The effects of topical indomethacin and clobetasol propionate on erythema and oedema following low-dose cryotherapy to normal skin were examined using a single-blind technique. Both agents significantly reduced erythema, but neither had a significant effect on oedema. A further, controlled, double-blind study comparing topical indomethacin and inert gel base was performed after cryotherapy to hand warts. In this study, topical indomethacin had no significant effect on post-cryotherapy oedema, erythema, pain or blister formation 48 and 96 h after treatment. Both potent topical steroids and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors reduce erythema after low-dose cryotherapy. In clinical practice, there is no evidence that topical indomethacin significantly inhibits the inflammatory response to cryotherapy.