5 Contagious Diseases You'll Learn About in Beauty School
Because hair dressers, cosmetologists, and other beauty therapists get so close to clients, they may be the first ones that even notice a problem disease or infection. Of course, you'll learn more about safety and contagious diseases in your beauty training courses at beauty or cosmetology school, but anyone planning on entering one of the many beauty careers available should be on the lookout. Check out how to spot--and advise clients on--the most common contagious diseases.
Five Diseases that Graduates of Beauty Schools Should Know About
- Ringworm. While there's no worm involved, this common skin disease gets under your skin. Look for a red, circular rash with healthy-looking skin in the middle. Ringworm of the scalp, or tinea capitis, is most common among school-age children. Hair dressers specializing in kids' cuts should look for the tell-tale red, itchy bald patches on the scalp.
- Scabies. A burrowing mite is the cause of this itchy rash, which looks like tiny blisters and bumps. Scabies is often found around the scalp and face in children, and elsewhere on the body in adults. Don't touch the rash, and wash your hands if you do. The infestation can be easily treated with a prescription cream or lotion, but bathing and over-the-counter treatments won't work.
- Impetigo. This highly contagious infection mainly affects children and infants. Red sores with a yellowish-brown crust are the hallmark of this itchy infection. In children, the most common form of impetigo forms around the nose and mouth first. Milder cases can be treated by cleaning the skin, but more severe forms will require oral or topical antibiotics.
- Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Better known as MRSA, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus is a staph infection in overdrive. While it's often picked up in hospitals, MRSA can be found anywhere from grocery stores to day cares. Look for pimples or boils that look particularly red or infected. They should be warm to the touch, but never touch them without protective gloves.
- Genital Conditions. Cosmetologists and estheticians that work with bikini waxing should know about the most common contagious genital skin diseases. Genital warts can appear singularly or in small clusters, herpes simplex appears as small sores, and other infections like MRSA can manifest in the genital area. Avoid treating infected areas, and sterilize your workspace. Wearing gloves and exercising caution are the best ways to avoid infection.
Beauty School Safety Tips
In beauty school, you'll learn more about spotting and avoiding common skin disorders like the ones above. As a cosmetologist, you may be the first one to spot a condition that could turn from a minor nuisance to a larger problem. In that way, you can make a difference in your clients' lives in addition to making them look and feel their best.
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