At Advanced Dermatology Care in Los Alamitos and Agoura Hills, infection control is a top priority to ensure the safety and well-being of all our patients. Whether you’re undergoing a dermatological procedure, receiving treatment for a skin condition, or recovering from surgery, we adhere to strict infection control practices to prevent infections and promote faster healing.

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Why Infection Control Matters

Infection control is crucial in preventing the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause infections. For patients receiving skin treatments or surgeries, infections can lead to complications, slower recovery times, and even permanent scarring. Our team takes proactive measures to ensure that all treatments are safe and hygienic, minimizing the risk of infection during your care.

Our Infection Control Protocols

  1. Sterilization of Equipment All of our medical instruments and devices are thoroughly sterilized using industry-standard methods, including autoclaving, to prevent cross-contamination between patients. Disposable items are used whenever possible to further reduce the risk of infection.
  2. Hand Hygiene Our dermatologists, nurses, and support staff adhere to strict hand hygiene protocols, washing hands before and after each patient interaction. We also use medical-grade hand sanitizers when appropriate to ensure a clean environment.
  3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) We ensure that all staff members wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, masks, and gowns when necessary, to protect both patients and staff from potential infections. For specific procedures, additional protective equipment may be required, such as face shields or eyewear.
  4. Sterile Environment for Procedures For all surgical and non-surgical treatments, including mole removals, biopsies, and injectables, we maintain a sterile environment to avoid contamination. This includes using sterile drapes, instruments, and equipment.
  5. Wound Care and Post-Treatment Hygiene Proper wound care is essential for preventing infection, especially following surgeries or procedures like biopsies, skin grafts, or injections. Our providers give patients detailed instructions on how to care for the treated area at home, including how to clean the wound, apply ointments, and change bandages.
  6. Preventing Cross-Contamination in the Office We regularly disinfect all surfaces in our treatment rooms, waiting areas, and high-touch surfaces to eliminate any bacteria or viruses. Our office is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily to ensure a hygienic environment.
  7. Infection Surveillance We monitor patients closely after procedures to identify any early signs of infection. If any infection is suspected, we promptly provide the necessary treatments, including antibiotics or antifungal medications, to manage the condition and prevent complications.
  8. Patient Education Educating our patients on how to prevent infections after treatments is a key part of infection control. We provide clear instructions on how to avoid touching or irritating treated areas, recognize signs of infection, and when to seek medical help if they experience symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge.

Signs of Infection to Watch For

It’s important for patients to be aware of the signs of infection after any treatment or procedure. Common symptoms of infection include:

  • Redness and warmth at the site of treatment
  • Swelling that worsens over time
  • Pus or unusual discharge from the wound
  • Increased pain or tenderness
  • Fever or chills
  • Foul odor coming from the treated area

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to contact our office promptly for evaluation and possible treatment. Early detection and treatment can prevent the infection from becoming more serious.

Infection Prevention Tips

While we do everything we can to prevent infections in our office, it is equally important for you to follow infection prevention tips after your visit:

  1. Keep the treated area clean and dry – Follow the specific instructions given by our team on how to clean the treated area.
  2. Avoid scratching or touching – Touching the treated area with unwashed hands can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
  3. Avoid exposing the area to contaminants – Stay away from pools, hot tubs, or other potentially contaminated water sources after procedures.
  4. Take any prescribed medications as directed – If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics or any other medication, be sure to take them as instructed to prevent infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you notice any signs of infection, or if you have concerns about your treatment or wound healing, please reach out to us immediately. It’s always better to be cautious when it comes to infection prevention. We’re here to address any questions or concerns you may have during your recovery.

Why Choose Advanced Dermatology Care?

At Advanced Dermatology Care, we understand that infection control is not just about keeping our office clean—it’s about providing the best possible care for our patients at every step of the process. From pre-procedure planning to post-treatment care, we are committed to maintaining a sterile environment, using advanced techniques, and providing you with the knowledge and tools to ensure a smooth recovery.

If you have any questions about infection control or would like to schedule an appointment at our Los Alamitos or Agoura Hills office, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person.