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Liquid Nitrogen Treatment

Liquid Nitrogen Treatment

Liquid nitrogen is a cold, liquefied gas with a temperature of 196 degrees below zero Celsius (-321 Fahrenheit). Liquid nitrogen is used in Portland to destroy superficial skin growths like warts, pre-skin cancers called actinic keratosis and common benign growths called seborrheic keratosis. Liquid nitrogen causes stinging and mild pain while the growth is being treated. It freezes and then thaws. In Portland, this process takes less than a minute but the discomfort can last from five to thirty minutes.

Some hours after the liquid nitrogen treatment, the treated skin will become swollen and red and may form a blister. Once the blister forms, applying Vaseline to the area will help it heal without crusting and scabbing. A scab may slow down the healing process, so it is recommended that the area be kept greasy.

You can wash your skin as usual and use make up or other cosmetics. If clothing irritates the treated area you may cover it with a small bandage. Occasionally, the liquid nitrogen treatment fails and a second or different treatment is necessary.

You can learn more about liquid nitrogen treatment at American Academy of Dermatology.

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