Cryotherapy involves freezing a wart using a very cold substance (usually liquid nitrogen). Cryotherapy is a standard treatment for warts and can be done in a doctor's office. It usually takes less than a minute.
During the procedure, the doctor applies the liquid nitrogen to the wart using a probe or a cotton swab. Liquid nitrogen can also be sprayed directly on the wart. Cryotherapy is often painful. A numbing drug (local anesthetic) is sometimes used.
Most cryotherapy treatment requires return visits to ensure that the wart is completely removed.
Studies show that cryotherapy is successful about two-thirds of the time, and when combined with salicylic acid treatment, up to 78% of the time.
