Cryotherapy
It is a form of treatment that has been applied since the time of the Egyptians and Hippocrates. It is also known as ice cream, snow or cold therapy. It works by causing tissue destruction to eliminate diseased tissues in the applied area.
The gas to be used in the freezing process is passed through the probe and causes the tip of the probe to cool excessively. When the gas used for cooling is pushed to the tip of the probe by pressure, the gas suddenly expands in volume and the tip of the probe cools while drawing heat from the surroundings. Under the influence of cold, the pure water inside and outside the cell turns into ice crystals, resulting in the death of the cell. For this purpose, cryogenic substances such as solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) at -78.5°C, liquid nitrogen at -190°C, fluorocarbon and nitrous oxide are used. Cold is also applied to the tissues with tools called cryocautery made of silver or copper.
For which diseases can it be used?
- Warts (including genital warts),
- Molloscum contagiosum,
- Sun spots
- Epidermal cysts,
- Keloid,
- Seborrheic keratosis, >
- Actinic keratosis,
- Cheilitis,
- Dermatofibroma,
- Alopecia areata (pelad),
- It is applied in severe acne,
- Ingrown nails,
- Basal cell skin cancer.
What are the advantages of this method?
- It allows treatment of some skin tumors without the need for surgery (especially in elderly patients).
- Recurrence of warts after cryotherapy is less common than other methods.
- Good responses are obtained in the treatment of sunspots.
- The risk of serious injury or complications is extremely low.
- It is fast and easy to apply. It can be done under outpatient clinic conditions.
- It is cheap and safe.
- It does not require anesthesia.
- There is no change in normal life after the procedure. It does not affect sports activities and working life.
- The risk of bleeding after the procedure is extremely low.
- Cosmetic results are good.
- It can be used in pregnant women.
Are there any side effects?
The most important side effects after cryotherapy are pain, swelling and pain in the application area. is the collection of fluid. Therefore, patients may be offered painkillers immediately after the application. After healing is completed in the application area, skin color lightening or darkening may occur.
How long does it take to get results?
The time to get results depends on the location, depth and size of the lesion. It changes. For example, while 5-6 sessions are required for treatment of warts under the feet, the lesion in areas such as hands, face and genital area can be healed in 2-3 sessions.
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