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.

Featured Schools

Empire Beauty Schools

Prepare for an exciting cosmetology career today at Empire Beauty Schools.

Campus Locations:

Cincinnati
Waterville
State College
Warwick
Arvada
Midlothian
Indianapolis
Grand Rapids
Philadelphia
Louisville
Milwaukee
Monroeville
Avondale
Tucson
Bordentown
Lancaster
Minneapolis
Bloomington
Littleton
Denver
Phoenix
Dunwoody
Kennesaw
Moosic
Paramus
Waltham
Boston
Caribou
Hanover
Chandler
Flagstaff
Richmond
Brentwood
Lawrenceville
Memphis
Eden Prairie
New York
Pittsburgh
Prescott
Greensboro
Arlington Heights
Lisle
Portage
Hanover Park
Warminster
Aurora
Laurel Springs
Madison
Whitehall
Exton
York
Green Bay
Elizabethtown
Lebanon
Pottsville
Concord
Matthews
Manitowoc
Framingham
Bangor
Charlotte
Saint Paul
Owings Mills
Portland
Lowell
Savannah
West Mifflin
Queens
Williamsport
Providence
Fort Lauderdale
Springfield
Hyannis
Reading
Malden
West Palm Beach
Harrisburg
Florence
Morrow
Cherry Hill
Appleton
Shamokin Dam

Programs:

Cosmetology
Esthetics

Florida Career College

Train for the real-world skills that help you launch a successful technology or healthcare career with a degree, or diploma from Florida Career College.

Campus Locations: