Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy of common warts: cryo-spray vs. cotton wool bud

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2001.04190.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-11T05:37:32Z
• Authors: I. Ahmed; S. Agarwal; A. Ilchyshyn; S. Charles-Holmes; J. Berth-Jones
• Keywords: Cryotherapy; Cryosurgery; Plantar warts; Liquid nitrogen

Viral warts represent a large workload for dermatology departments. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is the most widely used method of treatment by dermatologists and increasingly general practitioners in U.K. Existing data relating to response cryotherapy are virtually all derived from use cotton wool bud as applicator. There an increasing trend cryo-spray freeze it has been assumed that this equally effective. In view involved important test assumption.This prospective study was undertaken compare these two methods regards cure rate after 3 months treatment.Patients referred hospital departments hand or foot were allocated have applied either bud. Using technique, until ice-ball formation had spread centre include margin 2 mm around each wart. Treatment done fortnightly up months. Plantar pared treated double freeze-thaw cycle. The endpoint complete clearance warts.Three hundred sixty-three patients enrolled, mean age 21 years (range 3-75), 188 male 175 female. duration 98 weeks (median 78, range 2-936). number on hands feet varied one 80 (mean 5). groups comparable baseline demographics. Two seven evaluable. Cure rates at 47% group 44% (P = 0.8). Warts present 6 less (n 31) greater chance (84%) compared more than (39%, n 176) < 0.0005).Cryotherapy our effective when means spray.