Electrocautery is the use of a low-voltage electrical charge to burn off a growth. The electrical charge travels through the tip of a needle to the growth. It can be an effective way to remove a seborrheic keratosis. However, it is not effective for removal of large numbers of keratoses.
This procedure usually can be done in your doctor's office. An injection of a numbing medication (local anesthetic) should help control pain. Healing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the treated area.
Electrocautery can leave a scar and may permanently lighten dark skin.
Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology |
| Last Updated | March 16, 2007 |
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