Cryotherapy Healing Stages
At our Cryotherapy Clinics in Manchester, we often get asked what the healing stages may look like following the treatment. Let’s delve more into what cryotherapy is and what you can expect during the healing process. This is an article that supports our Cryotherapy Service.
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a therapeutic technique that employs cold temperatures for various health benefits. It can be applied in a localized manner for specific areas or employed for the entire body to elicit a holistic response.
Localised cryotherapy methods encompass ice packs, ice massages, coolant sprays, ice baths, or specialized probes that decrease tissue temperature.
Conversely, whole-body cryotherapy involves exposing the entire body to extremely low temperatures for a short duration, providing a range of health advantages.
What’s involved in Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy, also referred to as cold therapy, is an umbrella term for treatments utilising cold temperatures. Its mode of action and treatment experience depend on the condition being addressed. You can find out more about what’s involved in the treatments we provide here.
Uses of Cryotherapy for Skin Lesions
Cryotherapy is commonly utilized for addressing skin lesions, which are irregular skin growths or patches that differ from the surrounding skin. Skin lesions can be:
1. Benign (non-cancerous) – like warts and verrucas
2. Actinic keratosis – These are precancerous skin cells that appear as scaly patches and may develop into cancer over time
3. Superficial skin cancer (skin cancer confined to the skin’s surface)
Cryotherapy aims to preserve the tissue surrounding the lesions and minimise scarring.
Preparing for and Undergoing Cryotherapy
No special preparation is needed for cryotherapy, though you may be asked to remove any makeup, lotion, or powder before the procedure. During cryotherapy, your healthcare provider will apply liquid nitrogen to the targeted area to freeze it.
Cryotherapy Healing Stages: Post-Treatment Skin Recovery
The treated skin will turn red shortly after the procedure and may also blister and swell. If blisters form, do not break them open. Clear drainage from the treated area is normal. The skin typically heals within 7 to 10 days, generally without scarring.
Post-Cryotherapy Care
To care for yourself after cryotherapy:
1. Starting the day following the procedure, gently wash the treated area daily with fragrance-free soap and water.
2. Apply Vaseline or to the treated area daily for 2 weeks to promote healing and prevent crusting. If crusting occurs, apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) until the crust detaches.
3. Leave the treated area uncovered. If any drainage occurs, use a bandage to cover it.
4. If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure with a clean gauze pad for 15 minutes. If it continues after a second attempt, contact your doctor’s office.
5. Refrain from using scented soap, makeup, or lotion on the treated area until it is fully healed, typically at least 10 days after the procedure.
6. Hair loss may occur in the treated area, depending on the depth of freezing. This hair loss could be permanent.
7. Once the treated area is healed, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to prevent scarring.
8. Discolouration (pinkness, redness, or lighter or darker skin) may persist for up to 1 year after the procedure. In some cases, the discolouration may last even longer or be permanent.
Everest Pharmacy – Cryotherapy and Aftercare
If you’re looking for a Cryotherapy Clinic In Manchester, look no further than Everest Pharmacy. Our trained specialists employ the latest techniques and equipment to provide gentle and effective removal. We’ll also help you with aftercare medicines and advice.
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This blog post was written on behalf of Everest Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.