CRYOTHERAPY (LIQUID NITROGEN) WOUND CARE
Bandage Care
Your provider treated a specific area(s) today with liquid nitrogen which will likely form a
blister.
• You do not need to bandage the area until the blister forms and “breaks open”.
• Follow the instructions below for daily wound care when the blister “breaks open”:
1. Clean and dry the area with tap water using a clean Q-tip or a sterile gauze pad
2. Apply Vaseline over the entire wound. DO NOT use Neosporin.
3. Cover the wound with a band-aid or sterile non-stick pad and paper tape.
4. Repeat these steps at least once a day until the wound is completely healed.
• Continue normal activity and diet
• Take your regular daily medications as prescribed by your provider.
Expectations/Wound Healing
All wounds normally drain as part of the healing process • The larger the wound, the
more drainage will occur
• 7-10 days after cryotherapy, new skin will begin to grow
• New skin can be visualized with a shiny surface and dark pink or red in color
• Wounds can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to heal completely, while larger wounds may
take up to 6-8 weeks
• Tightness and sensitivity to temperature to the wound is normal, this will go away with
time
• Applying Vaseline to site(s) will help relieve the itchiness sensation that is associated with
wound healing
Supplies needed:
- Cotton tipped applicators (Q-tips)
- Vaseline (NOT NEOSPORIN)
- Band-aids OR non-stick pads (telfa) and paper tape
Possible Complications/When to Call
- Signs/symptoms of infection:
• Warmth to the touch
• Red streaking around surgical site
• Increased pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Foul smelling drainage
Questions/Concerns contact our office (hours 7:30-4:00pm):
804-538-1033 opt. 3
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:
Dr. Wallace’s cellphone: 703-431-9519