Freezing a Wart – Guidelines for Effective Wart Removal

Doctors and scientists have been working for over 100 years on the process of cryosurgery.  Today the act of freezing a wart can be accomplished in your dermatologist or physician's office with a powerful freezing agent (usually liquid nitrogen).  You can also freeze a wart at home thanks to the development of home wart freezing kits.  While the freezing agents offered in these kits are not as powerful (or as cold) as liquid nitrogen, they have seen significant success.

When enlisting the help of a physician you will want to research diligently before deciding on a provider.  Cryosurgery is a relatively common and simple process but any medical procedure involves some risk.   Be sure that your chosen physician has significant experience in this area.  When you have made your choice, schedule a preliminary visit.  Again, be diligent in discussing your medical history and any medications you are taking with your physician.  In some cases local anesthetic will be applied and it will greatly minimize the risks involved if your doctor is well aware of any medications in your system that may react with the anesthetic. 

You may be asked to prepare the wart prior to surgery.  Following these instructions carefully can greatly increase the effectiveness of the procedure and possibly minimize the number of treatments necessary.  Many doctors will ask that you apply salicylic acid every day for two weeks prior to your appointment.  Salicylic acid can be found in gel form or on an adhesive pad at your local pharmacy.  Clean the area thoroughly and apply as directed.  The acid will break down the top layers of the wart allowing your doctor to affect tissue much deeper in the growth.

The process of cryosurgery itself is a relatively simple one.  After thorough cleaning, your doctor will apply a freezing agent (most commonly liquid nitrogen) directly to the wart.   This can be done through a tube called a cryoprobe, in spray form or by simply dabbing it on with a cotton swab.  Patients often relate the feeling to their skin being stuck to an ice cube.  There is usually a burning sensation after, as the skin thaws out.

The area will blister and, over the following weeks, redden and then darken in color.  The wart will eventually fall off on its own.  It is very important not to pick at the area during this time as doing so could cause the wart to return or, even worse, allow an infection to occur. 

The cost of this procedure is not extreme – usually around $50 per treatment.  However, most common warts average about 4 sessions with many more required for warts on hard or callused skin.

Home wart kits are an attractive option for many reasons.  They are quite cost effective (usually running between $20 and $30).  They provide privacy and are significantly less time consuming that a trip to your doctor.  They often utilize dimethyl ether and propane, freezing agents that have been found effective though much less powerful than the liquid nitrogen used by your doctor.  These kits can be found at your local pharmacy and have simple instructions for use.