Small electric shock/jolt - normal?

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

I have been having blend done in a new place as I am away from home - the machine is old, not the Apilus I’m used to. Recently I experienced a couple of small electric shocks/jolts during my appointment which I felt through the hand holding the baton that makes the connection. The first time it was three consecutive jolts in a row! It didn’t hurt, but was uncomfortable and gave me a fright.

Is this normal or anything to worry about? My electrologist seems fantastic in every other respect. I’ve had great skin reaction. Although, after the most recent treatment I noticed one follicle looked like it had been burned (it formed a large yellow crust and has now left a large scab). This is really unusual for me and I’m wondering whether it was one of these shocks that did it.

I’d love some advice from the pros or anyone who has experienced anything similar…

#2

Were they using a sponge and were you in contact with a very large area of the electrode (baton)? The electrode produces chemicals just like the probe does. It’s a chemical called chlorine, and it combines with the moisture there into hydrochloric acid.

This acid can be painful if not enough of your skin is in contact with the device, because the same amount of acid is produced either way, but it’s concentrated in a very small area instead of spread out harmlessly over the whole palm. This happens really badly with one touch machines for example that only use a single finger pad electrode (and can get very painful).

It feels like a sudden sharp burning or itching. Pretty mild, but very uncomfortable. It can come and go in pulses each time the current is turned on or off. Could this be what you are feeling?

If what you are feeling is an ACTUAL electric shock instead, then I’m not sure what caused it. Did you mention it to your electrologist?

#3

Thanks for your reply, MPK!

I have experienced the pulses of burning/itching before, and assumed that the sponge had something irritating on it - it’s good to know that it’s normal and next time I’ll try and make sure my whole hand touches it.

However, this was definitely something different - it really felt like a jolt. I wonder if it happened when the current was mistakenly applied before the needle was deep in the follicle. I did mention it and one time I think she said she had pressed the foot pedal by mistake, but the other time she was puzzled.

#4

If you have metal jewelry on, like a ring, or bracelet, the electricity flowing from the body and back into the inactive ground pole that you are holding, may arc, and in this way, cause a short sharp shock.

#5

Hi James,

Thanks for your input! I don’t wear any jewellery, although my electrologist does so I guess it could have been through her touching me with it.

Is this sort of thing bad for the skin, or does it not have any impact? i.e. should I be worried if it happens again?

#6

I remember Michael Bono describing something similar (a jolt, not a burn) happening with older machines that are in need of repair. Maybe a connection?

#7

Hi bea,

I used to get an itchy hand when I first started electrolysis - as MPK mentioned, it’s because of the chlorine produced. I think my skin must have toughened up as I don’t get itchy any more even though appointments are much longer.

As for the jolt - I think you mean a small electric shock. In over two years of doing electrolysis, I’ve experienced it once. I can’t remember what caused it but I do remember my electrologist being profusely sorry, so it’s something she did by mistake.

If it keeps happening and your electrologist doesn’t know why, I think she really needs to look at her machine.