I’ve been thru at least 8 session of electrolysis for clusters of coarse black hairs on my chin. After each and every session I break out, badly, and it lasts for about 5 days. I do have extremely sensitive skin, but I also feel she (my electrologist) is doing some things that may be contributing to the break-outs.
She doesn’t wash her hands before beginning (or wear gloves)
I purchased a needle from her, and she keeps it in a folder w/ my paperwork - not in any kind of sterile case or covering. Is this normal? OK?
After my first session she applied liquid makeup to my chin b/c it was so red, and always tries to apply neosporin. I have asked her not to do either anymore
The break-outs begin as tiny little white pus filled bumps, and in my attempts to remove them they turn into scabby red bumps.
I can feel the needle going into my skin - some areas “pinch” so much it brings tears to my eyes.
I probably know the answer to this in my gut, but should I look for someone new? My dermatologist recommended this woman (my derm went to her!) so I trusted that she was sanitary and skilled. I’m just starting to think it’s not my sensitive skin’s fault but the electrologists fault, although I hope not. Any insights are appreciated!
Please do look for another electrologist. Please do contact the dermatologist and tell her all of these things.
Handwashing is one of the most important ways to prevent infection.
Pre-sterilized disposable needles are inexpensive and provide you with the safest treatment.
With dirty hands, she applies stuff you don’t want, including neosporin, which many people are allergic to…
An occasional breakout might happen, but this is extreme.
The insertion should not be felt. The sting from the current energy is normal, and can bring a tear to the eye, but this is usually at the center of the upper lip and without topical.
Keep in mind that those things that look like whiteheads are not whiteheads. They’re normal for some people after a treatment during the healing process. You should NOT touch them or pop them. Buy Witch Hazel at a drug store and apply it several times a day to the area until it heals.
Also, avoid using facewashes and makeup until the area heals. All of this is contributing to the issue. The only thing you should be applying after the treatment is witch hazel or tea tree oil.
There are too many reasons to list as to why this electrologist is to be avoided, but here is just one reason:
"How MRSA Spreads in Healthcare Settings
When we talk about the spread of an infection, we talk about sources of infection - where it starts, and the way or ways it spreads - the mode or modes of transmission.
In the case of MRSA, patients who already have an MRSA infection or who carry the bacteria on their bodies [b][color:#FF0000]but do not have symptoms [/color]/b are the most common sources of transmission.
[color:#FF0000]The main mode of transmission to other patients is through human hands, especially healthcare workers’ hands. Hands may become contaminated with MRSA bacteria by contact with infected or colonized patients. If appropriate hand hygiene such as washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not performed, the bacteria can be spread when the healthcare worker touches other patients.[/color]"
The dermatologist needs to educate this woman on not only how she is risking the health of her clients, which she obviously doesn’t care that she is, but she’s also risking her OWN health. Duh!
Wow - interesting information. I was never “counseled” on pre and post skincare routines so my habits are largely at fault for the condition of my skin! As soon as I get home I wash my face (to remove anything her hands had been leaving behind)and apply a salicylic acid spot treatment. Then I take care to cleanse and treat the area extra stringently over the next few days thinking this would help prevent the breakouts. Woops. I will be stopping at the drug store on my way home for witch hazel & tee tree oil. Thanks!
I am a compulsive hand washer so this is an issue that definitely bothers me. When she escorts a patient out of her office and pulls me right in with no hand washing in between I cringe. I will call my dermatologist and inform her that the woman she is referring has dangerous habits.
Thanks for all your help! I just ran across this forum today and am SO glad I did. I’ve learned a lot.
Also accepting recommendations for an electrologist in Manhattan!
I believe Barbara_CPE is near the Manhatten area (not 100%) perhaps send her a PM asking if she is. I think there are also several other referrals in the Manhatten area, run a search on the forum and you should find some good referrals.
Just remember, shop around! That’s the best way of going about anything really, make sure you not what is on offer and what is the norm for good professional practice. Good luck with your search!
Barbara is in Kansas. Ronni Kolotkin, CPE on 80 5th Ave STE 1508
212-366-6663 would be a good choice. You can go to www.electrology.com and locate a practitioner in your area. Arlene Batz is in Queens, #718-206-2744, if you would like to venture out a little bit.
I am angry and disgusted by this electrologist you saw. Choice, Barbara and lagirl gave excellent advice. Please read it at least seven times. This electrologist should be banned from the profession. Don’t forget to call the dermatologist, or better yet, write down what has happened to you and refer the good doctor to this thread.
Tea Tree Oil overnight on the day of treatment, and perhaps on the next two days after treatment would keep the white bumps from appearing. If I were you, I would purchase my own gold disposeable probes and bring them with me to the treatment, and only use new ones each time. Although there are permanent electrolysis probes, they must be resterilized in between use, and most people would not know where to buy one anyway. Reusing disposeable probes is both unsanitary, and stupid, as the probe actually disintegrates as you use it, and the point actually gets sharper and therefore that alone could account for the feeling of the insertion of the probe. It no longer has a soft polished end, it now has a sharp jagged edge that is scratching its way all the way down the follicle. This could also increase infectious activity, as a polished smooth probe is not breaking skin.
That’s okay Benji Boy. I can always depend on a hairtell friend to chime in when I’m half asleep. We always appreciate your help here, so keep it coming.