In short, it can be described as the application of cold. Cryotherapy is a form of treatment that has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Hippocrates. It is also known as freezing, snow or cold treatment. It works by causing tissue destruction in the treated area in order to destroy diseased tissue.

It is used in patients of all ages. The best cosmetic results are obtained in people with fair skin. In people with dark skin, lightening or darkening of the treated skin may occur after the procedure. The risk of scarring during healing is extremely rare. After the procedure, burn-like blistering may occur on the skin. This lasts about 1 week, and a crust forms, which is expected to fall off on its own.

Liquid nitrogen, an extremely cold substance, is sprayed onto the skin. No anaesthesia is needed for cryotherapy. The gas used for freezing is passed through a probe, causing the tip of the probe to become extremely cold. When the cooling gas is pushed to the tip of the probe under pressure, it suddenly expands in volume and, drawing heat from its surroundings, cools the tip of the probe. Through the effect of the cold, the pure water inside and outside the cells is turned into ice crystals, causing cell death. Cryogenic substances such as solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) at -78.5°C, liquid nitrogen at -190°C, fluorocarbons and nitrous oxide are used for this. Cold can also be applied to tissues with instruments made of silver or copper called cryocauteries.

Which conditions can it be used for?

* Warts and genital warts
* Sunspots
* Molluscum contagiosum
* Epidermal cysts
* Keloids
* Seborrhoeic keratosis
* Actinic keratosis
* Cheilitis
* Dermatofibroma
* Alopecia areata (pelade)
* Severe acne
* Ingrown nails

Cryotherapy is not used in conditions such as cold intolerance, rheumatic diseases, cold urticaria and Raynaud's disease.