Patient Counselling
Dimethyl ether and propane is a form of cryotherapy that is available under many OTC brand names, and is a possible first line option for common and plantar warts. Studies have shown that it is comparable to liquid nitrogen, another form of cryotherapy involving administration by the physician. If a patient chooses this over-the-counter option over going to see the doctor, they should be aware of the following:
· Treat once- the wart should fall off within 10-14 days (common warts tend to require one treatment)
· If a wart or part of a wart is still present after 2 weeks following treatment, then you may retreat (plantar warts tend to require more than one treatment)
· Do not exceed three treatments total per wart
· Do not treat multiple warts that are close together at the same time
· Do not use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or for children 4 and under
· Side effects include skin turning white temporarily, skin turning red after thawing, minor burns
· Over exposure can cause scarring/nerve damage
· Formation of blisters/small scars can occur if used incorrectly but will fade with time
Dimethyl ether and propane is a form of cryotherapy that is available under many OTC brand names, and is a possible first line option for common and plantar warts. Studies have shown that it is comparable to liquid nitrogen, another form of cryotherapy involving administration by the physician. If a patient chooses this over-the-counter option over going to see the doctor, they should be aware of the following:
· Treat once- the wart should fall off within 10-14 days (common warts tend to require one treatment)
· If a wart or part of a wart is still present after 2 weeks following treatment, then you may retreat (plantar warts tend to require more than one treatment)
· Do not exceed three treatments total per wart
· Do not treat multiple warts that are close together at the same time
· Do not use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or for children 4 and under
· Side effects include skin turning white temporarily, skin turning red after thawing, minor burns
· Over exposure can cause scarring/nerve damage
· Formation of blisters/small scars can occur if used incorrectly but will fade with time