Freezing Treatment for Viral Warts: What to Expect

Cryotherapy for viral warts?

Hello Doctor, recently I developed a viral wart on the outer side of my left foot's third toe.
I visited a dermatologist last Wednesday and underwent cryotherapy, and I have scheduled another treatment in two weeks.
After the first treatment, a blister formed at the site (the size does not affect my daily life), but as of today, about a week later, there are no significant signs of the blister shrinking.
Therefore, I would like to ask: 1.
How long does it typically take for the blister to completely disappear? 2.
If the blister has not healed by my follow-up appointment next week, can I still proceed with cryotherapy? Thank you!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/10

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

Generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for it to dry out.
In principle, it is meaningful to proceed only after it has completely dried.

Reply Date: 2023/01/10

More Info

Freezing treatment, also known as cryotherapy, is a common and effective method for treating viral warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This treatment involves applying extreme cold to the wart, typically using liquid nitrogen, which destroys the wart tissue. After the procedure, it is not uncommon for patients to experience some side effects, including the formation of blisters.

1. Duration for Blister Resolution: The blister that forms after cryotherapy is a normal response as the body reacts to the cold treatment. Generally, blisters can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to resolve completely. The timeline can vary based on individual healing responses, the size of the blister, and the location on the body. In most cases, if the blister is small and not causing significant discomfort, it will gradually shrink and heal on its own without the need for intervention.
2. Proceeding with Further Treatment: If you return for your follow-up appointment and the blister has not completely healed, it is still possible to proceed with additional cryotherapy. However, this decision should be made by your dermatologist based on the condition of the blister and the surrounding skin. If the blister is intact and not infected, the doctor may choose to treat the wart again. However, if there are concerns about the blister, such as signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus), the doctor may recommend waiting until it has healed before proceeding with further treatment.

In terms of aftercare, it is essential to keep the area clean and dry. Avoid popping the blister, as this can lead to infection. If the blister breaks, gently clean the area and apply a sterile bandage to protect it. Over-the-counter pain relief can be used if you experience discomfort.

Cryotherapy is often performed multiple times to ensure the wart is completely eradicated, as some warts may require several treatments for optimal results. It is also important to note that while cryotherapy is effective, it may not work for everyone, and some warts may recur even after successful treatment.

If you have any concerns about the treatment process or the healing of your blister, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Remember, patience is key in the healing process, and following your doctor's recommendations will help ensure the best outcome.

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