Infection Control + Legalities - Esthetician State Board

Universal Precautions, EPA-registered disinfectant, Hospital-grade disinfectant, IDFPR, Scope of practice, Cross-contamination, contamination, Aerobic, anaerobic, fomite, Disinfectant contact time, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV

Regulations

Specific requirements created by government agencies to enforce laws. In esthetics, they establish standards for sanitation, safety, licensing, and professional practice.

Blood exposure procedure

1. Stop the service.

2. Put on gloves.

3. Control/stop the bleeding appropriately.

4. Safely clean the affected area.

5. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces/tools.

6. Properly dispose of contaminated disposable materials.

7. Remove gloves properly.

8. Wash hands.

9. Document/report according to workplace procedure.

Also know:

Never continue using contaminated implements on another client.

Universal Precautions

A set of infection-control practices that treat blood and certain body fluids as potentially infectious, regardless of whether a person is known to have an infection. They include hand hygiene, appropriate use of gloves and other PPE, and safe handling of contaminated materials and equipment.

EPA-Registered Disinfectant

A disinfectant that has been registered and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific antimicrobial uses. The EPA-approved label identifies the microorganisms the product is effective against and provides directions for proper use, dilution, safety, and contact time.

Hospital-Grade Disinfectant

An EPA-registered disinfectant formulated and tested for use against a broad range of microorganisms on hard, nonporous surfaces. It is commonly used for disinfecting equipment and surfaces that may become contaminated and must be used according to its label directions.

IDFPR

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the state agency responsible for regulating and licensing many professions in Illinois, including estheticians.

Scope of Practice

The specific services, procedures, techniques, and practices that an esthetician is legally permitted to perform under state law and regulations. Practicing outside this scope can result in disciplinary or legal consequences.

Contamination

The presence of harmful or potentially harmful microorganisms on a person, object, surface, implement, or product. Contamination can occur when microorganisms are introduced through contact with skin, blood, body fluids, contaminated tools, or environmental surfaces.

Cross-Contamination

The transfer of microorganisms from one person, object, surface, or implement to another, potentially spreading infection. It can occur through contaminated hands, tools, towels, surfaces, products, or equipment.

Aerobic Bacteria

Bacteria that require oxygen to grow and survive.

Anaerobic

Bacteria that can grow and survive without oxygen. Some anaerobic bacteria may actually be harmed or killed by exposure to oxygen.

Infection Control

Refers to the methods used to eliminate or reduce the transmission of infectious organisms from one individual to another.

Laws

legally enforceable rules established by federal, state, or local governments to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Estheticians must follow all (BLANK) governing their profession.

Disinfectant Contact Time

The length of time a disinfectant must remain in contact with a surface, usually visibly wet, for the product to effectively destroy or inactivate the microorganisms listed on its label. Contact time varies by product and microorganism, so the manufacturer's label must always be followed.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

A DNA viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can cause inflammation, liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is a bloodborne pathogen that can be transmitted through exposure to infected blood and certain body fluids.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

A RNA viral infection that primarily affects the liver and can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is a bloodborne pathogen that can be transmitted through exposure to infected blood.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus, a virus that attacks the body's immune system, particularly cells involved in coordinating immune responses. Without effective treatment it can weaken the immune system and progress to AIDS. (BLANK) is a bloodborne pathogen.

Common Bacilli

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis → tuberculosis (TB)

• Corynebacterium diphtheriae → diphtheria

• Clostridium tetani → tetanus

• Escherichia coli (E. coli) → certain intestinal and urinary infections

Comon Cocci

• Staphylococcus aureus → skin infections, boils, abscesses, wound infections

• Streptococcus pyogenes → strep throat, impetigo, cellulitis

• Streptococcus pneumoniae → pneumonia and other infections

Common Spirilla

• Treponema pallidum → syphilis

• Borrelia burgdorferi → Lyme disease

• Campylobacter jejuni → certain intestinal infections

Rules

detailed guidelines that explain how laws and regulations must be followed. They provide specific procedures for safe and professional practice.

SDS Sheet

a document that provides information about a chemical product, including its hazards, safe handling, storage, first aid measures, and emergency procedures.

Cleaning

The physical removal of visible dirt, debris, oils, and organic matter from surfaces, tools, and equipment using soap/detergent and water. (BLANK) is the first step in infection control because debris can interfere with disinfectants and sterilization methods. State board tip: You must always (BLANK) an item before disinfecting or sterilizing it.

Sanitizing

The process of reducing the number of microorganisms on a surface to a level considered safe by public health standards. (BLANK) decreases the risk of disease transmission by removing many germs and organic debris, but it does not kill all disease-causing microorganisms or bacterial spores. It is commonly performed on work surfaces, implements, and treatment areas before disinfection as part of proper infection control procedures.

Disinfecting

The process of destroying most harmful microorganisms on nonporous surfaces and implements by using an EPA-registered (BLANK). (BLANK) kills many bacteria, viruses, and fungi but does not destroy bacterial spores. Esthetic tools that contact intact skin are commonly (BLANK) after proper cleaning. (BLANK) is for nonporous items and requires following the product’s contact time.

Sterilization

The highest level of infection control that completely destroys all microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and bacterial spores. (BLANK) is required for instruments that penetrate the skin or come into contact with blood. (BLANK) = destroys all microorganisms, including spores.

Autoclave

A sterilization device that uses pressurized steam and high heat to destroy all microorganisms, including bacterial spores. It is considered one of the most effective methods of sterilization and is commonly used in medical settings. (BLANK) use steam under pressure to sterilize metal instruments.

UV sterilization

A method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to reduce microorganisms by damaging their DNA and preventing reproduction. UV cabinets are sometimes used for storage of clean implements, but they are not considered a reliable method of sterilization in professional infection control because the light may not reach all surfaces.
State board tip: UV light may sanitize or reduce microorganisms but does not replace proper sterilization methods like an autoclave.

Bacterial Spores

are highly resistant, dormant structures formed by certain bacteria in response to adverse environmental conditions. They serve as a resting stage in the bacterial life cycle, allowing the bacterium to survive unfavorable conditions. Once conditions improve, the spores can “wake up” and become an active bacterium again. Disinfection does NOT kill them, only sterilization can.

Bacteria

are single-celled microorganisms that can exist as independent living organisms and reproduce by dividing. Some are harmless, while others can cause disease and infection.

Cocci

Round or spherical-shaped bacteria that may appear alone, in pairs, chains, or clusters.

Examples: Staphylococcus (Staph), Streptococcus (Strep)

Bacillia

are rod-shaped bacteria that have a cylindrical or elongated appearance.

Examples: Tetanus (lockjaw), Botulism (foodborne or wound-related illness), Tuberculosis (TB),

Spirilla

are spiral-shaped bacteria that have a curved or twisted appearance.

Examples: Syphilis, Lyme Disease, Stomach infections and ulcers.

OSHA

A government agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that focuses on keeping workers safe on the job. They create and enforce rules about: Safe handling( mixing, storing, and disposal of products), Maintaining a safe work environment, and the right to be informed about any harmful ingredients in the products you use. They also require that every chemical product comes with a SDS sheet.

EPA

The agency that oversees and approves disinfectants used in the U.S. They make sure disinfectants are effective at killing most harmful microorganisms, like bacteria, viruses, and fungi (but not spores). The most important thing to remember: You must follow the label exactly. Using a disinfectant in a way that doesn’t match the label is actually against the law.

Disease

A condition where part of the body or one of its systems does not function normally. This disruption affects how the body is supposed to work.

Infection

Occurs when harmful microorganisms enter body, begin to grow, and spread within the tissues. These disease-causing organisms are called pathogens.

Direct Transmission

Refers to the spread of microorganisms though person-to-person contact. This can happen when people touch shake hands, kiss, or when respiratory droplets are through coughing, sneezing, talking, or close contact.

Indirect Transmission

Happens when germs are passed through a contaminated object or surface instead of direct person-to-person contact. This can occur through shared or improperly cleaned tools and surfaces, such as razors, extractors, nail implements, door handles, phones, or workstations.

Respiratory Droplets

are small drops of moisture containing microorganisms that are expelled from an infected person when they cough, sneeze, talk, or breathe. These droplets can spread infection when they enter another person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or respiratory system.

Airborne Transmission

the spread of disease through very small infectious particles that can remain suspended in the air and travel over distances. These particles may be inhaled by another person, allowing microorganisms to enter the body and cause infection.

Contagious (Communicable) Disease

an illness caused by microorganisms that can be transmitted from one person to another through direct contact, indirect contact, respiratory droplets, airborne particles, or contaminated objects. These conditions are caused by infectious agents that can spread between people.

Occupational Disease

An illness that develops because of exposure or conditions related to a person’s job. This can happen from repeated contact with chemicals, improper sanitation, or exposure to infectious materials in the workplace over time.

Pathogens

Microscopic organisms capable of causing disease or infection when they enter the body, multiply, and interfere with normal body functions. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Parasitic Disease

An illness caused by an organism that lives on or inside another living organism (the host) and takes nutrients from the host to survive. These organisms may cause irritation, tissue damage, inflammation, or other health problems.

Bacterial infections

Conditions that occur when harmful bacteria enter the body, reproduce, and damage tissues or release harmful substances called toxins. These conditions may range from mild skin problems to serious illnesses depending on the type of bacteria and location of the infection.

Inflammation

The body’s natural defense response to injury, irritation, or infection. It involves increased blood flow and immune activity in the affected area, which may cause redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function.

Pus

A thick fluid that forms at the site of an infection and contains dead white blood cells, microorganisms, damaged tissue cells, and other cellular debris. Its presence often indicates the body is fighting an infection.

Local Infection

An infection that remains confined to one specific area of the body where microorganisms have entered or multiplied. Signs are usually limited to the affected area, such as redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or drainage.

Systemic Infection

An infection that spreads beyond the original area and affects the entire body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. It may cause widespread symptoms such as fever, fatigue, chills, and can become life-threatening if not treated.

Staphylococcus (Staph):

A group of bacteria commonly found on the skin and in the nose that are usually harmless but can cause infections when they enter the body through cuts, wounds, or damaged skin. These infections may appear as boils, abscesses, impetigo, folliculitis, or cellulitis and can range from mild to severe. Estheticians should never perform services over an active bacterial infection and should follow strict infection control procedures to prevent cross-contamination.

*Common skin bacteria that can cause infections if they enter broken skin.

MRSA

A strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat. It is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or contaminated tools, linens, and surfaces and may cause painful, red, swollen, pus-filled skin infections. Because it is highly contagious, estheticians should never perform services on a client with a suspected MRSA infection and should refer the client to a physician while following strict infection control and disinfection protocols.

*An antibiotic-resistant staph infection that requires strict infection control and medical referral.

Viruses

Microscopic infectious agents that can only reproduce inside living host cells. They spread through direct contact, body fluids, contaminated surfaces, or respiratory droplets and can cause diseases such as herpes simplex, warts (HPV), and shingles. Because viruses are not killed by antibiotics, prevention relies on proper sanitation, disinfection, and infection control.

*Infectious agents that invade living cells to reproduce and cause disease.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Disease-causing microorganisms found in human blood and certain other body fluids that can spread through exposure to contaminated blood or sharps. Common bloodborne pathogens include hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Estheticians must follow Standard Precautions, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and properly handle contaminated items to prevent transmission.

*Disease-causing microorganisms spread through contaminated blood and body fluids.

Fungi

Simple parasitic organisms that thrive in warm, moist environments and feed on dead keratin in the skin, hair, and nails. Fungal infections are contagious and spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. Estheticians should not perform services over active fungal infections and should refer clients for medical treatment when appropriate.

*Organisms that cause contagious infections of the skin, hair, and nails.

Mildew

A superficial fungus that grows on damp, warm surfaces and organic materials. While mildew is not a human skin infection, it can contaminate salon environments if moisture is not properly controlled. Good cleaning, ventilation, and moisture control help prevent its growth.

*A surface fungus that grows in damp environments and should be prevented through proper sanitation.

Tinea Barbae

A contagious fungal infection of the beard and mustache area caused by dermatophytes. It may produce red, scaly, inflamed patches, itching, pustules, and hair loss in the affected area. Estheticians should avoid treating affected skin and refer the client to a physician.

*A fungal infection of the beard and mustache area.

Tinea Capitis

A contagious fungal infection of the scalp and hair caused by dermatophytes. It commonly causes scaling, itching, broken hairs, patchy hair loss, and inflammation. Because it is highly contagious, estheticians should not perform services on the affected area and should refer the client for medical treatment.

*A fungal infection of the scalp that causes scaling and patchy hair loss.

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

A contagious fungal infection of the skin characterized by circular, red, scaly patches with a raised border and clearer center. Despite its name, ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm. It spreads through direct contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated objects and requires medical treatment.

*A contagious fungal infection that produces ring-shaped, scaly lesions on the skin.

Parasites

Organisms that live on or inside another living organism (host), obtaining nourishment at the host's expense. Some parasites affect the skin and can cause itching, irritation, inflammation, and contagious infestations. Common parasitic infestations encountered in esthetics include head lice and scabies. Estheticians should not perform services on clients with active infestations and should refer them for appropriate treatment.

*Organisms that live on or in a host and cause contagious infestations.

Pediculosis Capitis (Head Lice)

A contagious infestation of the scalp and hair caused by head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). Head lice feed on small amounts of blood from the scalp and lay eggs (nits) that attach firmly to the hair shaft. Symptoms include intense itching, scalp irritation, and visible lice or nits. Estheticians should stop the service immediately and refer the client for treatment.

*A contagious infestation of head lice affecting the scalp and hair.

Scabies

A highly contagious skin infestation caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites burrow into the outer layer of the skin, causing intense itching, redness, inflammation, and a rash, especially at night. Scabies spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin contact and requires medical treatment.

*A contagious mite infestation that causes intense itching and burrows beneath the skin.

Biofilms

Thin, organized communities of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and surround themselves with a protective layer (matrix). This protective coating makes microorganisms more resistant to cleaning, disinfectants, and antimicrobial treatments. Proper cleaning before disinfection is essential to remove biofilms and ensure effective infection control.

*Protective communities of microorganisms that are difficult to remove and resist disinfectants.

Efficacy

The ability of a product, ingredient, treatment, or procedure to produce its intended or desired result. In esthetics, efficacy refers to how well a skincare product or professional treatment performs under appropriate conditions.

*How effective a product or treatment is at producing the desired result.

Nonporous

A surface that does not absorb liquids, bacteria, or other contaminants because it has no pores or openings. Nonporous surfaces are easier to clean and disinfect, making them ideal for salon tools and equipment such as metal, glass, and hard plastic.

*A surface that does not absorb contaminants and can be effectively disinfected.

Porous

A surface containing small openings that absorb liquids, bacteria, and contaminants. Because porous materials cannot be completely disinfected once contaminated, many are single-use items or must be discarded after use.

*A surface that absorbs contaminants and cannot be completely disinfected.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS):

A class of EPA-registered disinfectants commonly used in salons to destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi on nonporous surfaces and implements. These are effective when used according to the manufacturer's directions, including the correct dilution and contact time. They are disinfectants, not sterilant, and should only be used on clean, nonporous tools and surfaces.

*EPA-registered disinfectants used to disinfect clean, nonporous salon tools and surfaces.

Tuberculocidal Disinfectants

EPA-registered disinfectants capable of destroying the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) on clean, nonporous surfaces. Because tuberculosis bacteria are highly resistant, tuberculocidal disinfectants are considered hospital-grade disinfectants and are also effective against many bacteria, viruses, and fungi when used according to the manufacturer's directions.

*Hospital-grade disinfectants that kill tuberculosis bacteria on clean, nonporous surfaces.

Tuberculosis (TB):

A contagious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs but can also involve other parts of the body. It spreads through airborne respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Symptoms may include persistent cough, chest pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. Because TB is an airborne disease, estheticians should not perform services on clients with active tuberculosis.

*contagious airborne bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs.

Phenolic Disinfectants

Hospital-grade disinfectants made from phenolic compounds that are effective against a broad range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses on clean, nonporous surfaces. Although effective, they are less commonly used in salons because they can irritate the skin and respiratory system and may damage certain materials if used improperly.

*Hospital-grade disinfectants effective against many microorganisms but used with caution due to their potential to cause irritation.

Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)

A chemical disinfectant commonly used to destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi on clean, nonporous surfaces. It is the active ingredient in household bleach and must be properly diluted and prepared according to the manufacturer's directions to be effective and safe. Sodium hypochlorite solutions lose strength over time and should be mixed fresh as recommended.

*The active ingredient in bleach used to disinfect clean, nonporous surfaces.

Exposure Incident

A specific event in which a person comes into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials through a needlestick, puncture, broken skin, or the eyes, nose, or mouth. If an exposure incident occurs, the contaminated area should be washed or flushed immediately, the incident should be reported and documented, and appropriate medical evaluation and follow-up should be obtained according to workplace procedures.

*Contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that requires immediate reporting and follow-up.