated and not to the surrounding healthy tissue.
The lesion (Wart/Verrucae) is destroyed by freezing the inter-cellular fluid, forming ice crystals which rupture the membrane, thereby destroying the cells; this in turn triggers the bodies own immune system to attack and destroy the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
What are the Benefits?
Cryotherapy is beneficial in the treatment of Verrucae/Warts for the following reasons:
It can be used with a high degree of success on Verrucae/Warts.
It is quick and efficient.
It does not require hospital admission and can be carried out by a Foothealth Practitioner who has obtained the Diploma in Cryotherapy.
Successful treatment means patients can carry on with their activities such as swimming/gym without the worry of spreading the virus to others.
Treatment – What can you expect?
A detailed explanation of the treatment and after care advice is given, this will include a written information sheet which details what can be expected and signed consent by the patient is given.
Prior to the commencement of the Cryotherapy any overlying callous is gently removed, this allows for the fast conduction of the freeze into the tissue. The Verrucae/Wart is frozen for between 10 – 45 seconds depending upon the size of the lesion.
The area is then allowed to thaw to room temperature, when normal skin colour returns a second freeze may be required depending upon the specifics of the lesion and my clinical judgement.
A topical anti-viral treatment is applied to the area and then covered with a dressing.
Patients are advised to keep the area dry for 24 – 48 hours after Cryotherapy and to observe the area for blistering.
Patients are advised not to pop the blister, however if it does pop the area should be treated as an open wound and covered with an antiseptic dressing/plaster.
The patient will be warned that there may be inflammation and discomfort after Cryotherapy and mild pain killers may be required especially if the lesion is situated on a weight bearing area i.e. sole/heel of the foot.
The patient will be given a 2 week follow up appointment to assess if the treated area has been cleared or whether a further treatment is required.
Call or email me to discuss your foot health concerns or to make an appointment.
Tel. 01253 891326 or 07939151744.
Email: roz@footfocusfootcare.co.uk
If I don’t answer the phone I may be with a client so please leave a message and I’ll come back to you as soon as I can.