Post-Electrocautery Skin Issues: Urological Concerns

Q: Post-Electrocautery Skin Issues: Urological Concerns

Hello： Generally, electrical burns tend to heal with a harder texture. <br>The distribution of blood vessels may also change due to the electrical burn on the skin. <br>It is important to monitor the wound and surrounding area for any redness or discharge. <br>Typically, once the

Post-electrocautery wound issues?

Hello Doctor, I have not undergone circumcision, but my glans can normally be exposed when erect, and I clean it daily.
On May 26th, while showering, I noticed a few small bumps on the frenulum and was concerned they might be a sexually transmitted infection, so I immediately visited a urologist the next day.
The doctor said it was not possible to determine the cause visually, so he recommended electrosurgery followed by a biopsy (the biopsy result was seborrheic keratosis).
After the electrosurgery, there was swelling around the foreskin.
Three days later, the swelling visibly subsided, but a small area of skin near the swelling (about 0.5 cm from the wound, but not on the wound itself) remained slightly red and painful to the touch.
I thought it might be due to the electrosurgery affecting the area near the wound, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
However, now, after a month and a half, the surgical wound has healed, but the nearby skin still has a tingling sensation when lightly touched.
I'm not sure if it's just my perception, but the blood vessels in that area appear thicker than on the other side.
I recently had a follow-up appointment with the doctor, but he seemed uncertain and mentioned that the blood vessels might still be growing.
It has been a month and a half, and I am very worried about potential issues.
Could you please advise me? Thank you!

R, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/16

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: Generally, electrical burns tend to heal with a harder texture.
The distribution of blood vessels may also change due to the electrical burn on the skin.
It is important to monitor the wound and surrounding area for any redness or discharge.
Typically, once the wound has healed, the skin may feel somewhat hard and the color may differ from the areas that were not burned; however, this should improve over the course of several months, and I believe it will fade.
Additionally, some wounds may take longer to heal if the electrical burn was deeper.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/07/16

More Info

Post-electrocautery skin issues, particularly in the urogenital area, can be concerning, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as redness, tenderness, and changes in the appearance of surrounding skin. Based on your description, it seems you have undergone an electrocautery procedure for a condition diagnosed as seborrheic keratosis. While the initial swelling and redness are common post-procedure, persistent symptoms after a month and a half warrant further investigation.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that electrocautery is a procedure that uses heat to destroy abnormal tissue. While it is generally safe, it can lead to localized irritation, inflammation, and changes in skin texture or color. The fact that you are experiencing tenderness and a sensation of pain in the area surrounding the treated site could be due to several factors:
1. Healing Process: The skin in the genital area is sensitive and may take longer to heal than other areas of the body. The sensation of pain or discomfort could be part of the normal healing process, especially if the skin was subjected to heat.

2. Nerve Sensitivity: After any surgical procedure, including electrocautery, the nerves in the area may become more sensitive. This can lead to sensations of pain or discomfort that may feel unusual or exaggerated.

3. Vascular Changes: You mentioned that the blood vessels in the area appear more prominent. This could be due to increased blood flow as part of the healing process or inflammation. If the area is healing, it’s common for blood vessels to become more visible as the skin regenerates.

4. Infection or Complications: While it sounds like your doctor has assessed the area, any persistent pain, especially if accompanied by changes in color or discharge, could indicate an infection or other complications. It’s crucial to monitor for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge.

5. Scar Tissue Formation: Sometimes, the body forms scar tissue after a procedure, which can lead to changes in sensation or discomfort in the area. Scar tissue can be more sensitive than normal skin, leading to a feeling of tightness or pain.

Given that you have already consulted with your urologist and they have indicated that the blood vessels may still be developing, it’s essential to continue monitoring the area. If the symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop new symptoms, it would be prudent to seek a second opinion or further evaluation from a dermatologist or another urologist. They may recommend imaging studies or additional treatments to ensure that there are no underlying issues.

In the meantime, here are some general care tips for post-electrocautery skin:
- Keep the Area Clean: Gently cleanse the area with mild soap and water to prevent infection.

- Moisturize: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. This can help reduce irritation and promote healing.

- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of harsh soaps, lotions, or any products that may irritate the skin.

- Sun Protection: If the area is exposed to sunlight, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect healing skin from UV damage.

- Follow-Up Care: Keep all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor the healing process.

In conclusion, while some discomfort and changes in the skin can be expected after electrocautery, persistent symptoms should not be ignored. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns that may arise. If you have any further questions or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

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