Electrodesiccation and Fulguration

Electrodesiccation and Fulguration

In electrodesiccation, an active electrode touches or is inserted into the skin to produce targer tissue (eg small blood vessel) destruction (Figure 1, part A). Electrodesiccation can be used to treat fine telangiectasias and spider angiomas on your face, nose, chest or legs.

FIGURE 1.

In fulguration, the electrode is held away from the skin to produce a sparking at the skin surface and more shallow tissue destruction (Figure 1, part B). Fulguration is especially useful in treating superficial epidermal lesions, such as a superficial basal cell carcinoma of the trunk.