**3.2 Thermal ablation**

Like microneedle technology, thermal ablation makes the stratum corneum more permeable [113]. Both these methods avoid the breach of deeper capillary and nerve-containing tissues. However, the difference is that short pulses of high heat (~100°C) are used (instead of needles) to create small, reversible channels in the micron range [114]. Thus, following the application of short bursts of heat, the drug can be applied to the area for entering the circulation. Multiple systems have been designed to deliver drugs via thermal ablation successfully. While these systems successfully deliver smaller drug molecules, delivery of protein or peptide via this method is a work in progress.
