Electrodesiccation: This is a simple and fast procedure that is office based and uses electric current delivered by a needle-shaped electrode to superheat the skin in a pinpoint precise area.

The results that can be expected include: removal of non-cancerous growths; stopping of any bleeding by blood vessels being cauterized; removal of skin cancer often combined with the use of curette – which is a spoon-shaped device to scrape away any skin cells that are abnormal.

No different preparation is needed on the patient’s part before the process. In the physician’s office, the part needing treatment is cleaned first with some sort of an alcohol wipe. If anesthesia is necessary, a syringe with an extremely fine needle will be used to inject lidocaine into the skin numbing the area. The electrocautery instrument has a pen-like device with a probe at the tip that is metal. This metal part is put close to the skin as well as a button is pushed letting the electricity flow which superheats this area of the skin. If it is necessary, a curette might be used next for scraping the skin.

Following the procedure, white petrolatum ointment as well as antibiotic with a covering dressing is applied. The patient will be instructed on wound care to follow when home. This wound that is the result of this procedure is allowed to heal on its own.

This wound should not be washed for the first 24 to 48 hours, to allow for the proper initiation of healing to begin. After that, it may be cleaned with water and soap that is gentle. A bandage with antibiotic ointment or white petrolatum may be used every day. Dependent on the size of the wound, its depth and location, it might take several weeks for it to finish healing.