Use of Cryotherapy in Dermatology: A Pioneering Experience at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Cyrotherapy is a major therapeutic modality for a wide variety of skin conditions such as viral warts,
moles, molluscum contagiosum, lupus erythematosus, solar lentigo, seborrhoeic keratosis and epidermal naevi.
It is an effective, easy to use treatment modality which is not readily available in Nigeria. We report our pioneering
experience with the use of cryotherapy in the treatment of common skin diseases in Lagos, Nigeria.
Materials and method: A retrospective study of patients treated with cryotherapy between January 2010 and
December 2011 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Demographic and clinical data were obtained, and treatment
outcome, complications and patient satisfaction were documented.
Results: Twenty six patients were treated with cryotherapy during the period under review. Mean age was 23.38 ±
16.36 years; with an age range of 2-73 years. 21 (80.77%) patients had viral warts, 4 (15.38%) molluscum
contagiosum and 1 (3.84%) had an epidermal nevus. 20 patients were seen post procedure and of these, 17 (85%)
had resolved lesions, while 3 (15%) had no improvement.
Conclusion: We have demonstrated the effective use of cryotherapy in the management of common dermatological
conditions among Nigerian patients. There is need to increase availability and accessibility of this simple, cost effective procedure