types and measurements of currents
direct current
constant even flow; travels in one direction; produced by chemical means
call phones, flashlights, cordless tools-requires a battery to work
fuse
prevents excessive current from passing through a circuit
electrotherapy
refers to the electric currents used to treat the skin
galvanic current
constant and direct current having a positive and negative pole that produce chemical changes when passed though the tissues and fluids of the body
electromagnetic spectrum
name given to all forms of energy or radiation tha exsist
alternating current
rapid interrupted flow; travels in two directions; produced by mechanical means
anything that plugs into a wall outlet
circuit beaker
switch that automatically interrupts an electrical circuit at the first sign of overload
modalities
refers to the currents used to treat the face and scalp-each modality will produce a different effect on the skin
cataphoresis/anaphoresis
cataphoresis- positive pole (anode)acidic reaction; closes pores; soothes nerves; decreases blood supply; contracts blood vessels; firms tissues
anaphoresis- negative pole (cathode) alkaline reaction; opens pores; stimulates irritates nerves; increases blood supply; expands blood vessels; softens tissues
visible light
the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be seen make up 35% of natural sunlight
rectifer
changes ac to dc
cordless clippers and phone chargers use a rectifier to change ac from a wall outlet to the dc needed to recharge batteries
grounding
completes an electrical circuit and carries the current safely away
electrode
aka probe-the applicator for directing electric current from an electrotherapy device to the clients skin; usually made of carbon glass or metal-each modality requires two electrodes one negative one positive
desincrustation
a form of anaphoresis used to soften and emulsify grease deposits (oil) and black heads in the hair follicles; used to treat acne and comedones
invisible light
the light at either end of the visible spectrum that is invisible to the naked eye
volt/ampere
volt- aka voltage- the unit that measures the pressure that pushes electric current forward through a conductor
ampere-aka amp- the unit that measures strength of electric current
ground fault interrupter
protects from electrical shock by interrupting a household current when there is a leak in the circuit
anode
the positive electrode usually red marked with a P or plus sign
microcurrent
extremely low level of electricity that mirrors the bodys natural impulses; can be used for iontophoresis firming toning and soothing skin-does not travel throughout the entire body only the specific area being treated
ultraviolet light
abbreviated UV light know as cold light or actinic light has a shorter wavelength giving it higher energy causes chemical reactions to happen more quickly
prompts the skin to produce vitamin D
ohm/watt/kilowatt
ohm-unit that measures the resistance of an electrical current
watt-unit that measures how much electricity being used per second
kilowatt=1000 watts
underwriters laboratories
UL-certifies the safety of electrical appliances
all of your equipment should be UL certified
cathode
negative electrode usually black and marked with an N or a minus sign
tesla high-frequency
aka violet ray-thermal or heat producing current with a high rate of oscillation or vibration electrodes are either glass or metal; stimulates blood circulation; increases elimination and absorption; increases skins metabolism; improves germicidal action; relieves skin congestion
UVA/UVB/UVC
UVA- longest wavelength penetrates directly into the dermis damaging collagen and elastin often used in tanning beds causes skin cancer
UVB- burning light causes sunburn and skin cancer
UVC- blocked by the ozone layer if earth loses its ozone layer life will end as we know it kills bacteria viruses mold and other pathogens