I kept arguing with a friend that he shouldn't lance his papules/pustules with a needle saying it ultimately creates a wound that leads to hyperpigmentation and possible infection. He argued that the extractions I do are worse than just "poking" it and letting it drain out since I'm essentially forcing it out.

 

So my question is this: why are lancets illegal in CA and how should I go about this argument if this ever comes up again? (It has about twice now. I'm counting on more with him and different people.)

 

Thanks for your time, everyone!

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I'm curious...were you taught in school that lancets are bad or that they were illegal so you shouldn't use them and they didn't show you how.  I went to school almost 25 years ago and I think we were actually taught how to use them...I can't completely remember at this point!

They don't teach lancing in Texas. I took about a bajillion IDI classes and learned technique well. Sometimes the best thing to do for a pustule or papule is lance if it has a head. Also, the needle prick calls the body's immune system to the area and helps it heal faster. Lastly, removing all the bacterial until the blood runs clear helps the pimple heal faster than if the body had to eat it up from the inside.

I've also discovered that used correctly, I can microneedle a scar to get it to flatten. I think this technique was discovered by tattoo artists. When they worked on areas of scar tissue the skin healed/flattened out/rejuventated. Which is why you see so much about microneedling treatments now.

Within a sterile environment and skilled hands I believe lancing is an invaluable tool. Is your friend a professional? If not, tell him to lay off the picking! That's our job. ;)

As a new esthetician in New York, I was recently trained on the use of lancets and believe they cause less damage in some situations. My observation is that it is better to make a small opening than to risk inward rupture or excessive manipulation/redness/swelling.  I do not have much experience but wanted to share...

I think that Kirsten says it perfectly!

 

And since you can't extract a papule/pustule WITHOUT lancing, I am not sure why you would tell him NOT to do it.  I think he is right.

It's probably just a holdover from what they told you at school. 

I don't live in CA but I am pretty sure most estheticians DO use lancets when they need to. (They're just not sayin").

They are not saying probably because the state they live in does not allow an esthtician to cause an open skin wound, which is what a lancet does! If an inspector finds lancets they could fine or shut down the business.

I believe this is true in California (from an esthy that got into trouble for have a pointed instrument), New York (where I went to school and was specifically taught it was against the NY rules), and Florida. I am not saying that it doesn't happen, but that officially it is not allowed.

 

So using lancets in your business on paying clients is taking a risk, Call your state licensing board and see what they say. You may be very surprised at their answere.

From an esthy that has CA. lic. I was taught you better not get caught .State board of CA. does not allow.We weren't taught at our school because of this.

there is alot that is State to State. Like dermaplanning , needle rolling ,shaving etc.

Cindy, Thank you for the compliment. 

Audrey, Your comment caused me to double-check NYS guidelines, and I couldn't find anything I interpreted as a ban on lancets. I took state boards in April 2010 and the test had questions pertaining to proper disposal of lancets. In addition, we used lancets on clients in clinic at school. I am 99.9% sure they are legal now and am wondering when the legislation changed. When did you attend school? 

Cat, I can imagine there are many reasons they are illegal in CA, but we have given you a few good reasons to argue FOR the use of them. :o) Hope it helped...

First of all it DOES depend on the state laws.  If your state does not allow you could lose your license.  You may also want to make sure your insurance will cover you or you could lose a lot more than your license.  Lancing in not allowed in the state of Maryland, though we were taught how to use them in school.  In my classes at school  over 21 years ago and  after attending seminars conducted by Nurses and other health care professionals, we were taught that you should never ever lance a papule and more importantly you should never squeeze, manipulate or do anything to a papule other than putting a topical on it.  You can actually cause a severe infection.  I don't care how good you think you are with a lancet you are not a medical professional and you have no businesses messing with a papule.  A pustule or milia is a completely different story, however, again you should check your state laws and your insurance policy.

As far as I know lancets are NOT allowed in the state of CA. People can still find Estys that will use them, me?, not worth my license.

Definitely not allowed in California. I had the distinct pleasure of a State Board inspection shortly after opening my business and lancets were *precisely* what the inspector was looking for. Fortunately, I didn't have any; I agree, not worth the risk...

So those milia's are SO annoying! Any suggestions on getting rid of them? I always just say that regular exfoliation with an enzyme mask will help, but I'm curious to here what you do or recommend. Thanks! :)

Tell your client to cut back on dairy products.  I always know when my clients are drinking/eating to much dairy they have more milia. 

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