Oncology esthetician skin care protocols and patient safety

¶ … skin care treatment from a qualified trained oncology esthetician?

The skin of an oncology patient is usually compromised by the intensive oncology treatments administered. This leaves the skin of detoxification from both external toxins and medication residuals on and in the body. Restoration of the skin through gentle detoxifying ingredients and massage techniques is best applied by a board certified esthetician who specializes in oncology esthetic. Normally skin treatments for oncology patients occur before they are officially in remission, leaving their skin at its most vulnerable. The skin usually becomes compromised with lack of moisture, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and deficiency in skin barrier function.

If a patient is undergoing Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Radiation Therapy or Hormone Therapy acute skin reactions might occur at the site of treatment. These reactions or symptoms are: dryness, dehydration, redness, hyperkeratinization and lack of oil or water. Oncology skin care therapy protocols are compiled to prevent and manage acute and chronic skin reactions during cancer therapy. The skin care protocols vary between treatment. Some require restorative treatments, detoxifying, both, or establish a skin-care protocol. Thorough analysis of the patient's skin condition is needed in order to know allergies, additional symptoms, and effectiveness of products.

1.Practitioner health and safety/Infection control

Because oncology patients typically have compromised immune systems, it is imperative for any practitioner to practice health and safety protocols.

A. Thoroughly washing hands and, if necessary, using PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to administer creams and skin treatments to the patient/client keeps infection to a minimal.

B. Identifying lesions, cuts, or any abrasions on the skin is also important to minimize injury and infection.

C. Providing a paper discussing a patient's rights and privacy is also important to ensure patient safety and avoid potential lawsuits.

D. Asking for patient history will help determine which steps to take for effective treatment.

E. If massaging a patient, communication of where it is safe to massage and where not is important to avoid injury and stress for the patient.

2.Environmental safety precaution

A. To reiterate, oncology patients may have weakened immune systems along with complications from medical treatments, providing comfortable furniture and setting will allow for the patient to feel relaxed and safe.

B. Dispose of any sharp objects and prevent slippery floors to keep the risk of patient injury low.

4.Safe spa: Environmental

A. Spas are meant to be relaxing. Having soothing music, a friendly staff, and efficient communication will allow patients/clients to feel calm and tranquil. Many times oncology patients undergo a tremendous amount of stress and need an escape when receiving these kinds of treatments.

5.Client scheduling and appropriate documentation

A. Usually oncology patients need treatment immediately and may not reschedule. Having an organized record of the patients/clients is crucial in being efficient. Patients do not want to have to wait or get re-scheduled because of an unexpected error. Having backup plans and updated patient information keeps everything running.