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Electrolysis and Hair Removal

Definition

Electrolysis is the removal of unwanted hair by means of short-wave electric current which destroys the hair's roots.

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Description

Some people regard the presence of hair in certain locations of their body as undesirable. The amounts of normal facial and body hair vary greatly from one person to another. Many women develop considerable amounts of body and facial hair during puberty; in some cases, even faint mustaches appear. The normal secretion of androgen hormones produces many changes in a young girl's body, including hair growth in the pubic and armpit regions. In women, the amount of hair usually increases slowly with age, even past menopause. Men similarly may develop considerable body hair as they age.

The presence of too much hair is called hirsutism. How much is too much is largely a matter of personal perception. Some people are content that the amount they have is right for them. If there is a sudden increase in hair - over a period of a few months - one should consult a physician for evaluation.

Some drugs, such as Dilantin, may also cause growth of body hair. Certain vitamin preparations contain testosterone and cause increased growth of facial and body hair.

There are a variety of methods to get rid of the unsightly hair including electrolysis, plucking, shaving, waxing, hair removers and laser-assisted removal.

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Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the permanent removal of unwanted hair by means of short-wave electric current, which destroys the hair's roots. There are at least two types of devices used in electrolysis -a needle epilator and a tweezer epilator.

A needle epilator uses a fine needle that is inserted into each hair follicle and a burst of electric current is delivered through the needle to destroy the hair root. Although the root is destroyed, the hair can grow back about 30 percent of the time. Electric shock, infections, scarring, or discoloration around the follicle may occur, so this procedure is best done by a trained electrologist. It is wise to have the electrologist do a few hairs (perhaps six) and observe the results before embarking on an extensive program of hair removal.

Tweezer epilator uses electric current to remove hair. The tweezers grasp the hair close to the skin, and the applied current travels down the hair shaft to the root. Because they don't use a needle, it is supposed to be less painful.

With very few exceptions, electrolysis can be used safely on any part of the body. Its use should, however, be avoided on the lower margins of the eyebrows, where the skin above the eyelids is delicate and easily damaged.

You may need several sessions because the maximum removal rate is about 100 hairs per visit. Electrolysis can be painful, long, tedious, and expensive.

To help relieve the pain associated with electrolysis there is a prescription-only topical anesthetic called eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA). This cream can reduce the electrolysis producing pain. It is available only by prescription because it does have risks associated with it. EMLA could cause an allergic reaction and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin).

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Other Treatment Options

Plucking. This is the most common cosmetic method and works well if the problem is a few scattered hairs. Wash the area first and dab on a little alcohol with a cotton ball. Use good tweezers to remove the hair by pulling it out in the direction it is growing. Plucking is a temporary solution. It does not make hair grow back darker or coarser. Plucking causes rupture of the hair bulb and associated bleeding. The possibility of infection in the follicle is always present.

Shaving. This is another popular, but temporary, method. This can be very irritating to the skin. Women commonly shave their underarms and lower legs but shaving is also safe for facial hair.

Waxing. Wax removal is popular for removing hair on the upper lip, chin, and legs. There are two types of waxes, "hot" and "cold."

Hot waxing involves heating the wax until it is melted and then applying to the area. The hair becomes embedded in the wax as it cools and hardens. After it cools and sets, it is quickly stripped off in the direction of the hair growth. "Cold" waxes work similarly. Strips that are pre-coated with wax are pressed in the skin in the direction of the hair growth and pulled off in the opposite direction.

Both methods last longer than other temporary methods because the hair is pulled out below the skin's surface. New hairs generally appear after a month. Waxing can be painful and may irritate the skin. Waxing is not recommended for diabetics or people with circulatory problems.

Additionally, waxes should not be used over varicose veins, moles or warts, eyelashes, inside the nose or ears, on the nipples or genital areas, or on irritated, chapped, sunburned or cut skin.

Hair Removers. Depilatories are chemical agents that dissolve hair protein. They can be bought in the form of a foam, cream or lotion and applied directly on the skin and rinsed off within 5 to 10 minutes (see package for time). This method can cause a slight burning sensation sometimes followed by a rash. If you begin to feel uncomfortable, rinse the cream off immediately.

Laser. This is a more expensive treatment and is done by a trained physician. The possible side effects of this treatment include redness, possible darkening of light-complexioned skin and lightening of dark-complexion skin and scarring. Usually the treated area is covered during the healing period and then kept covered with a moist solution to prevent possible to prevent infection. Additionally, avoiding sunlight during the healing is recommended so that the pigmentation does not discolor.

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Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Is electrolysis safe?

What qualifications should an electrologist have?

How much hair can be removed in one session?

How many sessions are needed?

What are the risks?

What are the alternatives to electrolysis?

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