This kind of information is found in electrolysis books. If someone out there in cyber land has access to articles, feel free to post.
Scabbing, also referred to as crusting, will show up in 48 hours after a treatment if certain conditions are right. First off, scabbing results when there is tissue damage and clear fluid or blood will form the scab. The scab serves like a natural band-aid, covering the wound so things will heal from the bottom up, uninterrupted.
When we talk about electrolysis scab formation, we’re referring to energy being released in order to destroy tissue that causes hair to grow, but the energy reaches the skin’s surface and, thus the scabbing.
When one scabs in relation to electrolysis there are a variety of reasons that this can occur. All the electrologists her on hairtell know these reasons backwards and forwards. They are:
- Intensity too high (heat)
- Duration (timing) too long
- Poor angle of an insertion (We want Perfect Insertions)
- Insertions are too shallow
Hopefully, if one has scabs they occur because of mild tissue damage. These will go away in a few days. If one gets severe scabbing, big scabs that may connect or not connect with each other, you may get hyperpigmentation or even scarring. It is for that reason James, myself and other electrologists that post here will advise one to get as many consults as possible and/or to have very honest communication with your electrologist to keep this from happening.
Scabbing can happen with any kind of epilator, old or modern. It can occur with any kind of probe. Practitioner skill, if it is lacking or careless will result in scab formation and other side effects.
Personally speaking, I am a fan of the modern computerized equipment and micrroflash thermolysis and blend for other situations. I am a fan of good optics and lighting and I really like gold probes. With that said, scabbing for me is kept to a minimum or none for facial areas. Have I scabbed clients before? I have to be honest and admit, yes. Those beginning appointments tell me a lot about a persons skin and I make adjustments really fast so it doesn’t happen again. I am dependent on my new clients telling me how they heal, so I can refine their treatment and send them home home to heal scab-free. i am trusting that my clients will follow pre and aftercare instructions, too.
Energy needs to be released at the bottom of the follicle. Insertions need to be perfect. If one shaves 1-3 days before treatment, then we can avoid shallow insertions that come with undesirable telogen hairs. As a client, hold still so we can aim for the target dead on. The skin needs to be dry, so hopefully, your electrolgist has dabbed off the excess antiseptic before starting work. Current is attracted to moisture.
An aloe cortisone cream can be useful, over the counter, 1/2% or 1% to cut down on crusting and redness. I really don’t like medicants to be used and think that preventing scabs in the first placeshould be in high order for your electrologist. You have the option to tell him or her that you expect not to have scabbing on your face.
Some degree of pigmentation is bound to occur in darker skinned people, especially under the chin. It will clear up naturally in weeks to months after you have completed treatment. Even if your electrologist does everything possible under the sun, this may still happen to you. If you have gotten hyperpigmention from other things such as acne, ingrown hairs a cut, etc., then your skin is prone to hyperpigmentation and you can’t blame electrolysis for this happening.
My advice is for you to discuss your concerns with your practitioner(s). I really think the scabbing can be taken care of and if your person is skilled, caring,and has good vision equipment and modern machinery, the chances become even better in your favor.
Your questions are excellent and thank you for asking.
Dee
