Welts
Welts - These are very normal when undergoing galvanic or blend techniques. It is a local inflammation reaction to the caustic lye produced in the pore during this process. It typically fades within 6-24 hours is not dangerous and will not scar. Panadol and Ibuprofen will speed this process.
Redness (Erythema)
Redness - Redness is common to all electrolysis procedures and represents a small local inflammation reaction to the heat of diathermy and thermoflash or caustic damage caused by galvanic lye. Electrolysis disrupts the local tissues and causes the blood vessels in the area to dilate. To the naked eye the area appears red and sore and warm to touch. During this stage it is most important to ensure a layer of aloe vera gel has been applied as it both cools and protects the area from bacteria getting into the wounds. It typically resolves within 2 to 24 hours with panadol and ibuprofen use.
Bruising
Bruising - Bruising is a very common occurrence in electrolysis. The heat or caustic lye produced in electrolysis damages the follicle's blood supply, but may also cause small damage to local blood vessels when a Blood vessel runs particularly close to the follicle. The blood vessel may rupture and some blood may escape into the space under the skin, forming a bruise.
These are typically small, normal and safe. They resolve within 3 to 14 days and in only very very very rare cases do they result in any lasting, but still temporary discolouration.
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Scabbing
Scabbing - Scabbing is a less common but very normal occurrence in all methods of electrolysis. Scabbing is the body forming a protective outer shell of cells that prevent bacteria ingress facilitate wound healing. Scabs typically form over areas where hair follicles are particularly thick, or multiple hair strands exist within the same pore. Or in cases of over treatment where potentially too much damage was done to the outer surface of the pore. Scabs also tend to form and persist in areas that are prone to movement, such as around the corners of the mouth or folds of the groin.
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Rest assured this is very normal and will resolve without complication in the vast majority of cases.
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When self treating. It is important to keep the area clean and refrain from picking or exfoliating the scabs, as this can promote minor scarring. Once the scab has fallen off, if you are still concerned, apply a Rosehip Oil or bio-oil solution to the area once daily.
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If you are very prone to discolouration and are concerned about complications of scabbing when working on thicker hairs, such as beard hairs or hairs in the pubic region. It can sometimes be safer to undertreat and weaken the hairs first and revisit at a later session.
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Scabbing such as this typically takes 2-3 weeks to resolve completely and may temporarily turn into Dark spots.
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Some scabbing, such as that shown in the 3 image are from extreme over treatment and damage to the outer edge of the pore. This is not a normal reaction and no skin tone or treatment type will produce this result without significant overtreating of the area with inapposite equipment coupled with sensitive skin and a patient with high pain tolerance. It is not normal and unfortunately very likely to cause lasting skin discolouration, pitting and the orange the peel effect.
Dark Spots
Dark Spots - Dark Spots can occur in all forms of electrolysis but are more common in galvanic and blend. It typically follows from scabbing but may develop on its own. It is a form of mild hyperpigmentation casued by an overproduction of the chemical that gives your skin its colour during the healing process. It is common and not dangerous, it does not represent infection or permanent damage. Darker skin tones and very pale skin tones are more prone to this occurrence.
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It can take some time to resolve, but it almost always resolves without issue. Dark spots can appear as early as 2 days post treatment and may persist for up to 6 months. But they do resolve.
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For self treatment. After the 3 days of post care treatment has been done. Apply a thin layer of bio-oil to dark spots. This has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and should speed your recovery.
The 'Orange Peel' Effect
The Orange Peel Effect - The Orange peel effect, so called for its likeness to that of an orange peel is a more serious, but usually self resolving occurrence of electrolysis. It is combination of excessive production of the cellular matrix your body uses to heal wounds trapping in an also excessive production of the chemical your body produces to give colour to your skin. The end result is small pits or the appearance of pitting forming over the treated area, giving the treated area a rough or uneven surface.
This typically occurs in cases of over treatment causing to much acute local damage or from too frequent treatment from multiple sessions on the same area in quick succession. It is sadly a more common complication in the trans community, where patients are more eager to treat the same areas as quickly and as harshly as possible. The best way to avoid this patience and open communication with your electrologist about your goals and any pain or discomfort you feel.
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This effect will resolve in time for most patients, but can take some time. Between 6 to 36 months. It can be aided with good skin care routines and chemical peels. Where possible, avoid exposing this area to harsh sunlight as it can exacerbate the appearance and prolong the healing time. A combination of Rosehip Oil and bio-oil may contribute to healing, but this is anecdotal and unknown.
Bacterial Folliculitis (Infection)
Bacterial Folliculitis - Bacterial Folliculitis is by far the most common and least concerning of all electrolysis related infection. It is often confused for dark spots or scabbing and presents in a similar time frame. It is caused by bacteria entering the opened pores soon after treatment when the treated area is not kept clean. The primary symptom that separates this infection from scabbing and dark spots is that folliculitis can be quite warm and itchy and may produce pus. It more commonly effects areas with favour bacterial growth such as the armpit of groin.
This infection is common and minor, it usually self resolves in a few days but is also easily treatable. If you have concerns, keep the area clean and dry and maintain a picture record over a few days to mark any growth or spread and bring this to your doctor.
Other Common Infections
Infection - Infection occurs when the area has not been properly cleaned during or in the immediate days after a procedure. Infections can take many shapes and sizes but in electrolysis these infections are typically shallow to the skin, local and very curable with antibiotics. Raised, warm, red, itchy, dry, flakey and pus producing sores characterize most skin infections.
In electrolysis the infection typically starts with these symptoms condensed n and around the treated/infected pore. The redness will then spread out over a wider area.
It is very important to refrain from scratching this sores as this causes damage to the skin and introduces more bacterial load to the infection site. Ideally you want to keep the area clean and dry and covered if you work in unclean environments.
Infections can become apparent as early as 48 hours after the procedure, and although many self resolve. It is always wise to contact your doctor as these skin infections are very treatable with antibiotics.
The longer it is left untreated, the greater the possibility of it progressing, the slower the healing process and the higher the risk of later scarring.