Seborrheic Keratosis: Electrocautery Treatment

Topic Overview

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. But it is not effective for removing large numbers of keratoses.

This procedure usually can be done in your doctor's office. An injection of a numbing medicine (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.

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerRandall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Last RevisedJanuary 28, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: January 28, 2011
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology

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