NIC Barber Written (Theory) ExamScientific ConceptsHard
A barber is performing a hot towel service for a client prior to shaving. The barber notices the client has several small, inflamed, and pus-filled lesions concentrated around the mouth and nose, which appear to be contagious. Applying hot towels could exacerbate this condition and spread the infection. What is the most probable type of infection the barber should be concerned about?
- APsoriasis
- BTinea barbae
- CFolliculitis
- DImpetigo
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Impetigo
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection, often presenting as red sores or pus-filled lesions around the nose and mouth, which can be spread by contact, making hot towels a risk.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition causing red, scaly patches, not pus-filled or highly contagious in this manner.
- B. Tinea barbae is a fungal infection of the beard area, but typically presents with more scaly, ring-like lesions, not primarily pus-filled around mouth/nose.
- C. Folliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles, often bacterial, but impetigo is more specifically described by the contagious, pus-filled lesions around the mouth/nose.
Impetigo
A highly contagious bacterial skin infection, characterized by red sores that quickly rupture, ooze, and form a yellowish-brown crust, often around the nose and mouth.
- Bacterial (Staphylococcus or Streptococcus).
- Highly contagious, common in children.
- Pus-filled lesions, crusting, around mouth/nose.
Memory trick: FIT: Fungal, Impetigo, Tinea. Watch for spread!