Skin tags that catch on a necklace. A verruca that makes walking uncomfortable. A little bump or mark that’s harmless — but you can’t stop noticing it.

If you’ve got a skin lesion that’s annoying, rubbing, catching, or simply bothering you, cryotherapy can be a quick and effective option — delivered in-pharmacy with practical guidance from your local Dears Pharmacy team.

What is cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a treatment that removes certain skin lesions by applying controlled freezing to the area. In our service, this is done using a precise, super-cold jet of nitrous oxide. The freezing targets the lesion so the treated tissue breaks down and can fall away naturally as the skin heals.

It’s straightforward, targeted, and carried out in a private consultation room by a specially trained pharmacy healthcare professional.

What can cryotherapy help with?

Cryotherapy can be suitable for a range of common lesions, depending on the area and your individual circumstances. During your appointment we’ll assess what you’d like treated and advise what’s appropriate (and what isn’t).

Skin tags

Skin tags are harmless but often irritating — especially on the neck, underarms, torso, or anywhere they catch on clothing or jewellery. Cryotherapy offers a quick, targeted removal option.

Warts & verrucae

Warts and verrucae can be stubborn and may need more than one session. Cryotherapy targets the tissue directly and can be especially helpful when home treatments haven’t worked.

Milia & cherry angiomas

Small white milia bumps or red “cherry spot” marks can sometimes be treated accurately with cryotherapy, depending on suitability and location.

Pigmentation & age spots

Some pigmented marks and age spots may be suitable for cryotherapy after assessment. We’ll always tell you clearly what we can treat and what should be checked elsewhere.

What happens at the appointment?

Most appointments follow a simple flow:

• A short suitability check – we’ll ask a few questions and confirm what you want treated
• Treatment – the freezing application is brief; most people describe a cold, stinging sensation during application
• Aftercare and next steps – you’ll leave with clear guidance and, if needed, a plan for follow-up treatment (typically allowing time for the skin to renew between sessions)

A key benefit of cryotherapy is that it usually involves minimal downtime — most people return to normal activity straight away.

What’s normal afterwards?

It’s normal to have a mild healing response after treatment. That can include redness, itching, mild blistering, or a small scab. This is part of the process as the treated tissue breaks down and the skin heals.

The main rule: don’t pick or scratch the area. Follow the aftercare guidance you’re given and you’ll give your skin the best chance of healing neatly.

A couple of important notes before you book

Cryotherapy isn’t suitable for everyone. Some people should speak to their GP before treatment — including pregnant patients and anyone with conditions that affect circulation, immunity, healing, or sensitivity to cold (for example Raynaud’s, scleroderma, cryoglobulinaemia, immunosuppression, diabetes, certain blood disorders, or significant skin healing conditions). If you’re unsure, contact the team before booking.

Please avoid antihistamines before treatment.
If you have taken antihistamines within 48 hours of your appointment, we can’t provide cryotherapy treatment. Please avoid antihistamines for seven days before your appointment.

When to get something checked instead

Cryotherapy is designed for common, minor lesions. If you’re worried about a changing mole, a lesion that’s bleeding, or anything that looks unusual or concerning, it may be safer to arrange a mole scan or speak to your GP rather than treating it.

Cryotherapy across Central Scotland

Our Cryotherapy service is available locally in Lothian, Fife, Glasgow and Tayside, delivered by trained professionals in a private consultation setting — with clear guidance from start to finish.

If you’ve got a lesion you’d like assessed, you can find out more and book via our Cryotherapy Service page.