Hygiene for Massage Students/Massage Therapists

Bacterial Infectious Diseases –

Impetigo – mostly affects children, caused by strep or staph organisms. Superficial v vesicle which ruptures and forms a thick yellowish crust. Most commonly on the face but can spread through scratching
Staph Infections – Infection of hair follicles, oil glands or sweat glands cased by Staph organisms which cause inflammation and formation of abscesses
Food Poisoning – illness due to ingestion of foods that are contaminated with bacteria
Tuberculosis (TB) inflammatory infection commonly involving the respiratory system currently on the upsurge due to more drug resistant strains
Tetanus – infection which causes painful contraction of voluntary muscles

Viral Infectious Diseases

Verruca Vulgaris – Common Wart -raised, rough cauliflower like papules
Herpes Simplex – cold sore/fever blisters. Highly contagious. Also accompanied by fever, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes
Herpes Zoster – shingles. Caused by same virus that causes chicken pox. Viruses live in the dorsal root ganglia
AIDS
Hepatitis
Chicken pox, measles and mumps – highly contagious through respiratory pathways and direct contact. Blotches, rashes or spots and fever.
Rabies
Flu and cold – fever, chills, headache, myalgia, cough and sore throat

Fungal Diseases (not usually contagious)

Athletes foot- scales, itching and redness between toes and soles of the feet
Ringworm – red ringed patches of vesicles with itching and scaling
Thrush and yeast infections

Allergens – non infectious that affect the skin

Contact Dermatitis – skin reaction to external substance chemical irritant or hypersensitivity reaction, characterized by rash limited to area of contact
Atopic dermatitis – inflammation of the skin from food allergies and inhalants
Hives – allergic reaction to stings, food allergies, drug allergies, or nut based oils

Other –

Seborrhea – dandruff
Psoriasis and eczema – mild itchy, red dry spots and silvery scales or dry cracked fissured skin with unknown cause
Acne – chronic inflammation of oil glands

Introduction to Massage Therapy (Lww Massage Therapy & Bodywork Educational Series) – Good Section on Universal Precautions for massage therapists

Universal and Standard Precautions – Home Study Course from Health Positive. Read the material they present and answer test questions to get CE credit. You can create a free login to view class material and test questions before purchasing the class

Understanding hygiene is essential for massage therapists to keep themselves safe from infectious diseases and to keep them from

spreading between their clients.

The main goal is to discourage and prevent growth or spread of pathogens and allergens. Sanitizing and disinfecting your massage office consists of keeping your table, face cradle, sheets, bottles of lotion/oil, hydrotherapy equipment as well as the carpet, walls and counters clean and sanitary.

Clients also may have allergies and sensitivities to mold and any scents or laundry detergent that you use so using hypo-allergetic products can help.

After every massage you must wash your hands and forearms to keep them free from bacteria. Proper manicure skills will keep nail beds clean and smooth to not leave scratches on clients.