Post-Cryotherapy Complications: When to Seek Medical Attention

Q: Post-Cryotherapy Complications: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello： Although these are possible situations that may occur with cryotherapy on the soles of your feet, you don't have to endure it for too long. <br>You don't need to wait for your appointment in two days; you can visit a clinic with an earlier availability! If that particular

After cryotherapy for warts, the blister has turned deep purple, and there is a band of redness approximately 1.5 centimeters wide surrounding it?

I have a viral wart on the sole of my foot.
After undergoing cryotherapy about ten times, there was no significant improvement.
Five days ago, I consulted a new physician who performed cryotherapy twice in succession.
They applied liquid nitrogen on a cotton swab and pressed it against my skin.
After the first session, I waited about two minutes, observed the area, and then repeated the process.
After returning to my dorm, I noticed a blister.
I rested for three days and walked very little.
However, yesterday after work, I walked a longer distance and then noticed that the blister had turned a deep purple, almost black, thickened, and was very painful.
I couldn't sleep at all that night.
Today, I found that the blister had grown larger.
The skin around the blister appears white, possibly due to the blister's swelling.
The blister is now about the size of a one-dollar coin, with a height of approximately 0.6 to 0.8 centimeters.

Additionally, there is a concerning area on the sole of my foot that has turned red, and when I press it with my finger, it feels slightly swollen.
This redness extends in a band-like manner from the blister to the inner edge of my foot, about 1.5 centimeters wide.
The skin around the blister is itchy.
The previous doctor mentioned that I should expect a large blister.
After prior cryotherapy sessions, I also experienced areas turning black and purple, which the physician attributed to internal bleeding, and they did not indicate that this was problematic.

The previous doctor said that pain is normal because it is necessary to induce inflammation.
However, this time the blister keeps enlarging, and it feels like there is continuous bleeding inside.
Since last night, the pain has been constant.
The red, swollen area extending from the blister to the edge of my foot is also quite alarming.
I want to understand what is happening.
Are these symptoms within the normal range, or are they severe enough that I should seek immediate medical attention? I have an appointment with the physician who treated me in two days.
Should I quickly switch to another doctor, or is this a normal transitional phase after cryotherapy that I need to endure?

Jun Jie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/02/19

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology

Hello: Although these are possible situations that may occur with cryotherapy on the soles of your feet, you don't have to endure it for too long.
You don't need to wait for your appointment in two days; you can visit a clinic with an earlier availability! If that particular doctor is not available, seeing another dermatologist is also an option.
They will be able to address your concerns.
Wishing you a smooth recovery!

Reply Date: 2008/02/19

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant discomfort and complications following cryotherapy for your plantar warts. Based on your description, it is important to understand the typical healing process after cryotherapy, as well as when to seek medical attention.

Cryotherapy, which involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, can lead to various side effects, including blistering, pain, and changes in skin color. It is not uncommon for blisters to form after treatment, and they can sometimes appear dark or discolored due to blood pooling beneath the skin. This is generally a result of the freezing process causing damage to the blood vessels in the area. However, the symptoms you are describing—such as the increasing size of the blister, the pain that is preventing you from sleeping, and the redness and swelling extending from the blister—are concerning.

Here are some key points to consider:
1. Normal vs. Abnormal Healing: While some pain and blistering can be expected after cryotherapy, the fact that your blister has grown significantly larger and is causing you intense pain is not typical. The presence of redness and swelling that extends beyond the blister suggests that there may be an inflammatory response or even an infection developing.
2. Signs of Infection: The symptoms you describe, particularly the increasing size of the blister, the surrounding redness, and the pain, could indicate an infection. Signs of infection include increased redness, warmth, swelling, and pus or drainage from the blister. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

3. When to Seek Medical Attention: Given that you are experiencing severe pain and the blister is changing in appearance, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional sooner rather than later. While waiting for your scheduled appointment in two days might be acceptable if your symptoms were mild, the severity of your current symptoms warrants immediate evaluation.
4. Changing Doctors: If you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed by your current physician, it is within your rights to seek a second opinion. Your health and comfort are paramount, and if you believe that your symptoms are not being taken seriously, finding a doctor who will listen and provide appropriate care is essential.

5. Self-Care Measures: In the meantime, try to keep the area clean and dry. Avoid popping the blister, as this can increase the risk of infection. If the pain becomes unbearable, over-the-counter pain relief medications may help, but consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new medication.

In summary, while some discomfort and blistering can be expected after cryotherapy, the severity of your symptoms suggests that you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential complications from a procedure. Your health is important, and addressing these symptoms promptly can help prevent further issues.

Similar Q&A

Managing Pain and Swelling After Cryotherapy for Warts

I just completed my second cryotherapy session on my hand. Initially, the treatment area was somewhat painful, but it was manageable, and there were no blisters, just slight redness and swelling. I went to play basketball, but when I returned home, I noticed that it hurt even mor...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
You should rest and avoid playing basketball. If symptoms worsen, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.

Post-Cryotherapy Concerns for Corns: When to Seek Medical Advice?

Yesterday, I discovered that the sole of my left foot hurts when I walk. Upon inspection, I found a growth and suspected it might be a corn. I immediately visited a dermatologist, who diagnosed it as a corn and performed cryotherapy. It has been painful for a full day, and when I...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
It is normal to experience pain after cryotherapy, and you can take acetaminophen for relief. For any other questions, you should consult your attending physician, as they are most familiar with your condition.

Understanding Post-Cryotherapy Skin Changes: What to Expect

After completing a cryotherapy session, I noticed that after showering and applying medication, the dead skin on the bottom of my foot started to peel off, revealing an invasive-looking indentation filled with many thread-like structures that felt like skin being pulled. Is this ...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Without actually seeing the lesion, it is impossible to determine the issue. If it is causing significant distress, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. A proper examination is necessary to identify the problem and determine the appropriate course of action.

Understanding Post-Cryotherapy Swelling of Hand Warts

Hello doctor, I would like to ask if swelling after cryotherapy for warts on both hands is a normal phenomenon.

Dr. Li Yufen reply Dermatology
Hello: After cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, the surrounding skin may experience swelling similar to frostbite, and there may even be the formation of blisters. Thank you!