Between sessions, you’ll want to maintain the routine mentioned above consistently. To recap in a practical sequence: Each day (or twice daily):
- Gently clean the area with lukewarm water and mild soap. For example, when showering or washing your face, use a gentle cleanser on the treated spot.
- Pat dry with a soft towel – do not rub vigorously.
- Apply the recommended ointment/cream. If we gave you a prescription (say, Silvadene cream or hydrocortisone), use that as directed. If not, a thin layer of petroleum jelly or Aquaphor can keep it protected and moist.
- Cover if needed. Usually no bandage is needed (and air exposure is fine), but if you’re going out and clothing will rub on it, you could put a loose bandage. Or if the ointment might stain clothes, a small non-stick pad can cover it.
- Sun avoidance: Put a band-aid or clothing over it when outdoors, or use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen around but not directly on any open skin. Actually, if the skin is intact and just red, you can put sunscreen on it if it’s not irritated by it, but often it’s easier to physically cover it.
- Be gentle: If the area is, say, on your cheek and you normally sleep on that side, you might find it more comfortable to sleep on the other side if it’s sore. Avoid anything that might traumatize it (no rough washcloth, etc.).
Continuity is key: doing this every day ensures the skin reaction remains manageable. If at any point the doctor adds or changes something (for example, if you develop a moist area, they might add an antibiotic cream), incorporate that.
It’s a bit like taking care of a mild burn or rash. Keep it clean, moist, and protected.
Additionally, watch for changes: if you see, for instance, a yellow crust that could indicate infection, contact us. Or if pain suddenly increases, let us know. Those are uncommon, but vigilance is good.
Typically, between sessions the main change is gradually increasing redness. So your care might ramp up – e.g., by week 3 the area might be more irritated, so you’ll be heavy on the ointment and maybe do cool compresses after treatment. We’ll guide you if modifications are needed.
Think of it as treating the area like you would a delicate piece of skin – pamper it a bit until we’re done. Many patients make it a habit: after each session and each night, they do their cleansing and ointment, and it becomes routine.
In short, between sessions maintain gentle hygiene, keep the skin moisturized with recommended products, and avoid any irritants or injury to that area. This consistency greatly helps the skin get through the treatment in good shape.
