Client Consultation, Contraindications, and Documentation
Consultation, contraindications, and documentation questions test whether you obtain informed consent, recognize risk, and create a record that protects the client and you. In New Hampshire, estheticians work within scope and refer medical questions.
Consultation sequence
- Review intake: medications, allergies, pregnancy, recent procedures, skin disease, herpes, diabetes, bleeding disorders, immunosuppression, and sun exposure.
- Explain benefits, alternatives, risks, and aftercare; obtain written informed consent; answer questions; allow refusal.
- Patch test where indicated, such as dyes, adhesives, and acids. Document results.
- Contraindications: isotretinoin, often for six months after stopping; retinoids; recent waxing, peels, or lasers; active infection; open lesions; severe sunburn; uncontrolled eczema; product allergy.
- Documentation: date, consent, products, strength, pH, time, patch test, observations, outcome, aftercare, and referral. Use objective facts; avoid diagnostic labels.
Worked example
A client reports isotretinoin for acne and wants a wax. Do not wax: skin is fragile and can tear. Explain, postpone until the prescriber confirms it is safe, commonly six months after stopping, offer a non-wax option if appropriate, and chart the refusal and advice.
Traps
Relying on a verbal 'I am fine'; charting 'client is difficult' instead of facts; skipping consent because the service is simple; treating a contraindication as a challenge; sharing client information; promising results.