Dry ice in medicine

Dry ice is nothing but the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Carbon dioxide is the gas that we exhale and that plants use in the process of photosynthesis. This gas is often captured during industrial processes and used to produce dry ice. Dry ice is mainly used as a cooling agent and has a number of advantages in this regard.

The unique properties of dry ice:

  • temperature lower than that of frozen water, -78.5°C;
  • no color;
  • without smell;
  • bacteriostatic;
  • fungicide;
  • leaves no residue.

The use of dry ice in medicine

Transport of organs for transplantation and preservation of biological samples. The most important aspect of the use of carbonic ice in medicine is the long-term preservation of biological samples and organs taken for transplantation. Due to the very large distances between donors and patients, it is very important that the harvested organs arrive in optimal conditions. Due to its unique properties, dry ice is indispensable in the process of transporting the harvested organs.

Cauterization (the process by which a tissue is destroyed) can also be done with dry ice, the procedure being preferred to chemical cauterization.

Wrinkle removal. In some medical cosmetic offices, dry ice is used for facial peeling. Thus, fine lines and wrinkles are stopped and removed.

Acne removal. Acne can be treated by a dermatologist with dry ice applied once a week. Paired with a proper diet, dry ice can work wonders when it comes to skin rejuvenation.

Removal of seborrheic warts. Seborrheic warts have the form of well-defined lesions, with a velvety or slightly rough surface. Their color varies from light yellow to black. They can appear on the face, back or chest. Dermatologists can treat seborrheic warts with dry ice. The procedure involves the application of dry ice at the level of the injury, which causes it to “freeze”. The lesion resolves spontaneously within a few days. After this you can see a light or dark spot that fades over time.

Careful! All the procedures and applications presented above must be performed only in specialized clinics, under the coordination of specialist doctors. Do not try these procedures at home! You risk very serious burns.