What Should You Know About an Electrosurgical Unit Diathermy Machine?

An electrosurgical unit diathermy machine delivers controlled electrical energy to cut, seal, or treat selected skin tissue during a procedure. The clinician chooses the energy setting and an appropriate electrode for the intended task. In dermatology, this equipment may be used for procedures such as removing or reducing certain superficial lesions, controlling small blood vessels, or applying heat to a treated area. It is also known as a diathermy unit or hyfrecator. The machine is operated by a trained professional, not by the patient.

Electrosurgery uses high-frequency electrical energy delivered through a small handpiece. Depending on the technique, the energy can heat tissue, dry a targeted spot, cut tissue, or help control bleeding. A local anaesthetic may be applied first when the procedure could cause discomfort. You may notice a brief sensation of heat, pressure, or a sharp feeling, and the treated area can look red or develop a small crust afterward. The device is not a diagnosis: the decision to use it depends on the lesion, its location, its appearance, and whether tissue needs to be sent for laboratory assessment.

The equipment and method are different from cosmetic light or laser devices. Your clinician should explain the intended result, possible mark or pigment change, and whether another technique would suit the area better.

Before treatment, tell the clinician about a pacemaker or implanted electronic device, medicines that affect bleeding, allergies to local anaesthetic or dressings, a history of raised scars, and any condition that may slow healing. Follow the clinic's instructions about cleansing the skin and applying or avoiding products. Do not pick at a crust after treatment. Keep the area clean and follow the recommended dressing routine; avoid rubbing, swimming, or applying irritating products until the skin has healed as advised. Protect healed skin from sunlight because temporary darkening or lightening can occur after inflammation.

Ask whether the treated tissue will be tested, how long the wound may take to settle, and which symptoms are expected for that particular site.

Contact the treating clinic if pain, swelling, warmth, or redness is increasing rather than easing, or if the area produces pus, develops a spreading rash, or keeps bleeding despite firm pressure. Seek prompt medical care for fever, severe pain, rapidly worsening swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction such as facial swelling or trouble breathing. A wound that is not healing as expected also deserves review. These symptoms do not identify the cause by themselves, so describe when they began and how the area has changed.

What is the specific purpose of electrosurgery for my skin concern? Which anaesthetic and aftercare will you use? Could this treatment leave a scar or change the skin colour? Do I need a biopsy or another form of assessment first? What should I do if the dressing becomes wet or the area bleeds? When should I arrange a follow-up?