Cryosurgery involves using a cold spray, liquid nitrogen, to freeze a growth on the skin. Dr. Rosenberger commonly uses this technique to treat warts, seborrheic keratoses and actinic keratoses. The cold spray freezes the skin and causes a microscopic separation of the skin. Depending on the extent of freezing and the area of the body that is treated, a visible blister may develop at the cryosurgery site. A blister does not always form. If you are prone to bruising or are on blood thinners, the blister may fill with blood.

Please follow these instructions to ensure the best healing and least scarring at your cryosurgery site.

Keep in mind that healing takes time and takes longer for areas furthest away from the heart.

• Cleanse the area in the bath/shower as you are cleansing the rest of your skin. An antibacterial soap used in the treated area would be helpful.
• Apply Vaseline, Aquaphor or antibacterial ointment to the treated area a few times a day to keep the wound moist. The desire is to prevent any scab formation.
• If a blister forms, try to not pop the blister. The blister can act as a natural bandaid while the skin beneath is healing.
• If you develop any more than a 1 inch rim of redness around the wound OR if you develop any persistent yellow oozing OR if you develop any foul odor in the wound. Please call the office and ask to be seen as soon as possible for a wound check.

You will be asked to return to the office in 4 weeks for Dr. Rosenberger to evaluate the cryosurgery site. Dr. Rosenberger would like to evaluate the healing process and make sure the lesion responded to treatment. In some cases, especially if the lesion is very large or thick, it may be need to be retreated. Dr. Rosenberger always errs on the side of caution and would rather retreat an area than cause excessive scarring.