Liquid nitrogen, or LN 2 , is used in dermatological treatments in therapies known as cryotherapy. The term comes from the Greek word “kryo” which means “cold,” which means that cryotherapy refers to medical treatment with cold, and belongs to so-called thermotherapies, which have been used by people since antiquity. Dermatologists have been using this type of therapy since before 1900.
Cryotherapy is a relatively easy procedure to learn and apply, with an extremely low complication rate. Generally very good cosmetic and functional results are also obtained. However, as with all other invasive therapeutic methods, the prerequisite for good results is a good knowledge of their functioning and orderly handling, as well as a precise indication.
What are the applications of LN? 2 in medicine?
One application of cold in medicine is what is called cryosurgery. The first was carried out in 1961 by Dr. I. Cooper using a closed system to manipulate the LN 2 , to perform a neurological procedure. It was then demonstrated that this same equipment could be used for skin operations, with better temperature-skin control. Cryosurgery has been applied by dermatologists for more than 50 years and provides an effective, painless way, with few side effects, to the area of skin where it is applied.
What are the uses of LN2 therapies in dermatology?
Cryotherapy with application of LN 2 is the controlled use of cold to destroy cells for therapeutic purposes. Nowadays, this method can be considered as established with other operational dermatology methods such as conventional scalpel surgery, dermabrasion, high frequency electrosurgery, radiation and finally laser therapy, and has proved to be a valuable complement to dermotherapy. Based on research on the physical and biological effects of cold on tissues, various methods of application and control of cryotherapy have been developed and are used depending on the skin lesions to be treated. The latter are essentially divided into four main groups of indications:
- Treatment of semi-malignant and malignant skin tumors.
- Treatment of superficial (intraepithelial), benign, and precancerous skin changes.
- Treatment of inflammatory and infectious skin diseases.
- Treatment of scars and keloids.
What types of skin conditions can be treated with LN2?
Uses of LN 2 are determined by the properties of this element; it is abundant in the atmosphere, inert, has a low boiling point and is also cheaper than other gases used for the same purpose, such as argon. That is why many practices may have liquid nitrogen in special tanks for storing it for use.
In that sense, the application of LN 2 on the affected area of the skin can be done in several ways. One of the simplest methods used for cold application was to immerse small cylindrical copper disks in liquid nitrogen and place them on the skin; however, this is a method where precise temperature control is not available. Other techniques that use special equipment to apply cold with nitrogen include cryopray (nitrogen is sprayed as an aerosol) and cryoderm. Cryotherapies using LN 2 may be used to treat conditions such as
- Warts Vulgaris Warts Planar Warts Planar Warts.
- Moluscum Contagiosum.
- Nevus Aracneus, Nevus Verrucoso and Angiomas en Fresa (small size).
- Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helix.
- Dermatofibromas.
- Larva Migrans.
- Eyelid Xanthoma.
- Hypertrophic Acne scars and some active Acne lesions.
- Cheroids.
- Kerotoacanthoma.
- Actinic Keratosis Secretory Keratosis.
- Epithelioma Cellular Base (Surface).
Why should the dermatology sector have Kalstein nitrogen reservoirs?
Equipment manufacturer Kalstein has in its product catalog the highest quality instruments for the field of medicine. And, thinking of dermatologists, he makes nitrogen tanks available as a support for LN storage and transport 2 , which is fundamental to cryotherapy applied by these professionals. Available nitrogen tank models can be found at the following link HERE, and has among other technical features:
- Made from a high-strength material such as aluminum and steel
- Small, medium and large capacity tanks are available
- Very low evaporative losses
- The tank design makes it easier to handle nitrogen
On the manufacturer’s homepage HERE, you can also find other instruments, in addition to consular prices, purchase or request additional information in case of doubt.
