Difference Between Histofreezer and Liquid Nitrogen

The key difference between histofreezer and liquid nitrogen is that the histofreezer is a cryogenic material containing a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane whereas the liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic fluid containing nitrogen in a liquid state.

1. Is Cryotherapy the same as liquid nitrogen?
2. What is Histofreezer?
3. What is the difference between liquid nitrogen and nitrogen gas?
4. Is liquid nitrogen an asphyxiant?
5. What do dermatologists use liquid nitrogen for?
6. Why do dermatologists use liquid nitrogen?
7. How often can you use Histofreezer?
8. How can I do cryotherapy at home?
9. How long after freezing wart will it disappear?
10. What are the dangers of liquid nitrogen?
11. Is liquid nitrogen expensive?
12. Can anyone buy liquid nitrogen?

Is Cryotherapy the same as liquid nitrogen?

Cryotherapy refers to a treatment in which surface skin lesions are frozen. Cryogens used to freeze skin lesions include: Liquid nitrogen (the most common method used by doctors, temperature –196°C)

What is Histofreezer?

Histofreezer® is a portable cryosurgery system, a professional product designed for use by medical professionals. Histofreezer® offers an easy and effective method for treating nine types of skin lesions, including common warts.

What is the difference between liquid nitrogen and nitrogen gas?

Nitrogen can form many different organic and inorganic compounds. Nitrogen makes up roughly 78% of the earth's atmosphere. Nitrogen gas can be liquefied. ... The main difference between nitrogen gas and liquid nitrogen is that liquid nitrogen is man-made while nitrogen gas naturally occurs in the atmosphere.

Is liquid nitrogen an asphyxiant?

Nitrogen gas is odorless, colourless and tasteless. When liquid nitrogen evaporates it reduces the oxygen concentration in the air and may act as an asphyxiant in confined spaces. A person can become unconscious without any warning symptoms.

What do dermatologists use liquid nitrogen for?

Skin care specialists (dermatologists) most often use liquid nitrogen to remove: Precancerous growths from sun damage (actinic keratoses) Irritated skin tags or other harmless (benign) growths (seborrheic keratoses) Warts.

Why do dermatologists use liquid nitrogen?

It is used to freeze and destroy superficial skin growths such as warts and keratoses. Liquid nitrogen may cause mild stinging while the growth is being frozen and then thaws. The discomfort usually lasts less than five minutes.

How often can you use Histofreezer?

For lesions over 5mm in diameter, we suggest that the patient apply a 17% salicylic acid preparation twice daily, beginning 24 hours after treatment with Histofreezer® Portable Cryosurgical System, continuing until the next visit. Do not treat more than four times at two-week intervals.

How can I do cryotherapy at home?

Cryotherapy can also be done at home using an over-the-counter product such as Compound W Freeze Off. These home cryotherapy kits use a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane rather than liquid nitrogen. This mixture is used to soak a foam applicator that is then applied to the wart.

How long after freezing wart will it disappear?

About 24 hours after the procedure, a blister forms around the wart, and it resolves within 2 or 3 days. The entire recovery typically takes around a week, and it is important to keep the area clean, dry, and free from friction or pressure throughout this time.

What are the dangers of liquid nitrogen?

The vapor of liquid nitrogen can rapidly freeze skin tissue and eye fluid, resulting in cold burns, frostbite, and permanent eye damage even by brief exposure.

Is liquid nitrogen expensive?

Liquid nitrogen is actually very inexpensive. Right now (October 2001) we buy it for about $0.20 per liter. That's cheaper than milk! The expensive part of using liquid nitrogen, however, is a dewar to contain it and other safety equipment (like gloves, tongs and safety glasses).

Can anyone buy liquid nitrogen?

While liquid nitrogen is not available over the counter, some distributors like Praxair and Airgas that specialize in distributing gases often stock it. You can use the store locator on the company websites, search the internet, or consult the yellow pages to find a distributor near you.