Page 55 - The Law of Lashes Ultimate Lash Ebook

FUNGI

Fungi are organisms which either live off dying or decaying matter and are
consequently classified as saprophytic or they live off living matter (like viruses)
and are parasitic. Both types of fungi cause diseases within the body such as
Tinea Capitis (ringworm of the scalp), Athlete’s Foot and Onychomycosis
(ringworm of the nail).

ANIMAL PARASITES

Small parasitic animals can also transmit infection; the most common example
of a parasitic animal is head lice which is transferred via a contaminated
hairbrush or towel. An artist may also encounter scabies which is where mites
burrow into the skin and lay eggs under the top layer of the skin; fine lines
where the mites have burrowed will be evident on the skin.

VIRUSES

Viruses are microscopic parasites; this means that viruses only become active
and destructive to the body once they can live off another cell within the body.
Viruses are much smaller and more varied in shape and number than bacteria;
viral infections are much more difficult to control and treat than bacterial
infections as antibiotics do not damage the normal, living cell which the virus is
living off.

Viral infections can be transmitted from one person to another either by direct
contact or indirect contact. Viral infections of the skin include warts, verrucae,
and herpes simplex (cold sores). The most important viral diseases that any of
us should know about are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis
B. HIV and Hepatitis B are transmitted via exchange of bodily fluids such as
blood or semen; the artist should follow strict hygiene precautions during all
make up application/treatments (especially when performing treatments, which
may involve the drawing of blood such as waxing and the use of tweezers)