CE INSTITUTE LLC BLOG

by Selena Belisle, Founder/Instructor, CE Institute LLC

Providing massage, facial, bodywork, cosmetology appointments and other non-invasive services is usually acceptable depending on WHEN this service is provided. Massage, facial, bodywork, cosmetology appointments and other hands-on services immediately AFTER Botox application is contraindicated.

It is contraindicated in most massage, facial, bodywork, cosmetology appointments to work directly on broken skin.  According to WebMD:  "Getting Botox takes only a few minutes. You won’t need anesthesia. The provider uses a small needle to inject Botox into specific muscles with only minor discomfort."

According to Medline:
Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It's the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism. Doctors use it in small doses to treat health problems, including:

• Temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles and improving your appearance
• Severe underarm sweating
• Cervical dystonia - a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
• Blepharospasm - uncontrollable blinking
• Strabismus - misaligned eyes
• Chronic migraine
• Overactive bladder

Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. The effects last about three to twelve months, depending on what you are treating. The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. You could also have flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping eyelids. You should not use Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The Broken Skin Contraindication with Botox or Dysport Application
The majority of botox service is not provided with a singular needle application. Botox providers may insert needles in a dozen different placements and more based on the areas where a client wishes for treatment. This could create multiple areas of broken skin with these needle injections.

It would be contraindicated to provide massage, facial, bodywork, cosmetology appointments and other services that have direct contact over the broken skin where botox has been applied with needles on the same day as application.  That is because the skin is broken, and it will take some time for the skin to heal and proliferate before hands-on services will no longer be contraindicated.  The skin is usually healed within a day or two from needle punctures; however, each client heals in different time frames.  Simply make sure the skin is intact prior to providing hands-on service to the affected area.

Massage Contraindication: Blood Exposure with Botox or Dysport Application
Please also keep in mind that there could be blood exposure on the skin on the same day as Botox application. Blood exposure is another service contraindication, which is why the skin must be healed and intact prior to massage and other appointment services.

The main concern of working with Botox is the broken skin that results with application.  However, if you're concerned that your bodywork or other service could interfere with the client's injections, you should contact the client's Botox provider to discuss more with them.

To learn more, please register training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

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Avoiding, eliminating and reducing the amount of germs at work or anywhere could help prevent illness and disease. Pictured above are protozoa.  Protozoa are one of the four common groups of germs that include:  Bacteria, Virus, Fungus and Protozoa.

The following are some of the most common methods of how germs are transmitted from one individual to another.

1. Direct Contact: when body fluids are directly transferred from one person to another. Examples of direct contact consist of providing massage, spa or cosmetology services with an infected individual. 

2. Droplets: when secretions fly out of noses and mouths (when we sneeze, cough, spit, drool, slobber, or vomit) into the air and then land on a hard surface or are inhaled by another person.

• Droplets can fly only a short distance (such as a sneeze). If these human droplets land on another’s eye, nose, or mouth they can spread disease.
• Germs can also be spread when we touch droplets (from another person) that land on a surface like a table and then touch our own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing their hands.
• Most of the germs that can be spread by direct contact can also be spread by droplets.
• Germs that can spread by droplets are more contagious than germs that require direct contact. When an infection can spread between people that are only near each other, the infection is more contagious. Diseases caused by viruses and bacteria can be spread this way.
• Fungi and parasites are not transmitted by droplets.
• Germs live longer on stainless steel, plastic, and similar hard surfaces than they do on fabric and other soft surfaces. Germs also live longer when the surface is wet and dirty. Food and water on a surface provide germs with all they need to survive and multiply! When droplets land on a hard surface like a table or a doorknob, the viruses in those droplets can live several hours or more. Bacteria can live for even longer.

3. Airborne Transmission: when germs float suspended in the air attached to small droplets or dust particles and travel more than 3 feet.

• Airborne germs can travel across a room, down a hall, into a ventilation system, to another floor, or even from one building to another where another person can breathe in the germ.
• Germs that spread by airborne transmission are the most contagious of all. We can inhale them deep into our lungs where they can cause more serious illness. Disinfecting doesn’t help with the spread of these kinds of illness.
• Luckily, not very many germs can travel this way. Those that do are difficult to control. For example, the viruses that cause chicken pox and measles are spread by airborne routes. Nine out of ten unvaccinated people who breathe the air of a person infected with chicken pox or measles will get sick. Cleaning and disinfecting will not prevent air-borne illnesses. This is why vaccination is so important. It is the one of the few ways we have available today to protect ourselves from these extremely contagious diseases.

4. Fecal-oral Transmission: when germs in stool from one infected person make their way into the mouth of another person. These germs usually cause vomiting and diarrhea.

• This happens most commonly when infected people don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom.
  • When dirty hands touch food, the germs from that person’s stool are transferred to the food. When that food is eaten by someone else, the germs enter their body and they can get sick.
  • When dirty hands touch surfaces or objects, the germs are transferred there. When another person touches those same surfaces, he gets the germs on his hands. If he eats or puts his hands in his eyes, nose, or mouth without washing them, the germs get into his body and can make him sick.
• Infections from animals can also be spread this way. For example, reptiles and rodents have caused Salmonella outbreaks. They also carry germs on their skin which can cause illness through direct contact.
• Some common viruses, including Hepatitis A, Norovirus, and Rotavirus, are spread through fecal-oral routes. They may also be spread by droplets that are produced when a person vomits – this makes them very hard to prevent!
• Handwashing is our best defense against germs spread by the fecal-oral route!

5. Blood: when an infected person's blood enters another person's body through a break in the 2^nd person’s skin. Many of the germs that can be found in blood can cause life-threatening disease. However, most blood-borne infections come from infected needles, not from nonmedical workplace hazards.

6. Insect Bites: when an insect transmits bacteria and viruses to humans through their bites. West Nile virus is a disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes, which are insects.

To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician  #salon #spa #business #massage #massagetherapy #massagetherapist #bodywork #bodyworker #lmt #massageestablishment 

A spill kit is used to clean and decontaminate areas where blood spills have occurred. Having a spill kit prepared makes it less stressful to clean up a spill.

Spill kits can be purchased or you can make one yourself. These are standard items included in a spill kit:

1. Personal protective clothing that is disposable, including gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask. A paper gown should be included to protect your clothing from cross-contamination when there is a large spill.
2. Paper towels and an absorbent material.
3. Commercially available absorbent material for spill kits can be purchased. Cat litter or vermiculite can also be used. They are relatively inexpensive and work well, although they are messy.
4. Tongs and a dustpan
5. An EPA-registered disinfectant
6. Plastic bags (red will help identify the contaminated contents)

Responding to Body Fluid Spills (BFSs) on Porous and Nonporous Surface

This is the OSHA standard for anywhere establishment workers or customers may be exposed to hazardous agents:

1. Secure area and notify coworkers and other required responders.
2. Prepare to clean up:

• Bring prepared spill kit to spill site if there is a BFS.
• Select a disinfectant that is registered by the U.S. EPA to disinfect blood spills. Look for this information on the label. Select a cleaner for carpets and a disinfectant for hard surfaces.
• Put on personal protective equipment (PPE) (gloves, eye protection, and mask).

3. Remove contaminated objects, spill, and spill waste

• Cover all spills with absorbent powder and/or disposable paper or cloth towels, use the kit dustpan to remove these materials.
• Soak up any liquid absorbed into porous surfaces (like carpeting) with disposable rags. Then wash surface thoroughly and rinse.
• Use nonporous equipment such as a dustpan or tongs (not hands or vacuum) to pick up contaminated sharp items such as needles and broken glass.

4. Disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces

• Apply disinfectant and leave the disinfectant visibly wet on the surface for the required dwell time.
• For horizontal surfaces, pour disinfectant directly on to spill area.
• For vertical surfaces, spray the disinfectant onto a cloth and wipe on surface.

5. Dispose of spill waste

• Place all materials used in the cleaning process, including PPE, sharp objects, etc., in the bucket with a double-lined plastic bag. Dispose of this waste in the dumpster.

6. Follow-up

• Remove your contaminated clothing, double-bag it in 2 milli-meter thick. bags, label, wash separately in a washing machine in hot water, and dry on high setting.
• Wash your hands and other areas of your body that come into contact with the disinfectant or body fluid spill immediately after spill clean-up for at least 20 seconds with liquid soap under hot running water.
• If soap and water are unavailable, use waterless hand sanitizer right away, and then wash hands as soon as possible. Keep in mind: hand sanitizer will not work effectively in the presence of blood.
• If you have had an unprotected exposure, immediately contact your doctor for medical treatment advice.

Allow re-entry to area of spill when:

• all materials are removed;
• area is clean, properly disinfected, and dry.

To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#spillkit #bodilyfluid #BFS #bodilyfluidspill #cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #sanitation #disinfection #cleaning #mani #pedi #sds #sdssheet #massage #massagetherapy #massagetherapist #bodywork #bodyworker #lmt #massageestablishment #disinfection

Sebaceous Glands

Sebaceous glands are located within the skin. They secrete an oily/waxy matter, called sebum.  The sebum helps lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.  The sebum also helps contribute to the skin's low pH acid mantle.

The greatest number of sebaceous glands are on the face and scalp. There are no sebaceous glands on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

There are many different types of sebaceous glands in the human body.  The sebaceous glands which cosmetologists are most concerned with are connected to hair follicles. One or more sebaceous glands may surround each hair follicle, and the glands themselves are surrounded by arrector pili muscles. The glands deposit sebum on the hair shaft which travels to the skin’s surface.

Massage therapy, spa and salon staff service precaution:  do not press directly onto a sebaceous cyst.  Here are some images of sebaceous cysts that are clogged sebaceous gland pores:

Sebaceous glands can become “clogged” and cause oil/sebum to “back up”, creating infections plus unsightly bumps and cysts within the skin.  It is our job as cosmetologists and estheticians to clean the hair and skin (when the service is covered under your license), which can help prevent blockages of these sebaceous glands.  

Efficient cleansing and exfoliation should help prevent the formation of a sebaceous cyst, and exfoliation with a physical or chemical exfoliant could help eliminate a sebaceous cyst.  However, if the sebaceous cyst is not eliminated, is infected or bothersome, then the individual should seek immediate treatment from a licensed dermatologist.

To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #sanitation #disinfection #cleaning #mani #pedi #sds #sdssheet #massage #massagetherapy #massagetherapist #bodywork #bodyworker #lmt #massageestablishment 

The Following are Workplace Tips to Help Prevent Aches and Pains that can be Utilized for Massage Therapists, Estheticians, Cosmetologists and Personal Care Services Providers:

Industry workers can get aches and pains from long period of work, performing repetitive movements and resting hands, wrists, hips and forearms and/or elbows against hard surfaces or other undesirable body mechanics. 

Ergonomics is the science of “fitting the task to the worker” so that you are more comfortable and efficient when doing your job. Good ergonomic practices will reduce stress to your body and help you avoid aches and pains.

Steps You Can Take to Reduce Aches and Pains from Work (recommended by OSHA):

• Use an adjustable chair. Sit so that your feet are flat on the floor and your back is supported. Use a footrest if your feet do not touch the floor when sitting.
• Make sure there is enough space between the back of your knees and the front edge of your seat to improve blood flow to your legs.
• Adjust the lighting. Good lighting can help you see without having to bend over.
• Raise the client’s hand or foot. Use a cushion to raise the client’s hand or foot so you do not have to bend over as far.
• Use safety glasses with magnifying lenses. These glasses reduce the need for you to bend over to see the client’s hand or foot.
• Put a towel or foam pad on the table edge to soften it for hands, arms, wrists, and elbows.
• Put soft pads on tools to make handles larger and easier to hold.
• Take frequent breaks if possible; changing positions and doing a different task is also helpful.
• Pace your work. When you work too fast, your body can become tense, which could cause muscle pain.
• Do gentle stretching exercises, but check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen.

To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #ergonomics #mani #pedi #massage #massagetherapy #massagetherapist #bodywork #bodyworker #lmt #massageestablishment 

Here is some information from the EPA about Latex Glove Use and Skin Sensitivity

The CDC reports:  "Studies indicate that 8% to 12% of health-care workers regularly exposed to latex are sensitized, compared with 1 percent to 6 percent of the general population..." (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/latexpr.html)

Sensitization or hypersensitivity reactions usually occur as a result of repeated or prolonged contact with a chemical substance that interacts with the body’s immune system. In some cases, an individual may develop a reaction only after encountering a material repeatedly or after continuous prolonged contact. Red or itchy skin, water blisters, and areas that throb or feel warm are signs of possible sensitization of the skin.

FOR EXAMPLE: After wearing latex gloves daily for several weeks or months, a previously unaffected person may develop a persistent rash on their hands and wrists. This sensitization may be caused by one of several components of the gloves acting as an allergen (allergy-causing substance).

If this occurs, gloves made from other materials, such as nitrile, may be used.

If you chose to wear gloves, it is recommended to use vinyl or nitril gloves given the overwhelming latex sensitivities that have developed over the years.  And if you notice that you have any of the signs or symptoms above with latex, immediately stop wearing or using latex products and adapt to using something that will not irritate your skin (or others). 

To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #sanitation #disinfection #cleaning #mani #pedi #latex #latexallergy #latexsensitivity #gloves #massage #massagetherapy #massagetherapist #bodywork #bodyworker #lmt #massageestablishment 

The following is a list of questions and answers provided by the EPA for nail technicians and glove use:

Why would nail salon workers wear gloves with select services?

• To prevent damage to workers’ nails and skin.
• To prevent skin from absorbing potentially harmful ingredients which may cause skin allergies, irritation, or other related problems.

Why do solvents cause more concerns than other nail salon products?

• Skin can easily and quickly absorb certain solvents.
• Solvents may damage skin by removing natural oils from the skin (defatting), which can lead to skin dryness and/or irritation, making it easier for other ingredients to enter the body.

What kind of gloves should nail salon workers wear?

• Nitrile gloves provide the best protection – latex and vinyl gloves are permeable to many nail product ingredients and should not be used.
• Always refer to the SDS for recommendations on the kind of gloves to wear.

How do nail salon owners and workers find more information about the type of gloves to wear?

• Call the glove manufacturers and personal protective equipment distributors. Their phone numbers are listed in the phone book, on the box, and on glove manufacturers’ websites. These companies often offer technical advice and free samples.
• Ask your shop’s nail care product distributor and personal protective equipment vendors.

If you do wear gloves, you should learn more about latex sensitivities and allergies at:  https://ceinstitute.com/blogs/news/gloves-latex

To learn more, you can also register for quality, affordable, professional training at: https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #sanitation #cleaning #mani #pedi

Learning about and using Safety Data Sheets (SDS) will help with workplace environment situations.  An SDS is an important document that explains the risks, precautions, and response actions related to exposure to a particular hazardous material used as an ingredient in a product. An SDS also explains the appropriate and best course of action should accidental over-exposure occur.

Federal law requires that SDSs must be kept in a work environment and be available to employees during working hours. SDS should be properly maintained to ensure that all employees:

• Are aware of the dangers posed from potentially hazardous materials stored in the establishment.
• Know how to respond in an emergency or if overexposure occurs.
• Know how to dispose of unused products properly.
• Know what protective equipment (e.g., masks, gloves) should be worn when working with professional products.

Owners, managers and workers should review and understand the content of an SDS and know where they are kept in the establishment for both products and cleaners.

When working in a cosmetology establishment, be sure to protect your own skin and airway with proper PPE.  To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #sanitation #disinfection #cleaning #mani #pedi #sds #sdssheet #massage #massagetherapy #massagetherapist #bodywork #bodyworker #lmt #massageestablishment 

Products used in cosmetology establishments may contain chemicals that can have serious health effects.  Some potentially hazardous chemicals include:

• Acetone (nail polish remover): headaches; dizziness; and irritated eyes, skin, and throat.

• Acetonitrile (fingernail glue remover): irritated nose and throat; breathing problems; nausea; vomiting; weakness; and exhaustion.

• Butyl acetate (nail polish, nail polish remover): headaches and irritated eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat

• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), (nail polish): nausea and irritated eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat. Long-term exposures to high concentrations may cause other serious effects.

• Ethyl acetate (nail polish, nail polish remover, fingernail glue): irritated eyes, stomach, skin, nose, mouth, and throat; high levels can cause fainting.

• Ethyl methacrylate (EMA), (artificial nail liquid): asthma; irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth; difficulty concentrating. Exposures while pregnant may affect your child.

• Formaldehyde (nail polish, nail hardener): difficulty breathing, including coughing, asthma-like attacks, and wheezing; allergic reactions; irritated eyes, skin, and throat. Formaldehyde can cause cancer. 

• Isopropyl acetate (nail polish, nail polish remover): sleepiness, and irritated eyes, nose, and throat.

• Methacrylic acid (nail primer): skin burns and irritated eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat. At higher concentrations, this chemical can cause difficulty breathing.

• Methyl methacrylate (MMA), (artificial nail products, though banned for use in many states): asthma; irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth; difficulty concentrating; loss of smell.

• Quaternary ammonium compounds (disinfectants): irritated skin and nose; may cause asthma.

• Toluene (nail polish, fingernail glue): dry or cracked skin; headaches, dizziness, and numbness; irritated eyes, nose, throat, and lungs; damage to liver and kidneys; and harm to unborn children during pregnancy.

Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate are sometimes referred to in the industry as the "toxic trio", since they are commonly found in nail products.

When working in a cosmetology establishment, be sure to protect your own skin and airway with proper PPE.  To learn more, please register for training with us at:  https://ceinstitute.com/

#cosmetology #nailtechnician #manicure #pedicure #safety #safetyfirst #salon #spa #business #sanitation #disinfection #cleaning #mani #pedi