184
Views
3
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Treatment

Small cryotherapy devices for the treatment of skin warts

&
Pages 745-750 | Received 19 Feb 2017, Accepted 01 May 2017, Published online: 16 May 2017
 

Abstract

Study purpose: Effectiveness of cryotherapy on skin wart models.

Materials and methods: Two small cryotherapy devices, Wartner and Wortie, were administered for 10″–60″ on tomatoes and potatoes used as skin wart models. Frozen surface and depth were evaluated by standardized photography and computer analysis. Tissue temperature at depths of 0.1–10 mm was assessed by an electronic thermometer during treatment.

Results: Cryotherapy induced a transient freezing of the tomato surface. The devices produced similar tomato tissue temperature reduction at all depths examined. At 5 mm, Wortie induced lower tissue temperatures than Wartner. Both devices induced potato tissue destruction to a depth of 0.5–1.2 mm at 40″ and 50″. Wartner induced a maximum destruction at 40″, Wortie led to a partially linear destruction depth with freezing time. The devices produced similar reduction of potato tissue temperature at all depths tested. Wartner induced more rapidly lower temperatures (1.5 mm, 10″, p = .001). Wortie induced lower tissue temperatures with time (0.1 mm, 50″, p = .025; 60″, p = .039; 5 mm, 60″, p = .05). None of the devices reached the lethal temperature of −22 °C.

Conclusions: Both cryotherapy devices produced sufficient tissue damage, at least in the potatoes, to a depth of 0.5–1.2 mm when applied for 40″ (commercially proposed time).

Disclosure statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and our ethical obligation as researchers, we are reporting that Prof. Dr. Prof. h.c. Dr. h.c. C.C. Zouboulis received funding from Trimb Healthcare, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, that may be affected by the research reported in the enclosed paper. I have disclosed those interests fully to Taylor & Francis, and I have in place an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts arising from this funding.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a research grant from Trimb Healthcare, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access
  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 65.00 Add to cart
* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.