5 Ways to Prevent Infections When Doing Micro-Needling At Home

Loved by celebrities across the globe, micro-needling has fast-become the go-to treatment option due to its amazing benefits, fast results, and little downtime. Until recently, it was an expensive treatment that could only be performed by high-end aesthetic medical professionals. Today, however, innovations in the beauty industry have made it possible for anybody to perform micro-needling at home. Like any other skin treatment procedure, you should be aware of the right micro-needling practices to ensure safety and optimal results.

Here are the top ways you can leverage to prevent infections when doing micro-needling at home.

When Infections Can Occur 

Infections occur when bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens gain entry into your skin while performing micro-needling or after the procedure. For instance, if you failed to sterilize the micro-needling device before using it, you risk getting infections because it may harbor pathogens that may cause inflammation or skin irritation. You may also be exposed to obnoxious harmful materials after treatment. This may interfere with your healing process and expose you to more infections.

Practical Things to Do To Avoid Infections Before and After Micro-Needling

•    Sanitize your micro-needling device every after use 

Endeavor to sanitize your micro-needling device before and after using it to avoid potential growth of microorganisms. One of the simplest ways to do this is to rinse the device with hot water or isopropyl alcohol to kill potential disease-causing organisms. You can also buy derma roller that are specifically designed for cleaning the devices.

•    Avoid doing micro-needling if you have an active skin infection or existing skin lesion

Skin lesions or active skin infections are risk factors for spreading infections. So, if you do a micro-needling treatment, you are likely to exacerbate the existing skin condition. Remember that when doing micro-needling, you will be creating tiny holes in your skin, which can act as a point of entry of a wide range of microorganisms.

Before performing micro-needling at home, consider consulting a dermatologist to help you treat the existing condition. Some of the most common skin conditions that contraindicated in any kind of micro-needling treatment include eczema, skin cancer, fungal infections, rashes, warts, herpes, bruised skin, bacterial infection, and keloids among others.

•    Avoid exposing yourself to too much sunlight after a micro-needling procedure  

Exposing your skin to too much heat after a micro-needling procedure puts you at risk of erythema, which may delay your healing process. Besides, considering that the wounds or pores that were created during the micro-needling procedure have not fully closed, you will be exposing your skin to dirt, smoke, pollen, and many other materials that may harbor pathogens. To prevent infections, avoid prolonged outdoor activities, and if you have to stay in the outdoors for long, protect your skin.

The good news is that micro-needling treatment has minimal downtime. So, you only need to do this for a few days. After the redness in the treated areas has disappeared and you confirm that the areas are completely healed, you can resume your regular activities.

•    Avoid strenuous exercise

Another thing you should avoid after a micro-needling procedure is strenuous activities. Whenever you exercise or do any kind of strenuous tasks, your body tends to sweat a lot. This may cause irritation, which exposes you to risks of infections if the treated areas become swollen or erythematous. Sweating also open your skin pores to dust, pollen, and smoke, and other foreign materials. So, if you plan to exercise after a micro-needling procedure, you better postpone it a bit. Remember that the slight changes in your daily routines are only temporary. Just postpone a few routines and give your skin time to heal completely.

•    Apply antibiotic creams as prescribed by your dermatologist

Most dermatologists usually prescribe antibiotics for 3-4 days after a micro-needling procedure. The antibiotic creams are meant to help prevent the growth of bacteria and pathogens that may come into contact with your skin. So, don’t forget to apply them as prescribed by your dermatologist if you want to get the most out of your micro-needling treatment at home. Additionally, purchase and use only creams that have been prescribed by your dermatologist or doctor.  It is also vital to buy any skin cream from reputable vendors to avoid the many risks that are often associated with counterfeit creams. Most importantly, don’t be tempted to try and self-medicate as the prolonged or wrongful use of antibiotic use may make your body resistant.

There you have it; some of the most practical ways of preventing infections when performing micro-needling at home. Like any other treatment out there, if you can follow the proposed precautionary measures, you are likely to get optimum results from the micro-needling procedure. In any case, any inconvenience or discomfort that you may experience during and after the procedure is only temporary. You will get back to your normal routines as soon as your skin is healed.

This is a guest blog entry.