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 is used to treat skin problems like warts, verrucas, and skin tags.
The treatment involves applying cold liquid to the affected area for 10-30 seconds.
Most people find liquid nitrogen treatment uncomfortable but bearable.
After treatment, the treated area may become red and swollen, and a blister might form.
The treated area usually discolours, falls off, and new skin grows underneath.
Some thicker skin problems may need more than one treatment session.
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 is the typical aftercare for the treated area following liquid nitrogen application?
After a liquid nitrogen treatment, the treated area will gradually discolour, and the growth will eventually fall off. The skin around the treated spot may become red, swollen, and sore for about a day, similar to a mild burn. Sometimes, a blister, which can occasionally be a 'blood blister', might form. If a blister appears, it's recommended to pop it with a clean pin and cover it with a plaster. New skin will form quickly, and any scab or blister will disappear, usually leaving the skin with a good appearance.
How long does it take for the treated growth to fall off after liquid nitrogen treatment?
Following liquid nitrogen treatment, the lump, wart, or other growth will gradually discolour and then fall off as the healing process progresses.
Are there any specific types of skin growths that are not suitable for liquid nitrogen treatment?
The article specifies that liquid nitrogen is ideal for treating warts and verrucas, skin tags, small fleshy growths, and similar small 'lumps and bumps' on the skin. It does not mention any types of growths that are unsuitable.
How quickly does the skin recover after a liquid nitrogen treatment?
New skin forms quickly after the treatment. Any scab or blister that may have developed will soon disappear, and the treated area typically heals well, resulting in a good appearance of the skin.
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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