Yes, but it’s pretty simple care. During your treatment course, you’ll want to treat the area gently and keep it moisturized and protected. Here are some general home care tips we provide:
- Cleansing: Wash the area with a mild soap (like a gentle cleanser) and lukewarm water. Do this daily or as needed to keep it clean. Pat it dry; don’t scrub.
- Topical care: Apply any prescribed cream or ointment as directed. Often, we’ll have you use an antibiotic ointment or a hydrocortisone (steroid) cream to reduce inflammation. Or even just petroleum jelly/Aquaphor to keep it moist. Follow the plan given – e.g., “apply thin layer of X ointment twice a day.”
- Moisturizing: Even if no specific prescription, keeping the area moist is helpful. Dry, peeling skin can crack and hurt more, so use the ointment or a gentle moisturizer to prevent excessive dryness.
- Sun protection: As mentioned, avoid sun on the area. Wear protective clothing or sunscreen if you go outdoors.
- Avoid irritants: Don’t put any harsh chemicals, acne meds, anti-aging products, or perfumes on the treated skin. Also avoid shaving over it if it’s in a beard area, to not nick it.
- No picking: If the area forms any scabs or crusts, do not pick at them. Let them come off on their own. Picking can cause bleeding or infection.
- Comfort measures: If it’s getting tender, you can use cool compresses for short intervals to soothe it. If itching is an issue, let us know; we might advise an OTC hydrocortisone or an oral antihistamine.
- Monitoring: Keep an eye on the area and let us know if you see anything unexpected like a lot of pus (sign of infection, which is rare) or if pain suddenly worsens (most likely it won’t).
Your doctor will likely check in on your skin each week anyway. Dr. Green’s advice, for instance, is follow the aftercare instructions closely and call if questions arise. Each person’s skin can react slightly differently, so we tailor advice. But overall, gentle skin care and hydration is the theme. There’s no elaborate wound care regimen like after surgery – it’s mostly applying creams and being careful with the area. Many patients find the regimen pretty easy. Just incorporate it into your morning/night routine (cleanse, apply ointment, etc.). By doing this, you help minimize side effects and encourage smooth healing. So yes, a bit of special care is needed, but it’s straightforward.
