Brown spots are often stubborn and difficult to get rid of. Dermatologists and cosmetic doctors have several techniques at their disposal to eliminate them. One of these methods is called cryotherapy. Although more well known for burning warts than eradicating brown spots, cryotherapy is a an ancient and relatively simple method.
Summary
In dermatology, cryotherapy consists of burning a lesion with liquid nitrogen cooled to about -190 °C. We often associate “burns” with heat, but cryotherapy “burns” with the cold!
Cryotherapy is generally known as being one of the main methods used to eliminate warts. Few people realize that cryotherapy is also a treatment used against hyperpigmentation.
In general, just one or two sessions are necessary to remove brown spots using cryotherapy.
The side effects associated with cryotherapy are generally mild. Skin burned with nitrogen may become red, then develop an edema, followed by a small scab that will eventually fall off by itself.
But it is important to realize that marks removed with nitrogen may reappear if the triggering factors have not been eliminated, in particular sun exposure. You must apply effective sun protection after cryotherapy treatment, then on a daily basis.
The liquid nitrogen used to remove brown spots is available from doctors only. Some medical devices claim to eliminate brown spots by burning them with cryotherapy, but using substances other than liquid nitrogen. Before using them, first seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist. It is important not to confuse them with the medical devices designed to burn warts.
