Which of the following conditions should prompt medical referral before cosmetology services?

• A. Minor cuts on the skin
• B. Active contagious skin disease
• C. Mild acne
• D. Dry skin

Answer: (B)

Contagious skin conditions create a risk of transmitting infection to clients and staff, so medical referral is required before any cosmetology service. When a client has an active contagious skin disease, a physician needs to evaluate and clear or treat the condition first to prevent spreading the illness through skin contact, shared tools, or close exposure in the salon.

Minor cuts on the skin aren’t a blanket reason for medical referral; you’d typically avoid working on that area until it’s healing or cover and proceed only with safe precautions as appropriate. Dry skin is non-contagious and can be managed with standard skincare and routine services around the area. Mild acne is generally not contagious and does not automatically require medical referral unless it’s severe or inflamed.