CLINIC No.     :  07 3186 4345

AFTER-HOURS: 134 100 (Hello Home Doctors)

ADVICE AFTER CRYOTHERAPY (‘FREEZING’)

  • On the first day, the treated area usually turns red & slightly inflamed.  
  • Over the next few days, the area may blister (with either clear or pink fluid)

DRESSING

  • If desired, you may apply a simple band-aid (at any time), to avoid rubbing the treated area and damaging it.
  • Band aids must remain dry.
  • When a crust forms, apply Vaseline / lip balm / moisturiser regularly, until the crust drops off.  The scab should always be greasy.
  • Do not pick any scabs off or ‘pop’ any blisters!
  • Crusts/scabs may last 5-10 days on the face, up to 3 weeks on the forearms/hands and occasionally up to 3 months on the lower legs. This is normal.

INFECTION

IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONTACT  THE APPROPRIATE PHONE NUMBER IN THIS LEAFLET

  • Redness (aside from the naturally occurring red rim to any wound)
  • Increasing pain
  • Swelling
  • Smelliness
  • Pus in/around the wound
  • Excessive bleeding – ie. more than a ‘smudge’ on the dressing
  • General temperature/fever
  • At the first sign of infection, please dab site with an antiseptic (e.g. Dettol or Iodine).

CLEANING

  • If needed, you may wash the area gently each day and keep the area generally clean. Simple soap & water or salty water is best.  Pat dry gently.  The scabs will naturally dry over a couple of hours.
  • You may shower the site gently but not bathe it.

PAIN

  • This treatment, apart from stinging at the time, may be uncomfortable for several hours afterwards.  Paracetamol (‘Panadol’) should adequately control this.
  • Increasing pain – after the first 48hrs – can be an early sign of infection.

OUTCOME

  • Once the skin has healed, it may be paler than the surrounding skin. This is more common with longer treatments (more than a few seconds per site)
  • Any lingering numbness/altered sensation to the area usually resolves within 2 months.
  • If the treated area seems not to have been cured of the original skin complaint as expected, a second course of cryotherapy may be required. Please contact the clinic to arrange an appointment.

Still not sure…

  • If you think that healing is not going as planned, please contact

CLINIC No.     :  07 3186 4345

OR

AFTER-HOURS: 134 100 (Hello Home Doctors)

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