Why You Can't Wear Makeup to a Colonoscopy - Preparation Tips

Why You Can't Wear Makeup During a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a routine screening procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. During a colonoscopy, your doctor inserts a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope into your rectum. The colonoscope has a tiny camera on the end that allows your doctor to view images on a monitor as the scope moves through your colon.

Colonoscopies aim to detect any abnormalities or disease in the colon and rectum. Doctors can also remove polyps or perform tissue biopsies during the exam. Thats why colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and prevention.

Why a Colonoscopy is Performed

Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy if you have symptoms such as:

• Rectal bleeding
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Anemia
• Abdominal pain
• A change in bowel habits

Some other common reasons for a colonoscopy include:

• Screening for colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps
• Following up on abnormal results from other screening tests, like a stool test
• Monitoring inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis
• Evaluating the cause of unexplained weight loss

Colonoscopies are generally first recommended at age 45 for average-risk adults. Those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start screening earlier.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

Proper preparation is crucial for an effective colonoscopy. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to clean out your colon before the procedure.

Typically, you will need to follow a clear liquid diet for 1-3 days beforehand. You will also need to avoid eating any solid foods during this time. Clear liquids allow for the colon to be emptied more effectively.

You will also need to take a powerful laxative solution or several laxative pills to clear out stool contents. This cleansing process is necessary for the doctor to view the colon walls adequately.

The colon prep causes diarrhea, so you'll need easy access to a toilet. Doing a colon prep can be unpleasant, but newer laxatives and improved bowel preparations have made the process easier in recent years.

Why You Can't Wear Makeup for a Colonoscopy

You may be wonderingif colonoscopies visualize the inside of the colon, why does it matter if I wear makeup?

Here are some key reasons why you cannot wear cosmetics for this procedure:

• Interferes with monitoring - During the colonoscopy, you will be given intravenous sedation to keep you comfortable. The doctor monitors your oxygen levels, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to ensure your safety. Makeup, especially around the eyes, can interfere with the readings from the pulse oximeter.
• Infection risk - Makeup products can harbor bacteria that pose an infection risk when introducing instruments into a normally sterile area of the body. Doctors need to take necessary precautions by having patients wash off cosmetics.
• Clogs equipment - Makeup can rub off on the colonoscope or other equipment used during the exam. Grease, particles, and color from cosmetics could interfere with the functionality of these delicate medical devices.
• Safety risk - When patients wake up after sedation, having makeup around their eyes can increase the chances of irritation or injury when rubbing their eyes. Its safest to avoid any cosmetics.
• Provider preference - Your doctor may request no makeup just as a standard precaution before any colonoscopy.

Getting Ready on the Day of Your Colonoscopy

Following the instructions from your doctor will help ensure your colon is emptied and prepared on the day of your colonoscopy. Here are some tips:

• Stay hydrated by drinking all the clear liquids allowed in your prep instructions. This keeps you from getting dehydrated.
• Stick to light foods after finishing the bowel prep, like broth, plain yogurt, gelatin, or juice.
• Avoid any red or purple liquids, as they can look like blood in the colon.
• Stay close to a bathroom during the prep - diarrhea can be sudden.
• Use soft, moist wipes to avoid irritation from frequent wiping.
• Set up a comfortable area near the bathroom with supplies, magazines, or devices to entertain you.
• Use petroleum jelly or an ointment around the anus to reduce irritation from passing stool.
• Get a good night's sleep before the colonoscopy.
• Take any morning medications as instructed, sipping only small amounts of water.
• Arrive early to your appointment to fill out forms and prepare.

What to Expect During the Colonoscopy

When you arrive for your colonoscopy, you will need to change into a hospital gown. You will then go to a pre-op area to review your medical history with your doctor and provide consent for the procedure.

An IV will be started in your arm to deliver fluids and sedation during the exam. The medications will make you feel relaxed and sleepy - most people do not remember the actual colonoscopy.

You will lie on your side with your knees pulled up towards your chest. Your doctor will perform a digital rectal exam first to examine the lower colon. Then, the lubricated colonoscope will be gently inserted into the rectum and advanced slowly through the colon.

You may feel mild cramping or the urge to move your bowels during the exam. Breathe deeply and stay as relaxed as possible. Many people fall asleep under the sedation.

Your doctor will pump air into the colon through the colonoscope to inflate it and get a better view. The exam usually takes 15-30 minutes. Biopsies or polyp removal can take more time.

After the colonoscopy, you will go to a recovery area while the sedation wears off. Your doctor will share the results of the exam. With sedation, you will need someone to drive you home safely afterwards.

Recovering After Your Colonoscopy

You may feel groggy and have some cramping or bloating after the exam. Plan for a day of rest while the sedation clears from your system.

To help minimize discomfort:

• Pass gas if you feel bloated - holding it in worsens cramps.
• Avoid heavy meals - stick to light foods & clear liquids at first.
• Limit physical activity until the sedation wears off.
• Use a heating pad on a low setting for cramps.
• Resume a normal diet after the sedation has worn off.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid driving, alcohol, and operating machinery for 24 hours.

Call your doctor if you experience:

• Severe pain or bloating
• Prolonged rectal bleeding
• Fever, nausea, or vomiting

These could be signs of potential complications that need medical attention. Most people recover quickly with no issues after a routine colonoscopy.

Key Takeaways

Colonoscopies are important cancer screening tests that require extensive colon cleansing in advance. You cannot wear makeup during the procedure because:

• Makeup can interfere with medical equipment and vital sign monitoring.
• Cosmetics increase the risk of infection when inserting instruments.
• Particles from makeup can clog sensitive scopes and devices.
• Eye makeup is a safety issue for patients waking up from sedation.
• Doctors may request no makeup as a routine precaution.

Following all instructions for your colonoscopy prep allows the doctor to thoroughly visualize the colon. While the cleansing process can be unpleasant, clearing the colon of all contents is necessary for an effective exam. Take measures to make prepping as comfortable as possible before this routine screening procedure.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.