After an electrolysis treatment, pinpoint scabs may form on your scalp the day after. These protective coverings act like natural band-aids and serve to support and shield the follicle during its recovery process.
Pitting is an unfortunate side effect of electrolysis that often appears in melanin-rich skin. Unfortunately, unlike scar formation, pitting cannot be reversed through treatment at the follicle level.
What Causes Pitting?
Corrosion is an electrochemical process that causes metals to corrode and wear away over time, often as the result of two metals coming in contact or being subject to electrical current. Copper is particularly susceptible to electrolysis while stainless steel may corrode when exposed for too long to direct current electricity. Copper pipe may become stained green from corrosion caused by exposure to DC electricity while pitting corrosion can occur causing small holes on its surface that erode away at it over time.
Pitting corrosion occurs on copper, zinc and nickel alloys as well as stainless steel surfaces, often when an area of metal becomes anodic (oxidation reaction), while another part acts as cathode (reduction reaction). This produces localized corrosion with minimal diffusion across its oxide layer.
Pitting may be caused by acidic conditions, chlorides and iron levels below their desired levels; oxygen may also play a part.
Copper objects left exposed to air and water often develop a layer of tar called oxidation, which will gradually erode away, leaving dull yellow copper behind. Tar can crack and peel from its surface as the process continues; left unchecked, copper could start corrosion in random patterns of pits and crevices.
Copper’s oxidation can be reduced with surface treatments like waxes or paints containing tin or lead, however even these measures cannot prevent electrolysis – leading to corrosion that’s not visible from the outside but which could eventually cause leakage and interior damages in a pipe.
Salt water exposes metals to corrosion in much the same manner, making zinc anodes ideal for boats in order to protect more precious components from electrolysis. Over time, zinc gives up electrons to the metal being corroded and weakens; while its counterpart (typically steel or aluminum) remains strong.
What Are the Symptoms of Pitting?
Electrolysis is an effective solution for permanent hair removal. Unfortunately, electrolysis does have some side effects; pitting being one. Pitting is a type of galvanic corrosion in which aggressive anions enter metal through random breaks in its protective oxide layer, leading to corrosion at specific spots on its surface.
Pitting typically occurs on copper pipes used in salt water systems such as those found aboard boats, such as plumbing. It may also happen with zinc anodes known as sacrificial anodes which are placed on trim tabs and shafts to give up electrons to protect other metal parts against corrosion, including trim tabs and shafts. Pitting also affects steel parts that come into contact with fresh or salt water environments.
Electrolysis treatments usually result in redness, swelling, scabbing and blisters in the treated area that typically appear one day post treatment and last several days thereafter. While they can be highly irritating to sensitive areas like the face or bikini line, it’s important to avoid scratching or scrubbing off these scabs since they will eventually fall off naturally without leaving visible marks behind.
If your skin is particularly delicate, an electrologist may suggest using lower current or another treatment method which won’t cause scabbing. Most often, any scabs will dissipate over time as your body renews itself leaving smooth hair-free skin in its place.
Establishing and adhering to a regular treatment schedule is key for maintaining optimal hair health and avoiding re-growth or pitting issues. Your electrologist can discuss a suitable maintenance plan with you.
After electrolysis treatments, it’s also essential that you stay out of the sun as much as possible. Your treated skin can become extremely vulnerable to heat exposure and could suffer severe burns if exposed for too long. If necessary, use at least SPF 15 sunscreen and also consider applying fragrance- and menthol-free aloe gel after each session to nourish and moisturize the skin.
How Can I Prevent Pitting?
Once electrolysis treatment has taken place, it is not unusual for a scab to form in the hair follicle opening. This protective band-aid acts as nature’s cure while skin heals; should this occur, be sure to notify your electrologist so they may adjust their approach or method of care accordingly.
Pitting corrosion can affect any metal that is vulnerable to it; stainless steel being particularly susceptible. Pitting corrosion usually manifests itself by creating small pits in its protective film coating or film surface – these pits tend to be either hemispherical or cup-shaped but they may be irregular as well. These pits expose crystal structures within the metal, potentially perforating through its thickness over time and eventually perforating through altogether.
Pitted scars typically consist of lumpy, bumpy scar tissue. While not painful, these unsightly scars may have an unsightly appearance that can be hard to hide. Although scars will improve over time, their exact timing remains unpredictable. Laser resurfacing techniques may help but cannot always resolve pitted scars entirely while punch grafts may fill any holes left by laser treatments but these risk becoming infected if administered improperly.
One key way to prevent electrolysis pitting is avoiding excessive redness or swelling after treatment. Erythema could indicate improper needle insertion, too much current being applied or that your skin may be more sensitive than anticipated; alternatively it may indicate an allergic reaction due to electrolysis procedures.
Pitting can also be avoided through proper after electrolysis cleaning practices and using safe cleaning solutions that do not compromise the base metal of hair follicles. Scrubbing pitted areas vigorously will widen their openings and help you assess how severe any damage might be.
Electrolysis pitting must also be differentiated from galvanic corrosion. Galavanic corrosion is a chemical process in which different metals come into contact in an acidic solution and produce ions that attack more sensitive metals, but galvanic corrosion only becomes an issue when multiple different metals come in contact. If they were all of similar type, however, this would likely not pose such a significant threat; otherwise it can become catastrophically problematic when multiple types of metal come in contact.
How Can I Treat Pitting?
Pitting after electrolysis should only be temporary and should heal as the scabs do. Picking at these scabs could result in permanent scarring. To help minimize damage from electrolysis it’s essential to follow your electrologist’s aftercare instructions for your skin damage: using soothing cream, keeping the area clean, undisturbed. Also consult your dermatologist about Alpha-Hydroxy Acids or chemical peels as potential solutions to improving appearance caused by scars left by electrolysis.
Corrosion pits can often be seen on copper pipes, and their formation is known as “pitting.” This form of corrosion occurs when one small area becomes an anode (oxidation reaction), while an unknown but possibly vast section becomes cathodic (reduction reaction). Ion transport across oxide layers drives this phenomenon; depassivation of small surface regions within this protective oxide film leads to localised galvanic reactions which further accelerate corrosion pitting.
Pitting may occur as a result of electrolytic or electrostatic processes, chemical reactions and biological events; its exact causes remain to be established. Pitting has been linked with iron electrodes, phosphate ester fluids and electrokinetic currents as possible culprits.
When it comes to electrolysis, one of the best ways to avoid pitting is by working with an experienced electrologist who uses correct technique. A good electrologist will use low current settings per session and utilize only premium needles while monitoring and adjusting treatments as necessary until your skin reaches an acceptable level of irritation.
Preventing pitting can also be achieved by keeping treated areas hydrated after each electrolysis treatment session. A soothing gel, such as that provided to our clients by us after each session, stimulates skin cell renewal and facilitates its quick recovery from electrolysis damage.
Consistent appointments should also be scheduled until all hair in a particular area has been cleared away, usually once or twice weekly for at least several months until this task has been accomplished. This ensures each follicle is being removed at its correct growth cycle, thereby decreasing any chance of new growth or re-growth.
