Cryosurgery (or liquid nitrogen destruction) is the treatment of lesions with the application of a cold substance to cause them to slough off. During the treatment you may experience a burning sensation for a few seconds to the area being treated. You may then feel some soreness, burning, tingling or itching for up to 24 hours later. The area treated will become red and swollen like a mosquito bite for a day. Then they will either scab up or blister and then scab up over the next 2-3 days. These areas should peel off and heal within a week. Risks of the procedure are uncommon but include infection and mild scarring.

Wound Care:

Treat the area like a scrape:

1. Wash all areas treated with soap and water, in the shower is fine. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the wounds.
2. Pat the area dry and apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment. Polysporin or Bacitracin are best (it is OK to use triple antibiotic or Neosporin if you know that you are not allergic to these) and can be purchased at any drugstore for $3-5.00. If you wound like to use an herbal healing salve you can purchase Herbal Ed’s Salve here at Ho’o Lokahi Health Center or use Country Comfort from Kona Naturals.
3. Only to areas that may be irritated by clothing, undergarments, or possibly get soiled, apply a Band-Aid for 3-4 days until the wound is completely healed

If you experience increased tenderness, more redness or draining of pus, please call the clinic right away, 329-1146.