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| CHOOSING AN ELECTROLOGIST |
TOPICS |
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Areas of
Professional Study
Consumers
of electrology services are often advised that seeking a properly
trained practitioner is a very important component in good treatment.
Unfortunately, for many consumers, little basic information is cited
regarding the knowledge and skills found in a trained
electrologist.
The
following outline is representative of the basic knowledge
and skills that are required in a qualified electrologist, and and for
consumers of permanent hair removal services, qualities one may
reasonably expect to find in a practitioner.
But we
feel that extensive treatment may be best managed by those with additional
training in the areas of anatomy and physiology, strict aseptic
technique, pain management/application of topical anesthetics, infection
control, managing treatment related trauma (minimizing after effects),
and patient confidentiality. Transgender consumers may wish to consider
seeking an electrologist that has received specific coursework in these
areas, or that additionally holds a nursing or related healthcare
certification.
Basic
Knowledge
I.
Anatomy and Physiology of Skin and Hair
A.
Reasons for excessive hair growth
1.
Changes in endocrine system
2. Skin metabolism
3. Drugs/medication
B.
Anatomy of the pilosebaceous unit
1. Hair
germ cells
2. Outer root sheath
C. Types
of hair (lanugo, vellus, terminal)
D. Hair growth cycle (anagen, catagen, telogen)
E. Structure, function, and disorders of the skin
II.
Infection Control
A.
Infection Control Standards for the Practice of Electrology
1.
Handwashing and use of gloves
2. Cleaning and sterilization of instruments
3. Environmental control and housekeeping
4. Patient considerations
5. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination
6. Follow-up procedures for potential exposures to HBV, HIV, and other
blood-borne pathogens
7. Universal precautions
B.
Transmittable diseases
C. Personal hygiene
III.
Clinical Observations
A.
Patient/client assessment
1.
Consultation
2. Contraindications
3. Treatment plan and/or referral
B. Skin
reactions
1.
Balancing time and intensity
2. Response to treatment
C.
Patient/client reaction
1.
Discomfort and irritability
2. Tolerance of treatment
3. Post-treatment instruction and compliance
IV.
Equipment Operation
A.
Methods and techniques of permanent hair removal
B. Tuning, calibration, and timing
C. Electrical current
D. Periodic epilator testing
E. Positioning, draping, and lighting
F. Sterilizer temperature testing
V.
Electrology Facility and Supplies
A.
Selection of necessary equipment and supplies
B. Cleaning and disinfection routines
C. Updating and disposal
D. Inventory
VI.
Professional and Ethical Considerations
A.
Informed consent
B. Confidentiality of patient information
C. Maintaining treatment records
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