Other Communicable Diseases

2 HR Continuing Education for Barbers

Pathogenic diseases are caused by organisms that include bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Here are some other diseases that are the concern of the barber.

VIRAL HEPATITIS INFECTIONS

Hepatitis is a blood-bourn virus that can damage the liver and comes in a few varieties, Hepatitis A (HAV), Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Hepatitis D (HDV). Hepatitis is easier to transmit in the barbershop than HIV because of the heartiness of the hepatitis virus. As we learned earlier HIV outside the body is very fragile unlike hepatitis which can survive on surfaces for hours.

Hepatitis A is generally contracted through food contaminated with the virus. This contamination can be due to unwashed or improperly washed fruits and vegetables, and raw shellfish or unwashed hands (think of someone handling food after using the restroom or changing a diaper without washing their hands).

Hepatitis B is a serious infection often spread by body fluids or sexual contact. Those infected may experience symptoms for months or symptoms may never be present. Most people recover from the infection while others may develop permanent liver damage, which can lead to liver cancer. Fortunately, a vaccine is available.

Hepatitis C has symptoms similar to HBV and can also be transmitted through sexual contact. Broken skin is another avenue of transmission, though recently the most common form of transmission was through blood transfusion. Thanks to rigorous testing of blood the risk has been lowered significantly. Still a risk factor is intravenous drug use. HCV is often associated with HIV.

Hepatitis D is a secondary infection to HBV, which reinforces the suggestion for immunization with the vaccine that is available. HDV is much more likely to cause permanent liver damage.

FUNGI / FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Do not be fooled by the name, rather in the form of parasites, mildew, mold or yeast these are not fun guys! These are disease producers.

Of concern to barbers are Tinea and Pediculosis. None of the following conditions should be serviced in the barbershop and once encountered extra care and attention should be applied to disinfection.

Tinea’s common name is ringworm. It causes itching, scales and possibly painful circular lesions. Rather tinea capitis, tinea favosa, or tinea barbae it is contagious in all forms.

Tinea Capitis causes red papules or spots at the hair follicle opening, as the patches spread the hair becomes brittle and is prone to breakage, leaving a stump or shedding from the enlarged open follicle.

Tinea Favosa causes dry sulfur yellow cuplike crust on the scalp called scutula and has a distinctive smell.

Tinea Barbae, also known as barber itch, is the most common fungal infection resulting from hair services. It is superficial and commonly affects the skin, primarily in bearded areas of the face, neck and around the scalp.

PARASITIC INFECTIONS

Pediculosis Capitis commonly referred to as head lice, is a parasitic infestation of the hair and scalp. Transmission can be directly from one person to another or indirectly from contaminated objects such as hats, clothing, linens, combs, brushes and other objects.