Post Op Care

Understanding your post operative care

CANTHORONE is a blistering solution used to treat viral conditions like warts and molluscum.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CANTHORONE CARE:

  • Keep area where acid was applied covered for at least 4 hours.
  • Wash area with soap and water after 4 hours. Don not leave on any longer.
  • If you experience discomfort within the 4-hour period, you can wash the acid off sooner.
  • The area may or may not blister. This is normal. (If it’s a painful blister you can take a sterile needle and pop the blister from the side) Do not peel skin.

You may use Tylenol or Mortin to alleviate any discomfort or pain you may experience.

The procedure you have just had using liquid nitrogen is called cryosurgery. Liquid Nitrogen is minus (-) 192 degrees and must be stored in special containers. It evaporates on contact with the air and becomes water and water vapor, which is why it appears to smoke.

Cryosurgery is a surgical technique that avoids cutting, burning, or the need for Anesthesia. For selected lesions or growths, cryosurgery is the best treatment because of its safety, minimal- post surgical care, and excellent cosmetic results.

Following treatment the session or growth will appear unchanged. Soon afterward the area will become red and slightly swollen. Within 24 to 48 hours a blister or water bubble often appears. This blister may be so small it is barely evident, or the size of a small pea. THIS IS NORMAL AND EXPECTED. If left alone, the blister will slowly resolve and the area will turn into a scab. If the blister breaks, water will leak out and the area will form a scab. If the blister is painful you can take a sterile needle and pop the blister from the side, but do not peel skin. Regardless of whether the blister breaks or not, the healing will continue as expected. The scab will fall off by itself when it is ready. From the day of cryosurgery to the day when the scab falls off is usually about two weeks.

A faint pink spot will be present that will slowly fade away.

If there is any discomfort after cryosurgery, cold water may be applied as needed.

You may shower, bathe, swim or whatever immediately after therapy. There are no restrictions, however, you should be careful not to irritate or traumatize the area.

A “biopsy” is the removal of a small specimen of a growth/rash on the skin by you healthcare provider. The specimen is then sent to a lab where a dermatopathologist examines the skin under a microscope and renders a diagnosis based on the sample of skin tissue they received.

Your provider then reviews the dermatopathologist’s report and coordinates the findings with your skin condition. The information obtained from your biopsy ultimately helps your provider determine the best possible way to treat you.

There are two different charges accumulated when a biopsy is performed:

  • A charge from the actual removal of the specimen by your provider.
  • A charge from the dermatopathologist preparing and evaluation the specimen under a microscope

*Charges are usually covered by your insurance, BUT special circumstances may apply!

Daily Care of Your Biopsy Site

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Gently cleanse the biopsy site with soap and warm water.
  • Thoroughly dry by patting not rubbing the area and apply a small amount of ointment.

( Aquaphor or Vaseline only)

  • Place a new band-aid/dressing over the wound for 2-3 days.

Studies show wounds heal better when covered with ointment and dressing!!

Obtaining Results

Please allow 2weeks for biopsy results. No news is good news. If you would like to find out the results of your biopsy, please access your patient portal at readingderm.ema.md or call the office for more information.

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Visit Us in West Lawn, PA

Medical Dermatology Hours

Mon.,Tues., Wed. 7:00am-7:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-2:00pm

Cosmetic Center Hours

Monday - Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am to 3:00pm
Weekend and Evening hours: By Appointment Only

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