Aftercare & Instructions
Aftercare Items
For your convenience the forms are available at the bottom of the page in an easy to print PDF format.
If you have any questions please call our office at 336-940-2407.
Biopsy Site Care & Instructions
Wound care for shave biopsies or punch biopsies without steri-strips:
Wash the biopsy site twice daily with soap and water. After washing, apply Vaseline or Polysporin to the area. Keep the area covered with a bandage for the first day. After that, a bandage is not needed, but can be worn if desired. Similar to a skinned knee, shave biopsy sites (without sutures) will scab over and heal within several weeks.
Wound care for punch biopsies with steri-strips:
No special wound care is necessary. Leave the pressure bandage (which is on top of the steri-strips) in place and keep dry overnight, then remove the next morning, at which point the steri-strips may get wet, and you can shower or bathe normally. No antibiotic ointment is needed. Typically the steri-strips remain on until you return to the office to have your sutures removed, but if they peel off sooner, a band-aid may be worn over the biopsy site if desired.
If you have any questions please call our office at 336-940-2407.
Botox for Hyperhidrosis
Botox used for hyperhidrosis is a medication that will have to be ordered from a specialty pharmacy (your insurance will most likely require you to use a specific specialty pharmacy).Items to be aware of:
- Obtaining Botox can be a lengthy process and will require you to communicate many times with the specialty pharmacy.
- The process starts with the Prior Authorization specialist requesting prior approval for the procedure/Botox from your insurance/pharmacy benefit manager.
- Once approval is obtained, the Prior Authorization specialist will send a prescription to your specialty pharmacy, inform you of which specialty pharmacy is being used, and will provide you with a contact number.
- The specialty pharmacy will have to verify coverage and benefits – this may take up to 2 weeks depending on the specialty pharmacy. The process can be accelerated by you contacting them as soon as possible.
- Once coverage and benefits have been confirmed, the specialty pharmacy will contact you to discuss if there is a charge for the Botox (dependent upon your specific insurance coverage), obtain payment (if required), and get your verbal authorization to deliver the Botox to Davie Dermatology.
- The specialty pharmacy should contact the Prior Authorization specialist to schedule delivery. An appointment for your treatment will not be made until Davie Dermatology receives the Botox.
- Your Botox will have a prescription label with your name on the label. It will be stored in a locked freezer until you arrive for your appointment.
Key items to be aware of:
- It will be the patient’s responsibility to contact their specialty pharmacy and expedite the process of getting the Botox shipped to Davie Dermatology.
- The Prior Authorization specialist will contact the patient when the prescription is sent to the specialty pharmacy, then once more in 2-3 weeks if the specialty pharmacy has not contacted the Prior Authorization specialist regarding shipment of the Botox.
- Please make sure your voicemail is set to receive messages and that your mailbox is not full so a message can be left for you. The specialty pharmacy will only try to contact you 1-2 times.
Cryosurgery Site (Liquid Nitrogen Freezing) Care & Instructions
Liquid Nitrogen is extremely cold (-350 F). When it is applied to or sprayed on the skin, it freezes the top layers. It will sting and burn, and then itch as it thaws out. The treated spots will swell and may blister. This may happen after several hours, or after several days. Do not pull the blister roof off. Similar to a bug bite, the spots will then scab over and fall off, and leave behind a pink smooth spot. The healing may take 2-4 weeks. Hypopigmentation, or loss of pigment in the skin, may occur.
Following cryosurgery, clean the site twice daily with soap and water. After washing, apply Vaseline or Polysporin to the area. If the area is oozing, a bandage can be worn if desired.
For pain relief, Tylenol or Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) may be taken. Follow the directions on the bottle for correct dosing.
If you have any questions please call our office at 336-940-2407.
Excision or ED&C Site Care & Instructions
Wound care for excisions site with steri-strips:
Your excision site is covered with 2 layers: 1) steri-strips which are glued to the skin, and 2) an outer pressure bandage consisting of gauze and adhesive tape. Leave the pressure bandage (which is on top of the steri-strips) in place and dry overnight, then remove the next morning. DO NOT REMOVE THE STERI-STRIPS. At this point the steri-strips may get wet, and you can shower or bathe normally. No antibiotic ointment is needed, as the wound is covered by the steri-strips. Typically the steri-strips remain on until you return to the office to have your sutures removed, but if they peel off sooner, a bandage may be worn over the surgical site if desired. If you do not have external sutures and do not need to return to the office, leave the strips in place until they peel off, which is typically in 10-14 days. Once they peel off, no additional covering or care is needed.
Wound care for ed&c sites:
Skin cancers treated by ed&c (electrodessication and curettage) heal from the inside out, similarly to a skinned knee. Wash the site twice daily with soap and water. After washing, apply Vaseline or Polysporin to the area. Keep the area covered with a bandage for the first 3-4 days. After that, a bandage is not needed, but can be worn if desired. The site will scab over and heal within several weeks.
For pain relief, you may take Tylenol or Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin. If pain is severe, these can be alternated such that you take a dose of Tylenol followed by a dose of Ibuprofen 4 hours later, followed by another dose of Tylenol 4 hours after that. Follow the directions on the bottle for correct dosage. Do not exceed dosage recommendations on the bottle.
If you have any pus, excessive tenderness, swelling, fevers, or chills, please call our office at 336-940-2407.
Patch Testing Care & Instructions
Your provider may order a patch test to identify potential allergens. Patch testing is a reliable, safe, and easy way to diagnose the cause of your specific dermatitis. Your provider will have a series of panels applied to your body. Each chamber will contain a different allergen, and each panel can contain up to 10 chambers.
You will wear the patches applied in the office, most likely on your back, for 2 days. During this time you should not remove the panels unless your provider tells you to do so. After 48 hours, you will return to the office to have the panels removed. Allergic reactions are sometimes seen at this point; however, your provider will need to see you again for a second reading, typically 2 days after the patches are removed, to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Your provider will discuss the results of the patch test at this time. Your provider should also be able to inform you of substances that you should avoid and ways that you can prevent future contact with that substance.
Frequently asked questions:
- How should I prepare for patch testing? On the day of patch placement, you should arrive with a clean, dry back. Prior to placement, discuss with your provider any medications (prescription or over-the counter) you’re currently taking. You will need to avoid systemic steroids (oral prednisone) for one week prior to your patch test application and do not use any topical steroids on or near the area being patch tested to avoid inaccurate results. If you take antihistamines, you do not need to stop these.
- What will I be tested with? Some of the most common types of allergens used for patch testing include metals (nickel, cobalt, chromium); rubber chemicals; preservatives, which are found in many personal care and cosmetic products; and fragrances.
- What should I do if my skin itches or burns while wearing the patches? Itching and burning sensations are common side effects. Try not to scratch the patch test area. Scratching can irritate your skin and may make the itching worse. It can also decrease your provider’s ability to interpret your test results. Try using pressure (press against a door jamb) or applying a cold, dry cloth or material (no ice) to the affected area. If the itching and burning become severe, contact your provider immediately.
- What should I do if my patches start to come off? Your provider may have applied a tape or covering over your test panels. If, however, the panel becomes loose, you can use a hypoallergenic tape to reattach it to your skin. Apply the tape only around the outside edge of the panels.
- Can I shower? You should minimize your exposure to water by ensuring your patches stay dry. Even after the patches are removed, you will need to limit showering and avoid scrubbing the test site until after the final reading.
- Can I go to the gym? Until final reading day, avoid perspiration from physical activity or heat. For optimal test results, you should refrain from excessive perspiration, heat, and UV light (sun exposure).
If you have any questions please call our office at 336-940-2407.
Photo Dynamic Therapy Care & Instructions
Treatment Steps
- Make sure your skin is clean and free of all make-up, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Bring a hat and sunglasses to the clinic.
- Photography may be done by the staff before the Levulan is applied.
- You must sign a consent form.
- Levulan is applied topically to the whole area to be treated.
- The Levulan is left on for 60-120 minutes based on the Provider orders or protocol. Bring a book to pass the time.
- If you choose to leave the premises while waiting, you must wear protective clothing and hat at all times.
- The Levulan is activated with the BLU-U. This unique spectrum of light activates the Levulan.
- Post-treatment instructions are listed below.
Day of Treatment
- If you have any discomfort, begin applying ice packs to the treated area. This will keep the area cool and alleviate any discomfort, as well as help keep down any swelling. Swelling will be most evident around the eyes and is usually more prominent in the morning.
- Remain indoors and avoid direct sunlight and any bright light for at least 48 hours. If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen, light-blocking clothing and hat.
- Apply a moisturizer at least 2-3 times per day such as Vaseline, Aquaphor, or a gentle moisturizer.
- Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Advil (Ibuprofen) or Aleve (Naproxen) may be taken according to manufacturer’s recommendations for discomfort.
Day 2-7
- For female patients, you may begin applying make-up once any crusting has healed.
The area may be slightly red for over 1 week. - The skin will feel dry and tightened. Moisturizer should be used daily.
- Avoid direct sunlight for at least 48 hours after treatment. Use a total block zinc or titanium oxide based sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.
- After treatment you may experience peeling, flaking, redness, dark spots, swelling, stinging, and tenderness. These will resolve within 3-4 weeks.
- If you have any swelling after the procedure, an over the counter antihistamine may be taken (such as Benadryl or Claritin) to help relieve symptoms.
If you have any questions please call our office at 336-940-2407.
Sclerotherapy Post OP Instructions
- Compression for 3 weeks (while awake and on feet) is critical to optimize your recovery and results.
- Compliance with compression helps to prevent blood clots and minimizes pain, swelling, bruising, skin discoloration (dark pigmentation) and the recurrence of vessels.
- Do not sit or lay down for several hours after the surgery. Please begin walking immediately.
- You can resume regular exercising (aerobic and weight lifting) in 48 hours.
- If you develop pain, you may take Tylenol.
- Do not use aspirin containing products or Ibuprofen for at least 3 days after the procedure.
- Do not bathe in warm water for at least 48 hours. You may take a luke-warm shower in 24 hours.
- If you develop any streaking redness, rashes, skin ulcerations, exquisite leg pain, leg swelling, shortness of breath, fevers or chills, call the office immediately.
- Occasionally, some blood gets “trapped” at the injection sites. If you notice, dark purple/blue-black spots at any of the injection sites, call the office, as these areas can be released to prevent any long term discoloration of the skin.
- Avoid sunlight/tanning beds for at least 4-6 weeks post treatment.
If you have any questions please call our office at 336-940-2407.
CRYOSURGERY SITE (LIQUID NITROGEN FREEZING) CARE & INSTRUCTIONS
BIOPSY SITE CARE & INSTRUCTIONS
EXCISION OR ED&C CARE & INSTRUCTIONS
PATCH TESTING CARE & INSTRUCTIONS
PHOTO DYNAMIC THERAPY CARE & INSTRUCTIONS
SCLEROTHERAPY POST OP CARE & INSTRUCTIONS