Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology relevant to Beauty Therapy
Domain 1 tests how confidently you connect skin, hair, nail and body-system anatomy to safe treatment choices, and how quickly you recognise pathology that must be referred rather than treated.
Anatomy that changes your treatment
- Epidermis: keratinocytes migrate from the basal layer; melanocytes sit in the basal layer; the stratum corneum is the barrier. Over-exfoliation damages this barrier.
- Dermis: papillary and reticular layers contain collagen, elastin, vessels, nerves and glands; massage affects circulation, not collagen structure.
- Hypodermis: adipose and connective tissue; important for pressure areas and temperature.
- Appendages: hair follicle with bulb, papilla and sebaceous gland; nail plate, matrix, lunula, cuticle and hyponychium.
- Systems: endocrine hormones influence sebum and pigmentation; circulatory and lymphatic status affects healing and massage suitability.
Pathology and red flags
Recognise but do not diagnose: melanoma (ABCDE - asymmetry, border, colour, diameter, evolving), basal cell carcinoma (pearly, telangiectasia), squamous cell carcinoma (scaly, crusted), herpes simplex (cold sore), impetigo, fungal infection, contact dermatitis, rosacea and acne. Active infection, undiagnosed lesions and recent isotretinoin use are contraindications or reasons to refer.
Worked example: A client asks for a facial and has a small pearly papule with visible blood vessels on the cheek. Reasoning: the appearance suggests basal cell carcinoma, not a blocked pore. Do not extract or massage it; explain that you cannot treat undiagnosed lesions and advise a GP/dermatologist review; record the advice and avoid the area if treatment proceeds elsewhere.
Traps: calling every red face “sensitive”; treating a lesion because the client says it is “just a spot”; forgetting medication and pregnancy questions; confusing melanin with melanoma.