Blemish description and treatment

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Skin tags (acrochordons) are small growths that hang off the skin and resemble warts. They are very common, often flesh-coloured or brown in colour, and they are harmless. They can vary in size and they are usually found on the neck, armpits or around the groin. Anybody can develop skin tags and they tend to grow where skin rubs against skin or clothing.

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The equipment required for removal of these blemishes is a short wave diathermy unit.  The unit uses an alternating, high frequency current to treat the blemish by thermolysis.

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Tags are removed by probing into the superficial strata of the skin of a small tag effectively cauterising it and leaving it to fall off naturally.  Heather will start at a low level of current whilst gauging the effect on your blemish and on surrounding skin.  It may be necessary to slowly raise the level to achieve optimum results. For larger tags Heather will probe into the ‘neck’ of the tag until it is severed and the head can be removed.

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Once the tag has been treated, Heather will check that no further cauterisation of the wound area is necessary and then apply a calming solution.  The area will be noticeably red after treatment.

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Most tags, once removed and the site healed over, will leave virtually no sign of their original presence on the skin’s surface.  Occasionally they leave a small area of slight discolouration or tiny scar.  With due care by the client, both should fade with time but there is no guarantee.  Treated blemishes will not return however in some cases new ones may form depending on the underlying cause.

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General after care advice

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Treat this ‘wound’ as you would a minor burn.  Keep the area clean and dry for at least 24hrs after treatment.  Do not cover the area with makeup.  For underarm tags do not apply deodorant for up to 48 hrs. A burns plaster can be applied if necessary.  Provided you have no allergy to it, applying a lotion such as aloe vera is recommended. Continue to keep the area clean at all times to prevent infection.

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Wound healing can take up to 4 weeks.  Avoid exposure to sunlight, chlorinated water and perfumed products.  Avoid hot baths and showers. No further beauty treatments can be carried out on the area of the wound during this healing time.  Should scabs form they must be allowed to fall off naturally.

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General conditions that may prevent treatment:

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Minors cannot receive treatment.

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Hepatitis, HIV, haemophilia, varicose veins, acne/Rosacea, metal plates and pins and poor healing skin in the treatment area (cannot be treated), heart disorders (I will need to check with insurance company).  Other health limitations may apply and must be divulged at your consultation for consideration.

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Pacemakers, infectious skin conditions, clients on warfarin, type 1 diabetes, asthma and epilepsy will all require proof of Doctor’s authorisation to treat via short wave diathermy.