Skin Pathologies II

Review various skin pathologies including herpes, shingles, cellulitis and poison ivy. Combining four articles written especially for the Institute's Massage Professionals Update E-newsletter, this brief program will provide insights into:

• How herpes simplex is spread from person to person and the importance of Universal Precautions in the massage setting.
• Easing symptoms of shingles through bodywork.
• Techniques to enhance the body's ability to reduce the likelihood of developing cellulitis.
• Options for helping to ease the discomfort of poison ivy and precautions.

In the brief Skin Pathologies II program we've combined four articles written especially for the Institute's Massage Professionals Update. These four articles include:

• Herpes Mandates Universal Precautions - A large percentage of adults have genital herpes. While genital herpes is classified as a sexually transmitted disease, there is considerable confusion regarding its impact on a massage therapy practice.
• Shingles: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment - If you have ever had shingles, or know someone who has gotten it, you will understand just how painful and uncomfortable it can be. Most massage therapists will not see an active case in their office, as the discomfort is so great that a person can experience excruciating pain merely from the weight of light clothing or even just a breeze blowing across his or her body. Discover how massage can help as a preventative therapy, reducing the severity and extent of symptoms, as well as learn about some home remedies that can be of great benefit.
• Is Massage Helpful or Detrimental to Clients with Cellulitis? - Even though it has an innocuous name, cellulitis is a skin infection that should be taken very seriously. Avoid any confusion by knowing if and when massage therapy is safe to administer to a client with cellulitis.
• Poison Ivy Precautions for Massage Therapists - 'Tis the season for gardening, hiking and the eventual summertime bout of poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. It seems like a no-brainer for massage therapists when it comes to treating a client. The basic precaution of not touching the area of a visible rash does indeed apply. But should a massage therapist be cautious beyond the mere visible indications of some sort of contact dermatitis? And, if all precautions fail, how do you deal with that itchy rash?

You can either read the articles by clicking on any of the titles above or upon enrollment you'll be able to access these articles and your online test through your online course account.