Skin and Body Clinic Blog
Electrolysis Hair Removal for Hirsutism, as measured by the Ferriman-Gallwey Score
Hirsutism is a manageable condition but can be stressful due to its physical appearance. Early diagnosis, hormonal control, and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms.
For women with hirsutism, as measured by the Ferriman-Gallwey score, electrolysis offers a highly effective and permanent hair removal option. While the treatment process requires multiple sessions and patience, especially for women with higher scores indicating extensive hair growth, it provides long-term relief from the cosmetic and emotional challenges.
The Ferriman-Gallwey score
Is a clinical tool used to assess the severity of hirsutism by measuring hair growth in specific areas of the body that are typically sensitive to androgens or male hormones. This scoring system is commonly used to help diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other hormonal disorders that can cause hirsutism like Cushing's syndrome or adrenal hyperplasia. Insulin resistance and some medications can also have an impact on hair growth.
The Ferriman-Gallwey scale rates hair growth on a scale from 0 to 4 in nine key body areas like Upper lip, Chin, Chest, Upper back, Lower back, Upper abdomen, Lower abdomen, Arms and Thighs. Each area is scored based on the degree of hair growth.
Electrolysis hair removal
Electrolysis is one of the most effective and permanent solutions for managing excessive hair growth in women with hirsutism. Since electrolysis destroys the hair follicle using an electric current, it prevents regrowth in the treated area. This is particularly beneficial for those with higher Ferriman-Gallwey scores who are looking for a long-term solution to unwanted hair.
Electrolysis is approved by FDA and British medical association as the only method of permanent hair removal. For women with hirsutism, especially those with high Ferriman-Gallwey scores, this means significant and lasting reduction of unwanted hair.
Electrolysis is Suitable for All Skin and Hair Types including fine or light-colored hair that is common in some women with hirsutism.
Electrolysis can be used to remove hair from all of the areas listed on the Ferriman-Gallwey scale, such as the upper lip, chin, chest, abdomen, and back. It’s especially useful for treating sensitive or smaller areas, like the face, where precision is key.
Since electrolysis directly destroys the hair follicle, it is not affected by ongoing hormonal fluctuations, making it ideal for women with conditions like PCOS, where hormones may still drive new hair growth in untreated areas.
For more information or to book a consultation please contact us.
Using Advanced Electrolysis Techniques to Remove Warts
Warts are a common skin condition caused by HPV that can affect people of all ages and are caused by an infection of HPV, a virus that has more than 100 strains, although only a few are responsible for causing warts. The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, abrasions, or breaks, often from activities like shaving, biting nails, or even walking barefoot in damp communal areas like swimming pools and locker rooms.
HPV thrives in warm, moist environments. Warts can spread through direct contact with the skin of someone who has warts or by touching surfaces contaminated by the virus. While warts are contagious, not everyone who comes in contact with HPV develops them. A person’s immune system plays a significant role, as some people may be more resistant to the virus than others.
Bellow are more common types of warts, each associated with different parts of the body and characteristics:
Common Warts: These are the most frequent type of wart, typically appearing on the hands, fingers, or around the nails. They are small, rough, and have a cauliflower-like appearance. Common warts often develop in areas prone to injury or where the skin has been damaged.
Plantar Warts: These warts grow on the soles of the feet and can be particularly painful due to pressure from walking. Unlike other warts, plantar warts tend to grow inward rather than outward and may have a flat surface with a small black dot in the center, which is a clotted blood vessel.
Flat Warts: These are smaller and smoother than common warts and often appear in clusters. They are typically found on the face, neck, hands, or legs. Flat warts are more common in children and adolescents and can spread through activities like shaving or scratching.
Filiform Warts: These warts are long, narrow, and usually grow on the face, particularly around the mouth, eyes, or nose. They tend to grow quickly and can be more noticeable because of their location and shape.
Genital Warts: These are sexually transmitted and affect the genital and anal areas. Caused by specific strains of HPV, genital warts can range in size and shape, sometimes appearing as small, raised bumps or as clusters resembling cauliflower. These tend to respond well to laser treatment.
Warts are generally painless, but depending on their type and location, they can cause discomfort. Plantar warts, for instance, can be painful when walking, and periungual warts may cause discomfort around the nails. Warts are usually flesh-colored or slightly darker, with a rough texture, though flat warts are smoother and more subtle.
Some warts require Doctor's diagnosis before treatment.
Treating with advanced electrolysis
When treating warts with electrolysis, a fine probe is inserted into the wart tissue, and an electric current is applied to destroy the cells and the blood supply that nourish the wart. This process helps to kill the tissue of the wart, causing it to dry up, shrink, and eventually fall off.
The heat generated by the electric current is used to destroy abnormal tissue. Electrolysis can be an effective option for some warts, especially small, and any resistant ones, that haven't responded to other treatments.
Some benefits of Electrolysis for Wart Removal are:
Precision: Electrolysis can target the wart tissue directly without affecting the surrounding skin. This makes it useful for treating warts in sensitive or visible areas like the face, hands, or other delicate parts of the body.
Minimal Invasiveness: Unlike surgical removal, electrolysis is less invasive and does not require any cutting or stitches. This means there's less risk of scarring compared to surgical excision.
A very good alternative for Resistant Warts: For warts that do not respond to over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid or freezing (cryotherapy), electrolysis can be a great option.
Some people experience mild discomfort during electrolysis treatment, as the electric current creates heat. Topical anesthetics may be used to reduce pain during the procedure.
After electrolysis treatment, the wart may scab over and take a few weeks to fully heal. The skin should be kept clean and cared for during this time to avoid infection. It is possible to need more than one session.
Electrolysis can be an effective method for wart removal, especially for small or stubborn warts that haven't responded to other treatments.
If you have a wart you would like treated please arrange for consultation by contacting us.
Using Electrolysis for Mole Reduction
There are many types of Moles, they are usually normal growths of different size, colour and shape. They develop when pigment producing cells grow in groups, however, they can also be skin color. Most people have a number of moles that appear during childhood and teenage years that change and even fade over time. It is important to observe any changes in their appearance and have them regularly checked by a trained professional. It is also crucial to sun expose sensibly and use sun protection when the exposure is prolonged. This also applies to people with darker skin tones.
Using electrolysis, normal moles can be reduced for cosmetic reasons with minimal trauma and no excision, therefore possibility of any scarring is greatly reduced.This is particularly useful when treating moles on the face or other exposed areas. Treatment close to eyes is also possible.
Diagnosis from a Doctor is required prior to treatment.
If a mole has hair growing from it, the hair is usually treated first. Depending on the size of the mole, more then one session could be necessary.
Contact us
To find out more information or book an appointment.
Telephone: 07986361999
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