What is a characteristic of the cathode during electrotherapy?

The cathode is defined as the negative electrode in electrotherapy, which is a crucial aspect of various aesthetic and therapeutic treatments. When current flows through a circuit in electrotherapy devices, the cathode plays a significant role in its effects on the skin.

Being the negative electrode, the cathode is known for facilitating certain reactions that can be beneficial for the skin. For instance, it can help to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and improve blood supply to the tissues. This characteristic is particularly useful in esthetic treatments aimed at rejuvenating the skin or managing acne, as the negative charge helps neutralize free radicals and can have soil-lifting and purifying effects.

In contrast to this, the positive electrode, known as the anode, promotes a different set of reactions and may not provide the same calming effects associated with the cathode. Thus, understanding the role of the cathode as the negative electrode is fundamental to effectively applying electrotherapy techniques in esthetics.