s k i n p h y s i o l o g y
280
Salon Fundamentals
TM
Esthetics
Tinea (TIN-ee-ah) is the medical term for
ringworm. It is a contagious fungal disease
characterized by a red circular patch of blisters,
caused by a fungal vegetable parasite.
Tinea corporis (KOR-pur-is) is a fungal infection
affecting the trunk, legs or arms, characterized
by a pink to red rash and itching.
Tinea versicolor (VUR-si-color) or pityriasis
versicolor (pit-i-REYE-ah-sis) is also commonly
known as tri-color yeast infection. This non-
contagious infection produces hypopigmented
areas (areas lacking pigmentation), usually on the
neck, chest, back and arms. These areas do not
tan when they are infected and therefore become
more evident in the summer months or when the
client tans. It is often mistaken for vitiligo.
Warts, also called verruca (VA-roo-kah), are viral
infections on the top layer of skin that are
caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
They produce rough keratotic (deep, horny skin
layer) skin growths, which are most commonly
found on the hands, fingers, feet and genitals.
The appearance of a wart is determined by
where it is growing, but often they are rough,
flat, skin-colored papules. Warts are referred to
as the most common tumor.
The virus that causes warts enters the skin
through cuts or scratches and causes cells to
multiply rapidly. Warts are contagious and can
spread to other parts of the body by touching them
or even shaving around them. It is possible to
contract this virus in moist environments, such as
showers and locker rooms. Skin care professionals
should wear gloves when treating areas near warts
or avoid these areas completely. Physicians may
suggest keeping nails cut short so the virus cannot
be harbored under or spread by the nails.
Candida albicans (kan-deed-ah ALL-be-kanz) is a
common skin infection caused by yeast, which is a
type of fungus. Although yeast is found naturally
in and on the human body, it can cause problems
in certain clients. These clients may have red, well-
demarcated (having a well-defined border) patches
with a white film around them. These infections
thrive on moist surfaces and in folds in the skin,
such as under the breast, arms, or groin, and on
the inside of the mouth and in the vaginal area.
Pink eye is an acute and very contagious form
of conjunctivitis (kon-JUNK-ta-VI-tis), an
inflammation of the membrane that lines
the eyelid. It is characterized by inflammation
of the eyelids and eyeballs.
Tinea corporis
(Contagious)
Tinea versicolor
Warts
(Contagious)
