Texas Class A Barber Written ExamHaircutting and StylingHard
A barber is preparing a client for a shave and notices several small, raised bumps with pus on the client's neck, consistent with a bacterial infection often caused by shaving. What is this condition called, and what action should the barber take?
- AFolliculitis barbae; refuse the shave and recommend medical attention.
- BTinea barbae; use an antiseptic pre-shave lotion and proceed.
- CPseudofolliculitis barbae; proceed cautiously with a clean razor.
- DPsoriasis; apply extra shaving cream and shave gently.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Folliculitis barbae; refuse the shave and recommend medical attention.
Folliculitis barbae is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles, commonly presenting as pus-filled bumps. Performing a shave on infected skin can spread the infection, worsen the condition, and poses a risk to the barber. Barbers are prohibited from performing services on clients with infectious conditions.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Tinea barbae is a fungal infection, not typically pus-filled bumps. Using antiseptic lotion is insufficient for a fungal infection, and the shave should still be refused.
- C. Pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps) is an irritation from ingrown hairs, not pus-filled bacterial infection. Proceeding would be unethical and unsafe.
- D. Psoriasis is a non-contagious autoimmune skin condition, not pus-filled bumps. While it requires gentle handling, the description points to an infectious condition.
Folliculitis Barbae
A bacterial infection of the hair follicles in the beard area, characterized by pus-filled bumps. Barbers must refuse service and refer to a physician.
- Bacterial infection of follicles.
- Pus-filled bumps.
- Requires medical referral.
- Service must be refused.
Memory trick: Skin concerns mean shave postpones, for health and safety zones.