Cryotherapy and photodynamic therapy are two quick treatments that need no surgery and work very well for certain skin lesions.
Please note: cryotherapy is only available at my Gibraltar clinic (Midtown Clinic). In Málaga and Fuengirola I will suggest other options that work just as well.
Cryotherapy (Gibraltar only)
Intense cold (liquid nitrogen) is applied to the lesion to destroy it. It takes a few seconds, needs no anaesthetic and causes mild, short-lived discomfort.
Common uses: warts, isolated actinic keratoses, sun spots and seborrhoeic keratoses.
Afterwards: a small blister or scab may form and falls off within one to two weeks. Several sessions are sometimes needed, especially for warts.
Photodynamic therapy
A light-sensitising cream is applied to the affected area and, after a waiting time, the skin is exposed to a specific light. Together they selectively destroy damaged cells while sparing healthy skin.
Common uses: multiple actinic keratoses (so-called “field cancerisation” on the face or scalp) and some superficial basal cell carcinomas.
Benefits: it treats a whole area at once with an excellent cosmetic result. Afterwards: the skin stays red for a few days and sun exposure should be avoided.
Which is right for me?
It depends on the type, number and location of the lesions. In clinic I will assess your skin with dermoscopy and recommend the most suitable option.
This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation.
