Cross-infection (the transfer of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses) can destroy more than your client’s skin – it could also destroy your business.
The spread of infect
ion may occur between the patient and practitioner if sterile and aseptic procedures are not followed or if unsanitary equipment is used. With the spread of VRSAs (Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus), MRSAs (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and other antibiotic resistant bugs becoming an increasing health concern, you need to focus on providing a safe procedural environment when microneedling.
What you NEED to know about creating procedural safety
While dirty needles or treatment area are the most obvious cause of cross-infection, the transfer of microorganisms by touching contaminated machinery during a procedure could also create irreparable damage to your patient’s skin, health, and well-being.
Common areas that increase the risk of cross-contamination include:
Non-sterile/aseptic treatment consumables, skincare or needles
Gloves not being worn by the practitioner
Unsanitary treatment room, bedding, and surfaces
Lesser considered areas that increase the risk of cross-contamination include:
Not properly disinfecting the patient’s skin
Touching machine consoles and buttons during a procedure (and then touching the patient’s skin)
Using equipment that does not utilise sterile, single-use and disposable consumables
Forms of cross-infection to be aware of include the transfer of microorganisms such as:
Bacterium (such as Golden Staph/Staphylococcus Aureus and its many forms)
Viruses
Fungi
Parasites
Any treatment that draws blood or punctures the skin requires strict infection control to maintain patient and practitioner hygiene and safety.
DermapenWorld places huge importance on education, protocols and hygiene (sterile procedures) for the safety of both microneedling providers and patients.
3 Ways to Reduce Risk of Infection
The spread of infection can occur between people, pieces of equipment, or within the body. The symptoms of cross-infection depend on the source of the infection and also the part of the body that has been infected. Many different types of infection can occur, including a procedural wound infection that may cause redness, swelling, and pus. The risk of infection is greater when undergoing an invasive procedure that draws blood or causes an open wound in the skin.
Avoid Touching Contaminated Equipment
Although good hygiene practice helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection, the spread of infection is still possible between patient and practitioner. The risk of cross-contamination from touching contaminated machinery and then touching the patients’ skin is often overlooked but could have dire consequences.
Use an Antimicrobial Solution on Patients
The importance of reducing levels of microorganisms on the patient’s skin is also a critical component of safe and effective patient care. This helps prevent transmission of pathogenic bacteria through contact with patients.
Sterile Disposable Consumables are a Must
Using equipment that does NOT have the option for sterile, single-use and disposable consumables could put your patient at risk of cross-infection. Never use or reuse non-sterile gloves, equipment, or needles .
Anti-Contamination Management Initiatives Help Provide a Sterile Environment and Safer Procedures
Preventing the risk of cross-contamination for the safety of both treatment providers and patients is a priority for DermapenWorld. We put Anti-Contamination Management (ACM) initiatives in place to offer Authorised Treatment Providers everything they need to provide sterile and hygienic practices.
As part of our company policies, DermapenWorld and Dp Dermaceuticals place huge importance on education, protocols and hygiene procedures to prevent infection. Our ACM range helps practitioners provide a sterile clinical environment and safer procedures.
CLINIPREP
Chemical peels and microneedling require trauma to the skin in order for healthy cell regeneration to occur; this could leave the skin vulnerable to infection during recovery.
Offering higher levels of infection prevention and control, CLINIPREP antimicrobial cleanser offers long-lasting protection and significant benefits over existing medical skin disinfectants and pre-procedure cleansers like Iodine, alcohol and Chlorhexidine Gluconate.
Long-lasting Protection
CLINIPREP is a newly stabilised high-purity Hypochlorous Acid (HOCI) formula that is anti-microbial, anti-fungicidal, anti-virucidal and anti-sporicidal. The Hypochlorous Acid (HOCI) active ingredient in CLINIPREP binds to the skin forming an effective barrier that will keep killing a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, dermatophyte fungi and lipophilic viruses. This long-lasting protective layer reduces the risk of infection.
Kind to the Skin
CLINIPREP contains a blend of non-irritant emollients with skin-neutral hydrogen ion concentration (pH), making it better for those with sensitive skin. It softens and hydrates the skin whilst reducing trans epidermal water loss.
But what really put CLINIPREP in a league of its own is that it is non-cytotoxic to regrowing skin. That means it kills the pathogens that inhibit skin recovery but doesn’t interfere with cell regrowth—crucial for outstanding microneedling results.
Dp Dermaceuticals ACM STERILE DRESSING KIT
These sterile, ready-to-use, all-in-one kits make providing a hygienic procedure a breeze. Standardised for aesthetic treatments, they also cut down on time spent getting organised before a procedure. Simply dispense the Dp Dermaceuticals Meso-Glides into a sterile environment ready for procedures.
Kit contains: 1 standard tray, 5 x non-woven bobs, latex-free, 2 x non-woven swabs, 2 green forceps, 1 yellow pair of forceps, 1 paper towel and 1 sterile field white plastic
DermapenWorld ACM PROTECTION SHIELD
Hygienic protection for both practitioner and client from unpleasant breath, airborne germs, microscopic saliva or residues whilst performing a treatment. DermapenWorld ACM PROTECTION SHIELD is treated with 99.99% antibacterial transparent film with special anti-fog treatment for complete visibility. It’s lightweight and easy to talk through. This protection mask allows you to provide safer treatments, without losing the human connection.
Shop DermapenWorld ACM PROTECTION SHIELD
Dermapen Dp SLEEVES
To reduce the risk of cross-contamination DermapenWorld has designed protective Dp SLEEVES to custom fit the Dermapen 4 and Dermapen 3. A sterile transparent sleeve for the device helps prevent cross-contamination from practitioner to patient. The Dermapen control settings can be clearly seen and accessed through the sleeve.
DermapenWorld STERILE SURGICAL GLOVES
These quality-assured gloves come in individually sealed, sterile (gamma irradiation sterilised) pouches. They are suitable for a vast range of aesthetic and clinical procedures. Conforming to quality standards EN 455, QSR, GMP, ISO, the ergonomically designed high-quality textured gloves provide superior barrier protection.
Reduce the likelihood of gloves stretching and tearing by protecting your hands with correctly sized and fitted gloves. The glove’s thickness allows for a comfortable fit and excellent grip sensitivity during wet conditions.
ACM ECO-GREEN DISPOSABLE EXAMINATION GLOVES
These fully biodegradable disposable gloves provide you with high levels of dexterity, protection, and comfort during treatments. Latex- and Nitrile-free, Dp Dermaceuticals ECO GREEN DISPOSABLE EXAMINATION GLOVES use organic material that attracts microbial activity in landfills. 80% of the biodegradation rate occurs within six months, with full biodegradation occurring within five years, helping to improve your clinic’s carbon footprint.
DERMAPEN 4 – ACM PROTECTION
With inbuilt ACM technology, Dermapen 4™ gamma sterilised needle cartridges embody safety, featuring a medical-grade silicone seal and fluid guard guaranteeing no cross-contamination risks.
The Dermapen 4™ is an unrivalled microneedling device with an exclusive system specially designed for the revision of deep and atrophic scars, surgical scars, burn contractures, stretch marks and post-acne scars. Regenerating the skin by stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin, the penetration depth of the needle can reach up to 3.0 mm generating 104% more microchannels than some pens.
The risks involved with some microneedling devices are that pathogenic contaminants can enter the cartridge during treatment and pose a risk of cross-contamination.
The externally exposed cartridge of the Dermapen 4™ is protected by an ACM fluid guard that prevents any risk of cross contamination from occurring from the outer cartridge shell into the device. There is no backflow of procedural fluids, no cross contamination and no drag even under the most challenging conditions.
Here for You and Your Patients
As with any procedure, practitioners should take precautions when determining whether the procedure is right for their practice and any potential risk to patients. Take precautions to promote the most sanitary work environment possible and reduce the risk of microneedling cross-contamination by using DermapenWorld ACM initiatives.
If you wish to learn more about Dermapen 4, Dermapen Microneedling, and our ACM initiatives, please contact us. If you would like to have a session of Dermapen microneedling, find here an Authorized Treatment Provider close to you.
