What is skin desiccation?

Dessication, also known as electrodesiccation or electrosurgery, is a form of burning. The doctor uses an electric probe to destroy the skin growth through heat.

What is curettage for skin cancer?

Curettage and electrodesiccation is a medical procedure that removes abnormal skin growths—both cancerous and precancerous tissue. Curettage means to scrape away cells or skin with a small instrument known as a curette, a handheld tool with a sharp looped edge.

How long does curettage take to heal?

There are no stitches to remove after curettage. The wound from curettage will take approximately 2–3 weeks to heal over. The scar will initially be red and raised but usually reduces in colour and size over several months.

How long does Electrodesiccation take to heal?

It can take up to 4-6 weeks for your wound to heal completely (2-3 months to completely heal on the lower extremities). Initially some oozing from the site is normal. The wound is healed when there is no longer a crust on the site or drainage on the bandage.

What is corneal desiccation?

Corneal Staining Peripheral corneal desiccation, particularly 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock staining, pertains to the area of the cornea not adequately resurfaced with tears (Figure 1). This can occur due to the contact lens fit, incomplete blink or the patient’s lid positioning.

How long does it take for a skin cancer removal to heal?

Most wounds take 1 to 3 weeks to heal. If a large area of skin was removed, you may have a skin graft. In that case, healing may take longer. Some soreness around the site of the wound is normal.

How long should you put Vaseline on a wound?

Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. Open wounds heal more slowly. A large wound can take 4 weeks or more to heal. A dressing (e.g. a plaster or gauze & tape) can be applied to protect the wound and keep it clean.

What is scraping in dermatology?

Curettage is the term used to describe surgical scraping, which may be used to clean a body cavity of foreign matter, to remove diseased tissue such as tumors or growths or to obtain a biopsy that can be used for diagnosis. It involves the use of a small, spoon-shaped tool with a very sharp edge called a curette.

Can you scrape off basal cell carcinoma?

A curettage and electrodesiccation, also known as a curettage and desiccation, is a skin cancer treatment used to remove basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. During the procedure, your doctor will scrape the affected skin surface with a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument).

How long should you use Vaseline after Mohs surgery?

How long do I apply Vaseline and a bandaid? 1-2 weeks until the sutures are removed, then for 1 week after just apply Vaseline. If you hate the bandage, you can go without it, but you must reapply the Vaseline 5-10 times a day, the wound must not dry out.

What causes corneal warpage?

The more concerning causes of corneal warpage are those that are permanent. Certain diseases such as keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration cause progressive thinning and steepening of the cornea. Both conditions result in corneal irregularity, but the pattern is slightly different between the two.

How is a curettage and desiccation used for skin cancer?

A curettage and electrodesiccation, also known as a curettage and desiccation, is a skin cancer treatment used to remove basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. During the procedure, your doctor will scrape the affected skin surface with a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument).

Where can curettage and electrodesiccation be performed on?

Areas of the body such as the head, armpits, scalp or beard are not typically treated with a curettage and electrodesiccation. It is most commonly performed on the chest, upper arms, back or abdomen. Risks associated with curettage and electrodesiccation are typically minimal if performed by an experienced doctor.

Can a curettage be used on a hair follicle?

If cancer has developed in the hair follicle, a curettage and electrodesiccation may not be effective in removing the tumor. Areas of the body such as the head, armpits, scalp or beard are not typically treated with a curettage and electrodesiccation. It is most commonly performed on the chest, upper arms, back or abdomen.