What are contraindications?

You may have heard, from time to time, your stylist talk about "Contraindications" and wondering what they are talking about.

Here we will explain that jargon means for you.

Contraindications are something that may stop a service from being performed either before or after starting the service. we may discover or even be told by you that there is something wrong.

We have two catagories:

Contagious
Non-Infectious/Contagious

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Contagious contraindications:

non-Infectious/contagious contraindications:

Contagious Contraindications:

Scabies

This is rarely found on the face or scalp. However, it is found on the hands, wrists, armpits, buttocks and genitalregions.

It is usually caused by an animal infestation and mite parasites burrow under the skin to lay its eggs.

Main Symptoms are an intense itch which causes scabs to form. It can be spread by close physical contact or contact with infected clothing or towels.

Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis):

This is cause by a fungal infection which spreads by direct physical contact with infected persons or animals. This is EXTREMELY contagious.

It starts as a small red patch of blisters and as the patches spread, hair becomes lifeless, brittle and breaks off leaving stumps. It can be found on the scalp or the body and mainly in children.

Impetigo (School Sores):

This is a bacterial skin infection and commonly occurs around the nose and mouth.

Blisters that may burst ooze fluid and develop a honey coloured crust. It is spread through direct contact with infected skin.

Non-Infectious/Contagious Contraindications:

Dandruff

There are two forms of dandruff:

Scabies

Ringworm

Impetigo

Dandruff

Pityriasis Capitis Simplex (Dry Dandruff)

These are white scales with an itchy scalp, loosely attached and scattered. These are caused by an under active sebaceous gland so not enough natural oil (Sebum) is produced to lubricate the scalp.

Pityriasis Seborrhoea (Oily Dandruff)

This is scales of skin mixed with Sebum. The scales stick to the hair.

Large fatty , yellow waxy coloured patches or scales form on the scalp. Underneath the sticky crusts the scalp may be red and inflamed. In young babies, this condition is called "cradle cap". It is cause by an over active sebaceous gland making the scalp look greasy.

Dermatitis

Areas of the skin are inflamed and can be on any area of the body. This is caused by contact with chemicals and prolonged periods in water with not drying hands correctly/thoroughly.

Psoriasis

The skin appears red and scales devleop which are silvery in colour. Scales can become thick, crust, yellow and quite hard. Scales can be attached firmly to the scalp. The cause is unknown however it may be caused by stress or hereditary factors.

Eczema

This is an inflammatory skin condition and has a rash like appearance with a watery discharge and scales, crusts may develop. An itchy sensation is present. The causes can be inherited or an allergic reaction.

Moles

Pigmented moles come in many shapes and sizes. They can be harmful and harmless

If a stylist becomes aware of unusual markings or moles on a client he/she may advise the client to seek medical advice.

Hair Loss

There are many reasons that determines why hair loss occurs:

- Fungal infections

- bacterial infections

- Medication

- Medical Treatments

- Pregnancy/Childbirth

- Hormonal changes

- Hereditary Factors

- Stress

Abnormal hair loss is often referred to as Alopecia

Alopecia

There are 3 forms of alopecia

- Alopecia Totalis - This is loss of all heair on the scalp

- Alopecia Universalis - This is loss of all scalp and body hair

- Alopecia Areata - This is patchy hair loss on the scalp which may or may not regain hair lost.