Persistent Warts: My Year-Long Struggle with Cryotherapy Treatment

Q: Persistent Warts: My Year-Long Struggle with Cryotherapy Treatment

Hello： Regarding the causes and treatment of viral warts, you can refer to the article on the Dermatology Expert Health Network at http：//www.drskincare.com.tw/Qa/Detail.aspx?ID=52. <br>If cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is ineffective for viral warts, other treatment options ca

I have been undergoing cryotherapy for warts for almost a year, but they still haven't improved?

I developed a black, slightly raised spot on the sole of my foot, so I went to see a dermatologist in Taoyuan.
The doctor diagnosed it as a corn and performed cryotherapy.
Later, after moving to Taipei, I continued cryotherapy at another dermatology clinic.
After the treatment, the doctor mentioned that this wart might take a long time to resolve, leaving me uncertain whether it was a corn or a wart.
I thought it was fine since both were treated with cryotherapy.
However, it has now been nine months, and this spot has shed skin multiple times.
Currently, the center of the spot is white with a few black dots.
Each time I visit, the doctor tells me to come back next week, while I see many people online who have resolved theirs in less than a month, which feels strange to me.
Additionally, while undergoing this cryotherapy, I developed another wound.
The doctor confirmed it was indeed a wound and also treated it with cryotherapy, which has also lasted nine months without improvement.
I used artificial skin during this time, which helped somewhat, but the area remains white.
Today, I noticed that the wound has reappeared, so I continued with cryotherapy.
Now the wound has scabbed over, and after weekly cryotherapy sessions, the scab feels red and does not seem to improve.
Since it is not healing, I attempted to remove the scab and saw that underneath, there is white tissue that feels like a deep wound.
This raises a question for me: Can cryotherapy be used on a wound?

Mr. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/16

Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology

Hello: Regarding the causes and treatment of viral warts, you can refer to the article on the Dermatology Expert Health Network at http://www.drskincare.com.tw/Qa/Detail.aspx?ID=52.
If cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is ineffective for viral warts, other treatment options can be considered, such as topical wart solutions, electrosurgery, or surgical excision.
As for the wound area, since the lesion is not directly visible, it is not possible to determine the specific skin condition and whether cryotherapy is appropriate.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2017/05/16

More Info

Persistent warts, particularly on the soles of the feet, can be a frustrating and prolonged issue. It sounds like you have been undergoing cryotherapy for a significant amount of time, and it's understandable to feel concerned about the effectiveness of this treatment, especially when you see others achieving quicker results.

Cryotherapy is a common treatment for warts and other skin lesions, including plantar warts (which may be what you're experiencing). The procedure involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, which causes the wart tissue to die and eventually fall off. However, the effectiveness of cryotherapy can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may see results within a few weeks, while others may require multiple treatments over several months, as you've experienced.

The fact that your wart has persisted for nine months despite regular cryotherapy suggests that it may be more resistant to treatment. It's also worth noting that what you initially thought was a wart or corn could potentially be something else, such as a callus or another type of skin lesion. This is why it's crucial to have a proper diagnosis from a qualified dermatologist. If the treatment is not yielding results, it may be time to reassess the diagnosis and consider alternative treatments.

Regarding your question about whether cryotherapy can be applied to a wound, it is generally not recommended to perform cryotherapy on open wounds or areas of broken skin. Cryotherapy can cause additional irritation and may complicate the healing process of an existing wound. If you have a wound that has developed during your treatment, it would be best to consult with your dermatologist about the appropriate course of action. They may suggest allowing the wound to heal before continuing with cryotherapy or exploring other treatment options.

In addition to cryotherapy, there are other treatment modalities for warts that you might discuss with your dermatologist. These include topical treatments such as salicylic acid, which can help to gradually remove the wart, or more advanced options like laser therapy or immunotherapy, which can stimulate the body's immune response to fight off the wart virus.

It's also essential to maintain good foot hygiene and avoid any activities that may irritate the area further. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, or if the wart is affecting your daily activities, make sure to communicate this with your healthcare provider. They can help tailor a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.

In summary, while cryotherapy is a common and effective treatment for warts, its success can vary. If you are not seeing improvement after several months, it may be time to explore other treatment options or seek a second opinion to ensure you are receiving the most appropriate care for your condition. Always consult with your dermatologist before making any changes to your treatment plan.

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