Top 5 Skin Conditions You Need to be Aware Of
Posted on: May 27, 2013
The skin is vulnerable to a range of infections, growths and disease which cause people discomfort, embarrassment and psychological distress. As a massage therapy student it is important to become familiar with these five most common skin conditions that you will most likely see when performing spa treatments.1. Acne
Most people experience acne in their teen years, yet more than half of them will continue to experience it as adults. Acne forms when the skin’s oil glands become clogged. It appears mostly on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back.
2. Eczema
Eczema is a general term used to describe patches of angry, inflamed skin that is extremely itchy. This is by no means contagious but is very uncomfortable for sufferers.
3. Psoriasis
This is a chronic disease that can disfigure a sufferer. It is the build-up of extra skin tissue in patches which look red and scaly. It is most commonly found around the elbows and knees but is also known to spread on the limbs and across the body. Severe cases will have it on their hands and scalp too.
4. Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are more common than people would like to admit. The fungus that grows on the skin is a mold known as dermatophytes. The most common are jock itch, athlete’s foot and even candida yeast. These are infectious but treatable.
5. Skin Cancer
Nearly one in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. More than two-thirds of skin cancer related deaths are caused by a melanoma. A person develops melanoma through over-exposure to the sun and to ultraviolet light.
Knowing what to look out for will help you to find the skin conditions that you can safely work with and those you must avoid. Skins conditions are embarrassing for suffers so negotiating a safe and respectful way to nurture both the client and your own health is a must.
CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A MASSAGE THERAPIST!