title = "Recognizing Skin Conditions Requiring Referral"

content = """
Spa professionals encounter various skin conditions during services. Understanding
which conditions fall within spa scope versus requiring medical referral protects
clients and maintains professional boundaries. Recognition skills enable appropriate
responses without overstepping or underreacting.

**Within Spa Scope:**

*Acne (Mild to Moderate):* Non-cystic acne without significant inflammation responds
to appropriate facials, extractions, and home care regimens. Regular treatments
combined with consistent home care typically produce improvement within 6-8 weeks.

*Aging Concerns:* Fine lines, uneven tone, texture issues, and loss of elasticity are
primary spa treatment indications. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and targeted
skincare effectively address these concerns.

*Dehydration:* Dry, tight skin lacking moisture responds to hydrating treatments and
product recommendations. No medical referral needed unless accompanied by other symptoms.

*Hyperpigmentation (Minor):* Sun damage and post-inflammatory marks from healed breakouts
are appropriate for spa lightening treatments. Realistic expectations are essential;
significant fading requires multiple sessions over months.

**Require Medical Referral:**

*Suspicious Lesions:* Asymmetrical moles with irregular borders, multiple colors, diameter
exceeding pencil eraser, or evolution over time require dermatologist evaluation. Never
attempt to treat, extract, or apply acids to suspicious growths.

*Active Infections:* Impetigo, herpes simplex (cold sores), folliculitis, fungal infections,
and bacterial infections are contagious and contraindicate treatment. Refer to appropriate
medical provider and reschedule once resolved.

*Severe Inflammatory Conditions:* Eczema or psoriasis flare-ups causing significant
redness, scaling, or cracking require medical management. Once controlled, spa services
may support maintenance but not during acute phases.

*Rosacea (Severe):* Mild redness responds to gentle spa treatments, but significant
symptoms with visible vessels or ocular involvement require dermatologist care.

*Undiagnosed Rashes:* Any rash without clear cause or known history warrants medical
evaluation before spa services. Rashes may indicate allergic reactions, infections, or
systemic conditions.

**Communication Protocol:**

Express concern without causing alarm. Explain that certain observations fall outside
spa scope and that seeing a dermatologist ensures appropriate care. Document observations
objectively — size, color, location, texture — without diagnosing.

Never say something "looks like cancer" or make specific diagnoses. Suggest evaluation
"to be safe" or "to rule out concerns." Many conditions referred turn out benign, but
professional caution protects clients.

**Follow-Up Approach:**

After medical clearance, many clients return for spa services. Request documentation or
verbal confirmation that spa treatments are appropriate. Modified protocols may be necessary
— gentler products for sensitive post-treatment skin, or avoidance of specific areas.

Maintain relationships with local dermatologists accepting spa referrals. Some practices
appreciate spa partners supporting client maintenance between medical treatments.
Reciprocal referral relationships benefit all parties.

**Documentation Requirements:**

Document any conditions requiring referral with dates and observations. Note when clients
report medical clearance to resume services. This protects spa legally while ensuring
appropriate care coordination. Photos with permission provide reference for tracking changes
over time.

**Continuing Education:**

Skin condition recognition requires ongoing education. Attend dermatology lectures for
estheticians, review reference images regularly, and stay current with skin cancer awareness
campaigns. Improved recognition skills benefit clients through earlier intervention for
concerning conditions.
"""  # noqa: E501

version = "0.0.1"
