Infections
Infectious organisms (“germs”) can cause infectious diseases if they’re not eliminated or controlled. For cosmetologists, the four most important types of infectious organisms are bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites:
Bacteria
Bacteria (AKA germs or microbes) are one-celled microorganisms.
Some are harmful (pathogenic bacteria) and cause disease and infections when they invade plant or animal tissue. Other forms of bacteria are helpful (non-pathogenic bacteria).
Most bacteria come in one of the following basic shapes:
- Cocci are round-shaped bacteria that appear alone or in groups and can cause boils, strep throat, pneumonia, and other diseases.
- Bacilli are rod-shaped and are the most common bacteria. They produce diseases including tetanus, septicemia, meningitis, and urinary tract infections.
- Spirilla are spiral or corkscrew-shaped bacteria that cause syphilis and Lyme disease, among others.
Bacilli and spirilla move about by using long, thin, hair-like structures/extensions called flagella (AKA cilia).
Bacterial spores are highly resistant structures that help organisms survive during adverse environmental conditions (such as famine, dryness, and unsuitable temperatures). They are not harmed by disinfectants, heat or cold.
Mitosis is the reproduction process of bacteria during its active stage. During this stage, bacteria replicate then divide into identical new cells called daughter cells.
Viruses
Viruses are small infectious agents that are submicroscopic in size. They infect and live inside the cells of other living organisms. Common viruses include the common cold, ear infections, and gastroenteritis.
- HIV is a type of virus. It’s spread through blood and bodily fluids. A person can be infected for many years without having symptoms. If you accidentally cut a client, the tool will be contaminated with whatever might be in the person’s blood – including HIV. You must clean and disinfect the implement before reusing.
- Hepatitis is a bloodborne virus that causes the disease and can damage the liver. It can live on surfaces outside the body for long periods of time, so it’s vital that all surfaces that contact a client are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Hepatitis B is the most difficult to kill on a surface, so check the label of the disinfectant to make sure it’s effective against Hepatitis B.Infection control in the facial area is necessary to help prevent the spread of Hepatitis.
- Fungi are microscopic plant parasites (different from regular parasites – see below) that cause disease and sometimes death of the host. Fungi include mold, mildews, and yeast. They can also produce contagious diseases such as ringworm.You may come across many types of fungal infection in a salon. The most common are:
- Folliculitis barbae (AKA barbers itch or hot tub folliculitis), which is an inflammation of hair follicles.
- Tinea barbae is primarily limited to the bearded areas of the face and neck or around the scalp. It causes deep, inflamed or non-inflamed patches of skin.
- Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp. It causes red papules (spots) at the opening of the hair follicles. More on this later.
- Tinea pedis is a ringworm fungus of the foot.
Remember: fungi are plant parasites, which differ from “regular”/animal parasites mentioned below.
- Parasites are animals/organisms that grow, feed, and take shelter on other living matter (“the host”), while contributing nothing to the survival of the host. Examples of parasites include head lice and scabies. There’s more information on head lice and scabies in the section on Hair Care and Services.
Immunity
Immunity is the ability of the body to destroy any bacteria that have entered, and to resist infection in general. Immunity can be natural (partly inherited, and partly developed through healthy living) or acquired (develops after the body overcomes a disease, or through inoculation).