California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlEasy
A client arrives for a scheduled haircut with a red, scaly, ring-shaped rash and patchy hair loss visible on the scalp. What should the cosmetologist do?
- ARefuse service and refer the client to a physician
- BWash the scalp thoroughly with clarifying shampoo before proceeding
- CApply an over-the-counter antifungal cream before cutting the hair
- DProceed with the service using extra-disinfected tools
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Refuse service and refer the client to a physician
The description matches tinea capitis (ringworm), a contagious fungal scalp infection. Cosmetologists are not licensed to diagnose or treat medical conditions and must refuse service, referring the client to a physician to prevent spreading the infection.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Shampooing does not cure or contain a fungal infection.
- C. Applying medical treatment is outside a cosmetologist's scope of practice.
- D. Disinfecting tools does not address the contagious infection itself.
Tinea (Ringworm) Refusal
Tinea capitis is a contagious fungal scalp infection presenting as red, scaly, ring-shaped patches with hair loss; salons must refuse service and refer the client to a physician.
- Highly contagious fungal infection
- Cosmetologists cannot diagnose or treat it
- Service must be refused until resolved by a physician
Memory trick: 'Ring around the scalp, send the client to the doc.'