CIGNA members: Please note that you may receive a letter in the mail stating that The Dermatology Center of Indiana is no longer in your network. This communication from CIGNA is incorrect and we would like to reassure you that we are still in network with CIGNA. We look forward to continuing to service you and your family for all your dermatology needs.

Liquid Nitrogen Treatment of Inflamed Seborrheic Keratoses

Liquid Nitrogen Treatment (also known as Cryosurgery) can be effective treatment for Actinic Keratosis, Seborrheic Keratosis, and Warts. In this procedure, the targeted area of skin will be exposed to liquid nitrogen, which is around -320 degrees Fahrenheit. The area must be exposed long enough for it to freeze, thus causing a blister to form under the frozen area. As new skin builds under the blister, the top layer of the blister will peel off, and possibly bring the lesion with it. Thicker lesions, such as many large warts, may need several treatments to fully remove the wart. It needs to be noted that this treatment is not immediate and takes a few days for full effect. During the procedure, you can expect the area to sting and have a burning sensation and immediately after it will be red, sore, and swollen. The next day the blister or blood blister will form and tenderness will most likely continue. After a week, the area will be dark red/brown and look somewhat scabbed over, but after two weeks this scab should peel and the area will be healed. During this process, make up or other materials that could irritate the skin should not be put on the area where Liquid Nitrogen Treatment is performed.