No, an esthetician should not diagnose a skin disease. Diagnosing skin diseases is a task for a licensed dermatologist or medical professional.
And now in more detail
According to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, an esthetician is a licensed professional who provides services to improve and maintain the skin’s health and appearance. However, even though they are trained to identify common skin conditions, an esthetician should not diagnose skin diseases.
Diagnosing skin diseases is a task for a licensed dermatologist or medical professional. Estheticians are not medically trained, and attempting to diagnose a skin condition could result in misdiagnosis, which could potentially be harmful to the client.
As stated by dermatologist Dr. Suzanne Friedler, “An esthetician may have great intentions, but there’s a risk to trying to diagnose something that you’re not qualified to diagnose.” A dermatologist has the necessary medical education and resources to accurately diagnose specific skin conditions and prescribe medication or treatments.
It’s important to note that estheticians can educate their clients on preventative measures and recommend products that can improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. They can also refer clients to a dermatologist if necessary.
In conclusion, estheticians should not diagnose skin diseases and should instead refer clients to a licensed dermatologist. Attempting to diagnose a skin condition without proper training and resources could potentially harm the client and damage the reputation of the esthetician.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Can educate clients on preventative measures | Misdiagnosis could potentially harm the client |
Can recommend products to improve skin health | Attempting to diagnose without proper training could damage esthetician’s reputation |
Referring clients to a dermatologist shows responsibility and concern for client’s well-being | |
Interesting facts on the topic: |
- In order to become an esthetician, individuals must complete a specific number of hours of education and pass a licensing exam.
- A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.
- Common skin conditions that estheticians may encounter include acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and dry skin.
- According to a survey by the International Spa Association, 40% of spa-goers receive facials from estheticians.
See the answer to your question in this video
The video provides a comprehensive introduction to dermatology by explaining the different primary and secondary morphologies of skin lesions. Primary morphologies include flat and raised lesions, liquid or solid-filled lesions, and non-blanchable skin bleeding. Secondary morphologies provide more descriptive details such as the shape and texture of the lesion, with examples of each type of morphology and the skin conditions they are associated with. Healthcare providers can use these descriptors to identify different types of skin conditions and lesions, including those associated with herpes simplex virus infection, dermatitis herpetoformus, and familial hypercholesterolemia.
Other options for answering your question
Estheticians will not treat any unfamiliar skin condition. Estheticians will positively identify conditions before beginning treatments and will refer Clients to an appropriate physician if necessary.