If a client has suspected fungal infection (onychomycosis), what should you do?

If a client has suspected fungal infection (onychomycosis), what should you do?

• A. Do not perform the service; advise client to seek medical treatment; ensure all tools are disinfected between clients
• B. Proceed with the service using antiseptic
• C. Apply antifungal cream during service
• D. Ignore and continue

Answer: (A)

When there is a suspected fungal infection, you stop the service and refer the client to a medical professional. Fungal infections like onychomycosis are contagious and cannot be safely diagnosed or treated in a salon. Proceeding with the service risks worsening the infection or spreading it to you and other clients. Maintain infection control by disinfecting tools between clients, and offer to reschedule once the client has medical clearance.

When there is a suspected fungal infection, you stop the service and refer the client to a medical professional. Fungal infections like onychomycosis are contagious and cannot be safely diagnosed or treated in a salon. Proceeding with the service risks worsening the infection or spreading it to you and other clients. Maintain infection control by disinfecting tools between clients, and offer to reschedule once the client has medical clearance.