title: Practical cryotherapy for skin disease.
abstract: Cutaneous cryotherapy effects cellular destruction by physically destroying cell membranes after exposure to subzero temperatures. Cryosurgery is predominantly used to treat benign and pre-malignant skin tumors. Advanced techniques are occasionally performed for more aggressive palliation of pain, bleeding, infection and cure. Outcomes are improved by following proper technique, discussing postoperative expectations, and avoiding treatment of undefined entities. This review will primarily discuss practical applications of the open spray technique, performed using the handheld spray device known casually as the "cryo gun".
authors.affiliation: Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California, USA. swann.mike@gmail.com
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Swann
authors.forename: Trisha A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D017679:Cryotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome