Most people can often mistake a possible STD for an ingrown hair, not realizing what it really is.
The STD conversation is one we HAVE to have with our clients, even if we feel awkward or untrained to handle.
Did you know…
In order to test for HPV or herpes, skin actually has to be collected and cultivated from the area. These are two STD’s that cannot be tested in your standard blood test.
Testing for these STD’s is something you actually have to ask for in addition to a regular STD test.
Thus, most people don’t actually get tested for these STD’s.
We, as skin care therapists, should be open enough to have this kind of candid conversation with our clients.
This conversation can be difficult if your client is unaware of STD’s and the fact that they may have them.
When you have this conversation it can really go one of two ways…
“Thank you for bringing that to my attention, I will go and get that checked out”
or
“Forget you, you don’t know what you’re talking about; I don’t see it, I don’t feel it, I have already been tested for that.”
This law protects clients very well, but puts us at a higher disadvantage.
We can only ask to an extent.
For example, we can ask in a client consultation form, or we can ask indirectly if something were to happen during a service.
With that said, I will reiterate, gloves are SO IMPORTANT.
We tend to think that we should really only wear gloves when dealing with the vaginal or anal area, not realizing that the eyes, nose, and mouth are just as dirty and germ filled.
As estheticians we understand the importance of this kind of conversation, so what can we do to become more comfortable with it?
In being an esthetician we have to be prepared to be honest with clients when we see situations that could be yeast infections, STD’s, or any other situation we may not necessarily be the most comfortable with.
For complete esthetician training visit
Stephanie Laynes Institute
