Policies

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER STERILIZATION

In any procedure involving close personal contact or exposure to blood, plasma, serum or other body fluids the risk of contracting infection exists. This risk can be reduced by following simple guidelines. These infection control guidelines must be used with every client. In this way, the electrologist, clients and the public are protected.

As health care professionals, electrolysis remain committed to insuring the health and safety of their clients. Accordingly, electrologists maintain the highest possible standards for the sterilization of instruments used in their practice.

Sterile disposable probes are a must. These are used only once and then I safely discard them in a puncture-proof regulated medical waste biohazard "Sharps" container. Needle sticks, piercing or puncture injuries are a proven way of transmitting disease. I am particularly careful when handling sharp or pointed instruments ("sharps"). It is illegal to dispose of sharps in regular garbage or recycling bins.

All other instruments (non-disposable) used in electrolysis require a sterilization process.

• Instruments are thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned with soap and water to remove any embedded pieces of dirt.
• Instruments are then immersed in a liquid disinfectant until sterilization begins.
• Instruments are then sterilized in an autoclave or dry heat oven.
• Instruments and treatment table must always be sterilized between clients.

1. Apply an after treatment lotion (antibiotic or antiseptic) to help seal the area and promote healing. The following "types" are acceptable:

• Calomine – soothing lotion used to treat mild burns & minor sunburn, prevent scarring, relieves itching, as well as Poison Ivy.

• Calydryl - temporarily relieves pain and itching associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, minor skin irritation or minor cuts.

• "Dermiseptic" lotion – after care lotion in a shade complimenting your skin tone to aid in healing. It can also be used as a cover-up for problem area or other blemishes. (better because it dries clear and promotes healing more).

• Tend Skin - When applied regularly, Tend Skin can effectively and safely reduce the following side effects from hair removal: Razor bumps or shaving bumps (Pseudofolliculitis barbae or PFB), Ingrown hairs, Shaving rash, Whiteheads following waxing, and Inflammation after electrolysis or waxing.

• Witch hazel - an alcoholic solution of a distillate of the bark of a witch hazel (H. virginiana) used as a soothing and mildly astringent lotion.

• For best results, Apply for three (3) to four (4) days after treatment.

1. Keep area clean by washing area in the morning and before bedtime and then let dry thoroughly.
2. When dry reapply after treatment lotion.
3. Avoid touching treated area unnecessarily, because fingers spread germs.
4. No washcloths or soiled powder puffs, to avoid bacteria growth No moisturizers (ointments, creams, etc.), No excessive sun, No makeup.

*Occasionally, a tiny scab may appear a few days following treatment. This is a normal process of the treatment. Do Not forcibly remove this scab. By following the above instructions, it will heal and come off by itself.

Two to three days after treatment it is common for puss pimples or whiteheads to occur in areas with a thin layer of skin (epidermis). It could indicate improper after treatment care. Topical antibiotics such as "Bacetracine" or "Neosporine" will help. Also Vitamin E cream or Aloe are also helpful. Boric acid and Epsom salt compresses will help too. The pimples can take two to three weeks to heal.