Which skin change is associated with thermolysis?

• A. Whitening or blanching
• B. Tanning
• C. Reddening
• D. Swelling

Answer: (A)

Thermolysis uses heat to coagulate the hair follicle, and the immediate skin reaction around the treated area is blanching. The rapid heating causes the small blood vessels in the skin to constrict, reducing blood flow and making the skin appear white or pale. This whitening is the most direct and characteristic change associated with thermolysis. Reddening would indicate increased blood flow after inflammation, tanning comes from UV exposure, and swelling, while possible, is not as characteristic as blanching.