Skin tags, warts and verrucas are common and harmless, but they can be annoying or embarrassing. If you have been putting up with unwanted skin growths, cryotherapy in Chelmsford offers a quick and effective solution.
At The Old Rectory Clinic, we use advanced CryoPen technology to remove benign lesions safely and precisely. Here is everything you need to know about how the treatment works.
What Is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to destroy unwanted tissue. The treatment applies nitrous oxide to freeze targeted cells, causing them to break down and eventually fall away. New, healthy skin then grows in place of the treated area.
This freezing method has been used in dermatology for decades because it works effectively, heals quickly and rarely leaves noticeable scarring.
Conditions We Treat
Our cryotherapy and cautery treatment can address several common skin concerns in a single clinic visit.
Skin tags are small, soft growths that typically hang from the skin on a thin stalk. They commonly appear on the neck, armpits, under the breasts and around the groin. While harmless, many people find them unsightly or irritating when they catch on clothing or jewellery.
Warts are rough, raised bumps caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly affect the hands. Warts can be stubborn and sometimes spread if left untreated.
Verrucas are simply warts that develop on the soles of the feet. They may look flat because they get pressed inward when you walk, and they can become painful on weight-bearing areas.
The CryoPen Advantage
We use the CryoPen cryotherapy device, recognised as one of the most advanced systems available for treating benign skin lesions.
What makes CryoPen special is its precision. The pen-like applicator delivers a fine jet of nitrous oxide that targets only the lesion itself, leaving surrounding healthy skin unaffected. It can treat areas up to 10mm with pinpoint accuracy.
This precision means better cosmetic results and faster healing compared with older freezing methods that could affect a wider area of skin.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your appointment will typically last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many lesions need treating.
We start by assessing each growth to confirm it is suitable for cryotherapy. This assessment is important because some lesions need examination by a doctor first to rule out anything that might require different treatment.
During treatment, the CryoPen applies cold to the lesion for a carefully controlled time, typically between 5 and 30 seconds depending on the size and type of growth. You will feel a cold sensation and possibly some stinging, but most people find it very tolerable. There is no need for anaesthetic.
Afterwards, the treated area may look red or slightly swollen. Over the following days, a scab or small blister forms as the damaged cells break down. Within one to two weeks, this falls away to reveal fresh skin underneath.
Book an appointment today
Book a consultation with our doctor-led team and discover how we can help you look and feel your best.
Specific Treatments
Skin Tag Removal
Skin tag removal is one of our most requested procedures. A single freeze is usually enough to remove skin tags completely. Most people can have multiple tags treated in one session.
Wart Removal
Warts can be stubborn, especially if they have been present for a long time or have developed a thick, hard surface. Cryotherapy is highly effective, though thicker warts may need two or three treatment sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
Verruca Removal
Verrucas often prove resistant to pharmacy treatments because they grow inward under pressure from walking. Cryotherapy reaches the root of the verruca, destroying the virus-infected tissue so healthy skin can regrow.
Aftercare and Healing
Following cryotherapy, keep the treated area clean and dry. Avoid picking at any scabs or blisters that form, as this helps prevent infection and promotes better healing.
Most treated areas heal completely within two weeks. You may notice some temporary lightening or darkening of the skin at the treatment site, which usually fades over the following months.
Is Cryotherapy Right for You?
Cryotherapy suits most people, but it may not be appropriate if you have very poor circulation, certain skin conditions, or cold-related sensitivities. During your consultation, we check your medical history to ensure treatment is safe.
For general information about warts and verrucas, the NHS Trust at Guy’s and St Thomas’ provides helpful guidance on these common skin conditions.
Book Your Consultation
Tired of living with unwanted skin growths? Contact The Old Rectory Clinic to arrange your cryotherapy consultation. Most treatments take just minutes, and you can get back to your day straight away.
