How to Avoid Infection Following a Peel

Following a chemical peel, the skin is particularly vulnerable to infection, because it is in effect a large wound. The greater the depth of the peel, the more risk there is for infection. Infections can slow down the healing process and cause permanent scarring. In very rare cases, it can be fatal. Proper post-operative care and following the doctor's instructions are the keys to preventing infection.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sunblock
• Antiviral drugs (may be needed)
• Prescription ointment (may be needed)
• Moisturizer
• Prescription medication

1. Choose an experienced and qualified doctor who works in a clean clinical facility. Substandard surroundings can expose you to infection.
2. Talk to your doctor about preoperative and postoperative protocols to avoid infection. You should have a thorough understanding of all that you need to do to have the best possible outcome beforehand.
3. Take a course of antiviral drugs if you are prone to oral herpes infections. Even if you don't have an active infection, a prophylactic course of antiviral medication should be used to prevent an outbreak as you heal.
4. Clean your skin regularly with cool water after the peel. Alternatively, your doctor may give you a special solution to use to wash your skin.
5. Apply any ointment your doctor prescribes. Ointment is usually applied after cleansing and should be allow to soak into the skin before moisturizing.
6. Moisturize skin according your doctors instructions. Your surgeon may provide you with a special moisturizer, or you may be asked to use pain petroleum jelly. Cracked skin is more vulnerable to infection.
7. Take a course of prescription antibiotics following your peel. This is a precautionary measure to treat any bacterial infection immediately, as soon as you are exposed. It's important to take the entire course of antibiotics no matter what.
8. Report any cold sores that develop immediately to your doctor so that they can be treated. Cold sores can easily spread to skin that is healing from a chemical peel, and the infection that ensues can be severe.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid sun exposure after getting a chemical peel of any depth. The sun can damage skin after a peel even more than usual, and can make it more vulnerable to infection.
• People with active oral herpes infections should avoid all chemical peels at least until they are fully healed.
• If you have a compromised immune system, you should avoid getting a chemical peel until your body can fight off an infection if you happen to get one.
• Avoid using any abrasive cleansers or sponges after your peel. Harsh substances on your skin can create openings for infections to penetrate the dermis.