Treatment Protocols & Procedures Flashcards

What is the recommended approach when a client requests treatment of a mole or pigmented lesion near a hair?

Answer: Treat only hairs outside the lesion boundary and refer to a dermatologist for evaluation

Electrologists should not treat within or on pigmented lesions; hairs adjacent to lesions can be treated, but the client should be referred for dermatological evaluation of any suspicious lesion.

The telogen phase of the hair growth cycle is significant for electrolysis because:

Answer: Telogen hairs have shed their papilla, making effective treatment difficult

During telogen, the hair shaft has separated from the dermal papilla, so the probe may not reach the germinal cells, reducing treatment effectiveness.

A client with diabetes mellitus type 2 presents for electrolysis on the lower legs. The primary concern is:

Answer: Impaired wound healing and increased infection risk requiring extra precaution

Diabetes impairs wound healing and immune response, making infection a significant risk; extra sanitation precautions, gentle technique, and medical clearance may be warranted.

During thermolysis treatment, what term describes the phenomenon where heat spreads beyond the follicle to damage adjacent tissue?

Answer: Thermal conductance spread

Thermal conductance spread (also called heat spread) occurs when high-frequency energy travels beyond the target follicle, potentially damaging adjacent structures or causing skin surface damage.

Which probe material is preferred for clients with metal allergies, particularly nickel sensitivity?

Answer: Gold-plated or titanium probes

Gold-plated or titanium probes are recommended for nickel-sensitive clients because stainless steel probes contain nickel alloys that can cause localized allergic reactions.

What is the correct technique for treating an ingrown hair that has not yet broken through the skin surface?

Answer: Use a sterile lancet to lift the hair tip before probe insertion along the follicle

A sterile lancet is used to gently release the embedded hair tip, then the probe is inserted along the follicle canal to treat the papilla in the standard manner.

How does the electrologist determine the correct insertion depth for each hair follicle during treatment?

Answer: The probe is gently advanced until natural resistance indicates the papilla depth

The electrologist gently advances the probe following the follicle's natural resistance; slight resistance at the follicle base (papilla) indicates correct insertion depth without forcing.