From the Guidelines
No, you should not use electrocautery on small zits at home, as it is a medical procedure that should only be performed by trained medical professionals like dermatologists. For treating small zits, safer and more appropriate options include over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide (2.5-10%) or salicylic acid (0.5-2%) 1. Apply these once or twice daily to affected areas. Spot treatments with 5% benzoyl peroxide can be left on overnight for stubborn pimples. For recurring acne, consider a consistent skincare routine with gentle cleansers and non-comedogenic moisturizers.
Some key points to consider when treating acne include:
- Using topical therapies that combine multiple mechanisms of action, as recommended in the guidelines for the management of acne vulgaris 1
- Limiting systemic antibiotic use to reduce the development of antibiotic resistance and other complications 1
- Combining systemic antibiotics with benzoyl peroxide and other topical therapies for optimal treatment outcomes 1
- Considering adjuvant intralesional corticosteroid injections for larger acne lesions to reduce inflammation and prevent scarring 1
Electrocautery carries risks of scarring, infection, and burns when not performed properly, and the equipment used in medical settings is different from devices marketed for home use. The heat from electrocautery can damage surrounding healthy skin and potentially worsen inflammation if used incorrectly on acne lesions. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize safer and more effective treatment options, such as those recommended in the guidelines for the management of acne vulgaris 1.
From the Research
Treatment of Acne
There are various treatments available for acne, including topical and oral therapies. However, the use of electrocautery on small zits is not mentioned in the provided studies.
Available Treatments
- Topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, sulfacetamide, and azelaic acid are effective in patients with mild or moderate comedones 2
- Topical erythromycin or clindamycin can be added in patients with mild to moderate inflammatory acne or mixed acne 2
- A combination of clindamycin 1%-benzoyl peroxide 5% gel is efficacious and well-tolerated 3
- Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, can be used in patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne 2, 4
- Isotretinoin is reserved for use in the treatment of the most severe or refractory cases of inflammatory acne 2, 4
Electrocautery
There is no mention of electrocautery as a treatment for small zits in the provided studies. The studies focus on topical and oral therapies, and do not discuss the use of electrocautery in the treatment of acne. Therefore, there is no evidence to support the use of electrocautery on small zits based on the provided studies.