The Bottom Line

Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C) is a quick, well-proven office procedure for treating certain low-risk skin cancers and many non-cancerous skin growths. A curette (a small, spoon-shaped scraping instrument) removes the abnormal tissue, and then an electric current destroys any remaining cells and seals the wound. The whole thing takes 15–30 minutes under local anesthesia, leaves the wound to heal on its own without stitches, and achieves cure rates of 90–95% for appropriately selected low-risk skin cancers.

What Is Electrodesiccation and Curettage?

ED&C combines two steps into one procedure. First, a dermatologist uses a curette — a small, sharp, loop-shaped or spoon-shaped tool — to scrape away abnormal tissue. Because skin cancer cells are softer than the normal surrounding skin, the curette can distinguish between the two by feel, allowing the surgeon to remove abnormal tissue with good precision.

Then an electrode is touched to the treated area, delivering a low-power electrical current. This current (called electrodesiccation) does two things: it destroys any remaining abnormal cells at the wound base and edges, and it causes the small blood vessels to seal, stopping bleeding. This cycle of curettage followed by electrodesiccation is typically repeated two or three times to maximize effectiveness.

ED&C is also called electrosurgery, curettage and desiccation, or simply “scrape and burn” in everyday language.

What Conditions Is ED&C Used For?

ED&C is most commonly used for:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): Specifically low-risk BCCs — small, superficial, or nodular tumors on the trunk, arms, or legs in non-critical areas
  • Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen’s disease): A very early, surface-level form of SCC
  • Actinic keratoses: Rough, scaly pre-cancerous patches caused by sun damage
  • Seborrheic keratoses: Common non-cancerous warty growths
  • Warts (verrucae): Especially resistant or recurrent warts
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia: Enlarged oil gland bumps on the face

ED&C is not suitable for melanoma, aggressive skin cancer subtypes, or skin cancers in high-risk locations like the nose, eyelids, ears, or lips where tissue conservation and margin control matter most. For those cases, Mohs surgery or excision is preferred.

How Is the Procedure Done?

ED&C is performed in the dermatology office with no hospital visit required. Here is a step-by-step overview:

  • Numbing: The area is injected with a local anesthetic (lidocaine with epinephrine). This takes effect quickly and keeps you comfortable throughout.
  • First curettage pass: The dermatologist scrapes the lesion using the curette, removing the bulk of the abnormal tissue.
  • First electrodesiccation: The electrical electrode is applied to the wound bed to destroy remaining cells and seal small blood vessels.
  • Repeat cycles: The curettage and desiccation cycle is repeated 2–3 times to ensure thorough treatment. Each cycle treats progressively deeper tissue.
  • No stitches: The wound is left open to heal by secondary intention — meaning the body naturally fills in and covers the wound over several weeks.
  • Duration: The procedure itself usually takes 10–20 minutes.

What Happens to the Wound Afterward?

Since there are no stitches, the wound heals from the bottom up — a process called secondary intention healing. Here is the typical timeline:

  • Days 1–3: The wound may ooze slightly and forms a crust (scab). Keep it covered with petroleum jelly and a bandage.
  • Weeks 1–4: The scab gradually lifts as new skin grows underneath. Avoid picking at the scab.
  • Weeks 4–8: The wound closes fully. The healed area is usually a round, flat, light-colored or slightly depressed scar.
  • Months 6–12: The scar fades further, though it may remain lighter than surrounding skin permanently.

The final scar from ED&C is typically round and slightly indented. It is often less noticeable than a linear surgical scar on the trunk and extremities, though on the face, excision or Mohs surgery usually gives a better cosmetic result.

Aftercare Instructions

  • Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and cover with a bandage daily until fully healed
  • Keep the wound moist — dry wounds heal more slowly and scar more
  • Avoid soaking the wound (no swimming or long baths) until it is fully closed
  • Protect the healed area from sun exposure with SPF 30+ sunscreen to reduce permanent discoloration
  • Watch for signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever

When to See a Dermatologist

  • You have a new, changing, or bleeding skin growth that has not healed within a few weeks
  • You have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma in situ and want to discuss treatment options
  • You have a wound from a previous ED&C that shows signs of infection or is not healing as expected
  • You have multiple actinic keratoses or a history of skin cancer and need regular skin checks
  • You want a non-surgical option for removal of a benign skin growth

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ED&C as effective as surgical excision for skin cancer?

For low-risk, well-defined basal cell carcinomas on low-risk body sites (trunk and extremities), ED&C achieves cure rates of 90–95% — comparable to standard excision. However, for high-risk BCCs or any skin cancer on the face, Mohs surgery or excision with margin control offers significantly higher cure rates (up to 99%) and is preferred. Your dermatologist will help you choose the right approach based on the specific characteristics of your tumor.

Will I have a scar?

Yes, ED&C does leave a scar. It is typically a round, flat, slightly lighter-colored mark. Many patients find it inconspicuous, especially on the trunk or arms. On cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, ED&C may produce a more noticeable result than a well-planned surgical scar. Discuss expected cosmetic outcomes with your dermatologist beforehand.

Does the procedure hurt?

The injection of local anesthetic causes a brief stinging sensation, similar to a dental injection. Once numb (usually within a minute), the procedure itself should be painless. You may feel pressure, vibration, or warmth but not sharp pain. After the anesthetic wears off, mild soreness for 1–3 days is typical and usually controlled with acetaminophen.

Can the skin cancer come back after ED&C?

No treatment eliminates all risk of recurrence, and ED&C does not allow pathologic margin assessment. For appropriately selected tumors, recurrence rates are low — around 5–10% over 5 years. If a skin cancer does recur after ED&C, Mohs surgery is generally the next step due to its superior margin control for recurrent tumors.

References

  1. Tran HT, et al. Curettage and electrodesiccation in the treatment of cutaneous malignancies. Dermatol Clin. 2011;29(2):229-236.
  2. Rowe DE, et al. Long-term recurrence rates in previously untreated (primary) basal cell carcinoma: implications for patient follow-up. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1989;15(3):315-328.
  3. Silverman MK, et al. Recurrence rates of treated basal cell carcinomas. Part 2: Curettage-electrodesiccation. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1991;17(9):720-726.
  4. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Basal Cell Skin Cancer Guidelines. Version 2024.

Trusted Resources

Always consult a board-certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. This information is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.