Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/86330
The Bigger Picture With all of the rules and procedures estheticians are required to adhere to, we often start to view some of the less interesting daily tasks as little things, unworthy of our time and attention. But infection control must never be one of them. Unfortunately, many estheticians still believe that even if they do pick up or spread an illness, it can be easily treated or cured. That is simply not true for many dangerous or debilitating bacteria and viruses. As Chan stated in her address, the stakes are becoming so much higher. The bugs are becoming more resistant and, as they do, doctors' options for treating these resistant infections are shrinking. Bacteria can bring not just illness, but permanent disability or death. In May 2012, the media extensively covered the case of a young, healthy woman who contracted an infection through a small cut on her leg. Unfortunately for her, the bug she came into contact with was one of the highly contagious bacteria that can cause necrotizing fasciitis—the "flesh-eating bacteria." One type is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, known to all of us as MRSA. These pathogens can live on objects for several days in the right circumstances. They are becoming more prevalent and the treatment options are few. This woman ended up losing both hands, portions of her leg, and much of her eyesight. She was lucky not to lose her life. While that particular case did not occur in a spa or esthetics practice, other cases have. The possibility that it could happen in your esthetics practice is very real. As we begin to see increasing numbers of MRSA infections in the population, the risks will grow substantially in all occupations where there is a high level of hands-on contact. It's also important to be aware that bacterial and viral illnesses are most contagious prior to the development of symptoms. An example of this is human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for more than 90 percent of cervical cancers and virtually all cases of warts, including genital warts. Like the herpes virus, HPV is shed most heavily just prior to an outbreak of symptoms. Even if your client says he or she does not have any contagious medical conditions and is not showing any symptoms, always assume that it could be possible. Fortunately, creating an environment that protects both you and the client is relatively simple. Legal Responsibilities Because esthetics is a profession with significant risk for transmission of pathogens, there are laws, rules, and standards for how estheticians approach infection control. At the federal level in the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both play a role. From an esthetician's viewpoint, one of OSHA's most notable actions was the development of Universal Precautions in the 1980s, which led to improved education and adherence to standards designed to reduce transmission of bloodborne pathogens—notably HIV and hepatitis. OSHA requires estheticians to take certain protective measures in any service where even the possibility of blood exposure exists. The use of personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and/or gowns is required by law whenever blood or other body fluids may be released as a part of a service. In addition, OSHA mandates that a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be available for all chemicals used, and that the instructions and warnings on the chemical's label must be followed. Many of the labels on chemicals used by estheticians are also regulated by Get connected to your peers @ www.skincareprofessionals.com 23