Electrocauterization

Electrocauterization is a minor skin procedure in which a doctor uses a small electric current to generate heat and destroy unwanted tissue on or just below the surface of the skin.

During the procedure, the doctor touches the tip of a fine probe to the target area. The electrical current heats the probe tip, which burns and seals the tissue almost instantly. This stops any bleeding from tiny blood vessels and removes the growth or lesion (an abnormal patch of skin) in a single step. The treated area forms a small scab, which falls off on its own as the skin heals underneath.

Dermatologists (skin specialists) most often use electrocauterization to remove small, benign (non-cancerous) growths or to control bleeding during other minor skin procedures. It may also be used when a growth is causing discomfort, affecting appearance, or is at risk of being accidentally injured.

• Skin tags — small, soft flaps of skin that hang off the surface
• Warts — rough, raised growths caused by a virus
• Seborrheic keratoses — waxy, stuck-on-looking brown or black patches that appear with age
• Syringomas — small benign bumps usually found around the eyes
• Milia — tiny white cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) just under the skin surface
• Spider angiomas — clusters of tiny blood vessels visible near the skin surface
• Small polyps (growths that protrude from the skin) in accessible areas
• Controlling minor bleeding from cuts or biopsies (tissue samples taken for testing)

Electrocauterization is generally not suitable in certain situations. Your doctor will assess whether this approach is right for you.

• Growths that are suspected to be malignant (cancerous) — a biopsy is needed first
• Patients with a pacemaker (an implanted device that controls heart rhythm) — electrical current can interfere with the device
• Very large or deep lesions that require a different surgical technique
• Areas with poor blood supply where healing may be difficult
• Active skin infection around the target area

Electrocauterization is a well-established minor procedure with a generally low risk profile, but like any treatment that affects the skin, it does carry some possible side effects.

• Scarring — the most common long-term effect; the degree of scarring varies from person to person and depends on the size and location of the treated area
• Changes in skin colour (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation) — the treated spot may become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin, especially in people with naturally darker skin tones
• Infection — the treated area is an open wound until it heals; bacteria can enter if the area is not kept clean
• Incomplete removal — in some cases the growth may not be fully destroyed and could recur (come back)
• Temporary swelling, redness, or a mild burning sensation around the treated area immediately after the procedure
• Accidental burn to surrounding healthy skin if the probe makes unintended contact
• Very rarely, an allergic reaction to the local anaesthetic (numbing injection) used before the procedure

Electrocauterization is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. Preparation is straightforward, but following your doctor's instructions carefully helps the procedure go smoothly and reduces the chance of complications.

Before the appointment, your doctor or nurse will usually ask you to:

• Avoid applying creams, lotions, or makeup to the area to be treated on the day of the procedure
• Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including blood thinners, as these may need to be paused beforehand — your doctor will advise on this
• Inform your doctor if you have a pacemaker or any implanted electronic device
• Mention any history of keloids (thick, raised scars) or abnormal wound healing, as this affects treatment planning
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the procedure, as it can affect bleeding
• Refrain from smoking in the days leading up to treatment, as smoking slows skin healing

For most straightforward skin lesions, no special laboratory tests are required. However, if the growth looks unusual or if you have underlying health conditions, the doctor may order a skin biopsy or basic blood tests beforehand to rule out any concerns.

On the day of the procedure, the steps typically follow this order:

• 1. The doctor examines the lesion and confirms it is suitable for electrocauterization.
• 2. The skin around the area is cleaned with an antiseptic (germ-killing) solution.
• 3. A local anaesthetic (numbing injection) is given directly into or around the lesion so you feel little to no pain during the procedure.
• 4. The doctor touches the heated probe tip to the lesion, destroying the tissue layer by layer. You may smell a faint burning odour — this is normal.
• 5. If there is any minor bleeding, the same probe is used to seal the blood vessels.
• 6. The treated area is cleaned again and covered with a simple dressing (wound covering).
• 7. The doctor or nurse explains how to care for the wound at home.

Because electrocauterization only affects a small area of skin, recovery is generally quick. Most people return to their normal routine within a day or two, although healing of the skin surface can take anywhere from one to several weeks depending on the size and location of the treated area.

• Keep the treated area clean and dry for the first day or two; your doctor or nurse will show you how to gently clean it and when it is safe to get it wet
• Apply any ointment or dressing as instructed — do not use products that your doctor has not recommended
• Do not pick at or scratch the scab that forms; letting it fall off naturally gives the skin the best chance of healing with minimal scarring
• Avoid direct sun exposure on the treated area; when going outdoors, cover it with clothing or, once it has fully healed, use a sunscreen (sun-blocking cream) as directed by your doctor — sun exposure can worsen pigmentation changes
• Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, or soaking the area in water until the wound is fully closed
• Strenuous exercise that causes heavy sweating around the treated area is usually best avoided until the skin has healed
• Attend any follow-up appointments your doctor schedules — in most cases this is a brief check to confirm the area has healed well and the growth has been fully removed
• Contact your doctor promptly if you notice increasing pain, swelling, warmth, pus, or a fever (high body temperature), as these can be signs of infection
• If the growth returns or a new lesion appears nearby, report this at your next appointment so the doctor can assess whether further treatment is needed