At Everest Pharmacy, we often meet patients who have tried numerous home remedies for stubborn warts without success. Warts can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and sometimes even embarrassing, especially when they appear on the hands or feet. One of the most effective ways to remove them is through cryotherapy. Many patients feel nervous about what the treatment involves, which is why we want to take you behind the scenes and explain exactly what happens when you sit down in the freezing chair.
Step One: The Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a consultation. At this stage, we examine the wart closely to confirm that cryotherapy is the right treatment. Not all skin growths are warts, and it is important to rule out anything that requires further medical attention. We also review your medical history to check that cryotherapy is safe for you, particularly if you have circulation problems, diabetes, or sensitive skin.
This consultation is your chance to ask questions and discuss any concerns. Some patients worry about pain, others about scarring, and some simply want to know how long it will take to heal. Our team is here to provide reassurance and clear, honest answers.
Step Two: Preparing the Area
Once cryotherapy is confirmed as suitable, we prepare the area. The skin around the wart is cleaned to reduce any risk of infection. Sometimes the surface of the wart may be pared down gently to remove excess hard skin, especially in the case of plantar warts on the feet. This allows the freezing process to target the deeper tissue more effectively.
You are then positioned comfortably in the chair so that the wart is easy to access. The freezing process requires precision, and we make sure everything is ready before starting.
Step Three: The Freezing Process
Cryotherapy works by applying extreme cold to the wart tissue. At Everest Pharmacy, this is usually done using liquid nitrogen. The nitrogen is either sprayed directly onto the wart or applied with a small probe. The temperature is so low that it quickly freezes the cells in the wart, destroying them and triggering your immune system to clear away the affected tissue.
Patients often describe the sensation as sharp, stinging, or like holding an ice cube against the skin for longer than usual. The discomfort is temporary and usually lasts only a few seconds. The freezing may be repeated a couple of times during the same session to make sure the wart is fully treated.
Step Four: Immediately After the Treatment
Once the freezing is complete, the treated area may appear red or swollen. Some patients develop a blister within a day or two, which is a normal part of the healing process. The blister may be clear or filled with a little blood, and it will gradually dry out and form a scab.
You may feel mild soreness after the procedure, especially if the wart was on the sole of your foot where you put weight on it. Simple pain relief, such as paracetamol, is usually enough if you need it.
Step Five: Healing and Aftercare
Healing after cryotherapy takes one to two weeks for most patients, depending on the size and location of the wart. During this time, it is important not to pick at the blister or scab, as this can cause infection or scarring. Keeping the area clean and dry is usually all that is required. If the wart was on your foot, you may want to cover it with a plaster to reduce friction while walking.
In some cases, more than one session is needed. Warts can be persistent, and larger or thicker growths sometimes require repeat treatments. At Everest Pharmacy, we will book a follow-up appointment if necessary and continue to support you until the wart is fully cleared.
Why Choose Professional Cryotherapy
Many patients ask why they cannot simply use over-the-counter treatments or home remedies. While some of these options work for smaller warts, they often take a long time and require persistence. Warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) can be particularly stubborn, and home methods may not penetrate deep enough into the tissue to remove them completely.
Professional cryotherapy is fast, precise, and carried out under expert supervision. It reduces the chance of spreading the virus to other parts of your body and provides a higher success rate than most home remedies. At Everest Pharmacy, we provide cryotherapy in Leicester, offering a safe and reliable option for patients who want results without unnecessary delay.
Find Lasting Relief
Sitting in the freezing chair for cryotherapy may sound intimidating, but the process is straightforward, quick, and highly effective. From the consultation to aftercare, our team is here to make sure you feel comfortable and supported at every step.
If you are struggling with warts that will not go away, professional treatment is often the best choice. At Everest Pharmacy, we provide expert cryotherapy in Leicestershire, helping patients find lasting relief from stubborn warts with a safe and proven method. Contact us today to book your consultation and take the first step towards clear, healthy skin.

This blog was written on behalf of Everest Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.