Plantar Warts (Verruca Plantaris)

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What are plantar warts?

Plantar warts are warts that develop on the weight-bearing areas of the foot. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Plantar warts are very common, most often affecting children and teenagers. While plantar warts are harmless, many people prefer to have them removed, because they have become painful or have started to spread.

There are a number of treatment options for plantar warts, including the application of salicylic acid, laser treatment, and cryotherapy. While cryotherapy traditionally utilizes liquid nitrogen, today many providers are choosing alternative, portable cryotherapy devices, such as Hydrozid®.

About Hydrozid®

Hydrozid® combines traditional cryotherapy and modern aerosol technology. Hydrozid® provides instant, safe, and effective treatment of lentigo and a wide range of additional skin lesions.

Hydrozid® comes with a patented delivery system, contained in the spray head. The spray head was developed to ensure that a consistent, controlled spray is delivered every time. Hydrozid® contains the gas norflurane (R134a), which has been used in asthma inhalers for many years and is proven to be safe. Hydrozid® was developed by a family-owned pharmaceutical and medical device company in Denmark. It has been used successfully throughout Europe since 2013. 

When applied to the skin surface, Hydrozid® generates temperatures between -58°F (-50°C) and -65.2°F (-54°C). This is well below the temperatures that result in cell death. The formation of intra- and extracellular ice crystals destroys the top layer of skin – without damaging the healthy tissue. Effective treatment is achieved through repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The procedure is very brief, effective, and patient friendly.

Light, portable, and convenient
No product waste
Maintains consistent temperature
Freeze-thaw method of treatment
100% pharma grade norflurane cryogen
3-year shelf life

Plantar wart treatment with Hydrozid®

Healthcare providers can use the following CPT codes for billing plantar wart treatment with Hydrozid®.

CPT Code:

17100 (from one to 14 lesions)
17004 (15 or more lesions)

Hydrozid® is applied to the lesion from a distance of 2-3 centimeters. For the treatment of minor lesions, such as a single plantar wart, use of the application template is recommended to protect the surrounding healthy tissue. Templates are included with the Hydrozid® canister. The trigger should be squeezed gently to obtain a light, constant stream. The treated area turns white when ice crystals are formed. Allow to thaw for the recommended time and repeat the freeze-thaw cycle if needed.

Treatment time

The treatment time varies from one patient to another and depends partly on the location, thickness and appearance of the lesion as well as the patient’s skin type, age and other individual considerations. We always recommend making your own assessment on how to treat the specific plantar wart and only regard the treatment times as general guidelines.

The product guidelines recommend an approximate total freeze time of 24 to 36 seconds, with freeze thaw cycles of 4×6 to 6×6 seconds.

See the Instructions for Use (IFU) for details on indications, contraindications, warnings, and cautions.