Liquid nitrogen treatment
Peer reviewed by Dr Philippa Vincent, MRCGPLast updated by Dr Rosalyn Adleman, MRCGPLast updated 8 Apr 2025
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Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold. It will freeze any living tissue it comes into contact with. Applying small amounts of liquid nitrogen to various skin problems is now a standard treatment. The medical term for this treatment is cryotherapy.
At a glance
Liquid nitrogen can be used to treat warts, verrucas, skin tags, and small skin growths.
The treatment usually lasts for 10-30 seconds and causes some discomfort.
After treatment, the treated area will discolour and fall off.
The surrounding skin may become red, swollen, or form a blister.
Most treated skin responds well, but some thicker warts may need more sessions.
In this article:
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What is liquid nitrogen used for?
Liquid nitrogen treats:
Skin tags.
Small fleshy growths.
Similar small 'lumps and bumps' on the skin
These are ideal for liquid nitrogen treatment.
Is liquid nitrogen treatment painful?
Back to contentsApplications usually last about 10-30 seconds. Try holding a cube of ice against your skin for 10-30 seconds. It is uncomfortable but usually not too painful. Liquid nitrogen applied to skin is similar but colder and most people find the discomfort quite bearable.
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What can I expect from liquid nitrogen treatment?
Back to contentsAfter a liquid nitrogen treatment, the lump, wart or whatever is being treated will gradually discolour and fall off.
The surrounding skin will sometimes become red and swollen and be sore for a day or so. It is similar to a mild burn.
Occasionally a blister (sometimes a 'blood blister') forms. If this happens, it is best to pop it with a clean pin and apply a plaster.
New skin quickly forms and any scab or blister will soon disappear. The appearance of the skin afterwards is usually good.
Does liquid nitrogen treatment always work?
Back to contentsUsually, it does. However, sometimes thicker warts or verrucas need two or more sessions of liquid nitrogen treatment over a period of a few weeks to get to the root.
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Frequently asked questions
What kind of small 'lumps and bumps' can be treated with liquid nitrogen?
Liquid nitrogen is used to treat common skin conditions such as warts and verrucas, skin tags, and small fleshy growths. It is ideal for these types of small skin imperfections.
How long does a typical liquid nitrogen application take?
Each application of liquid nitrogen typically lasts for about 10-30 seconds. The process is quick, and most people find the discomfort bearable.
What should I do if a blister develops after treatment?
Occasionally, a blister, which might sometimes be a 'blood blister', can form after the treatment. If this happens, it is recommended to pop it using a clean pin and then place a plaster over it.
Will my skin look normal after the liquid nitrogen treatment?
Yes, new skin forms quickly after the treatment, and any scab or blister will disappear. The skin's appearance afterwards is usually good.
Why might some conditions need multiple liquid nitrogen treatments?
While liquid nitrogen treatment usually works, some thicker warts or verrucas might require two or more treatment sessions over several weeks. This is to ensure the treatment effectively gets to the root of the issue.
Further reading and references
- Kwok CS, Gibbs S, Bennett C, et al; Topical treatments for cutaneous warts. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Sep 12;9:CD001781. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001781.pub3.
- Macaulay D; Liquid nitrogen for cryotherapy. Br J Gen Pract. 2012 Nov;62(604):572. doi: 10.3399/bjgp12X658214.
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About the authorView full bio
Dr Rosalyn Adleman, MRCGP
MRCGP
Dr Rosalyn Adleman, is an NHS GP working in north London.
About the reviewerView full bio
Dr Philippa Vincent, MRCGP
General Practitioner, Medical Author
MB BS, Bsc, MRCGP (2000), DCH, DFSRH, DRCOG
Dr Philippa Vincent is an NHS GP working in North London.
Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Next review due: 7 Apr 2028
8 Apr 2025 | Latest version
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