Are you looking for a way to remove small skin tags or warts from your body? You may have heard that when you go to a doctor, they will "burn" them with electricity. Although many people are a little afraid of this, it is actually a very safe and effective medical treatment used all over the world. Today we are going to talk about this method, which is medically known as electrocauterization.
Simply put, what is Electrocauterization?
It's very simple. Imagine a small device, like a pen. The tip of this device is electrically powered and a controlled amount of heat is applied. The doctor then uses this heat to very carefully and precisely remove or burn away a specific area of tissue.
This involves delivering an electric current directly to the area being treated. Some people confuse this with "electrosurgery." Electrocautery is actually just one type of electrosurgery. So don't be alarmed if a doctor calls you either of these two terms, they are related.
This method has two main objectives:
- Cutting and removing unwanted tissue: For example, something like a tumor on the skin.
- Stopping bleeding: This method is used to stop bleeding from small blood vessels during surgery. The heat causes the blood vessel to close.
What is electrocautery used for?
This is used for more things than you might think. Sometimes you may have unknowingly used this method during a surgery you had. Let's see what are the main situations in which it is used.
| Treatment unit | Usage cases |
|---|---|
| Skin diseases and cosmetology |
|
| Surgery and other treatments | |
| Eye problems |
How does this treatment work?
The way this treatment is done varies slightly depending on the reason you are having it done.
During a minor skin treatment
Imagine you went to remove a person. Then this happens:
1. Numbness: First, the doctor will inject a local anesthetic into the area, so you won't feel any pain.
2. Protection: Next, a large pad is placed on another part of your body, usually your leg. This is called a "grounding pad." This is to protect the rest of your body from the electrical current.
3. Treatment: Then, the pen-like device is used to precisely target the area where the wart is and burn it away. This only takes a few minutes.
During major surgery
During major surgery, you are anesthetized (put to sleep). During the operation, the surgeon uses this device to stop bleeding or to cut and remove tissue. You don't even feel it.
The most important thing is that this is done by a trained doctor, so there is no reason to worry about safety.
What are the advantages and risks of this method?
Like any medical treatment, this has benefits as well as very minor risks.
Benefits:
- Precision: Treatment can be delivered to the exact area needed, with minimal damage to surrounding healthy skin.
- Speed: A minor skin treatment can be completed in a few minutes.
- Effectiveness: In most cases, the problem can be resolved in just one treatment session.
- Less blood loss: The heat causes blood vessels to close, so there is less bleeding. This is a big advantage during surgery.
Risks:
Remember that these risks occur very rarely .
- Infections: Since the treated area is like a wound, germs can enter if it is not kept clean. The doctor will give you the necessary instructions for this.
- Burns: The chance of this happening is very low because doctors control the temperature of this device very carefully.
- Recurrence (Poor outcomes): Sometimes things like warts can come back after treatment.
- Heart disease devices: If you have a pacemaker or ICD, you should definitely inform your doctor before undergoing this treatment. Electricity can affect these devices. However, if the doctor is aware of this, he or she will take the necessary precautions to perform the treatment.
What happens after treatment?
During the recovery period after a minor skin treatment, you can expect the following:
- The treated area may be slightly red, swollen, and slightly painful for a few days.
- A small crust will form there. The most important thing is not to break or scratch this crust. It should come off on its own and open up.
- It can take two to three weeks to fully heal.
- After healing, the skin color in that area may be slightly paler or darker than before for a few months. This usually returns to normal after a while.
- That area can be sensitive to the sun, so it's a good idea to apply sunscreen to that area until your doctor tells you to.
A warning about appliances used at home!
There are cautery pens sold online and in some stores that claim to allow you to burn warts at home. But do not buy these and use them at home for any reason. A doctor performs this treatment using sterilized equipment, using the correct technique, and following safe procedures. Trying to do this at home can cause severe burns, scarring, and dangerous infections.
Take-Home Message
- Electrocauterization is a safe and widely used treatment method performed by doctors.
- It is used for many things, such as removing warts, skin tags, and stopping bleeding during surgery.
- You will not feel any pain due to the numbing before the treatment.
- Never try this treatment at home with equipment purchased online. It is very dangerous.
- After treatment, follow your doctor's instructions exactly until the wound heals. If you notice anything unusual (severe pain, pus, fever), inform your doctor immediately.
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