Unit 2.15 – Identify contra-indications Copy

Identify contraindications to Electrolysis Treatments

Contra-indications are client conditions, diseases and disorders that prevent a treatment being performed, or create the need for modifications to the delivery of a treatment. The presence of  any contagious skin disease in the treatment area is contra-indicated and electrolysis treatments  should not be performed. There are many other contra-indicated conditions (which are non contagious) that can affect the skin and some of them indicate the presence of more serious under lying health problems, for example diabetes and vascular disease. In these cases, sometimes  electrolysis treatments may be conducted safely but you should request written permission from  the client’s treating physician before treatment commences. 

Diabetic clients can be treated after the medical clearance, however, treatment on lower legs should not be conducted as the loss of skin sensation means the client is unable to give you  feedback on the pain sensation. This problem is pronounced in the lower legs but may also be  present in other areas of the body. The risk of infection in these clients is greatly heightened so  meticulous attention to hygiene and infection control in the salon and by the client post treatment  is required. 

Clients with asthma and blood pressure problems can be treated. Current should start at low  levels and progress incrementally and slowly. If the client shows signs of anxiety then treatment  should stop. 

Where there is evidence of infection (redness, pus, tenderness and swelling) or visible non normal skin such as bruising, rashes or lesions in the treatment area, treatments should not be  conducted. You need to be able to identify basic skin disorders and diseases and decide whether  an electrolysis treatment can be safely performed. This requirement includes acne vulgaris in the  area of treatment. 

Moles should not be treated until you receive written medical clearance. 

There are specific conditions and disorders that are contra-indicated for the use of electrical  currents on the body. Clients with pacemakers cannot receive any electrical current treatments  because of the danger of it interfering with the signal and stopping the pacemaker from function ing. Using electrical currents on clients who have implanted surgical metal plates may cause a  concentration of high-frequency field resulting in overheating in tissues. 

Epileptic clients should receive written medical clearance prior to treatment because electrical  impulses to the brain may be disturbed which could result in a seizure. The doctor will advise  whether the condition is sufficiently controlled for the treatment to proceed. Current should start  at low levels and progress incrementally and slowly. 

Electrical currents should not be used on a pregnant woman because they may trigger labour. 

If you are unable to perform a treatment because of contra-indications you need to tactfully  explain the situation to the client. Do not attempt to diagnose any conditions or state what you  think may be the cause. Diagnosis sits firmly in the realm of medical treatment and beauty thera pist should refer clients to a doctor for written medical permission before treatment commences. 

Clients who need to seek medical attention for the condition can postpone the treatment until the  issue has been resolved. In other cases clients remain unable to have electrolysis treatments  because of the ongoing nature of their contra-indication. With these clients you should actively discuss the alternatives.