What is a contra action?

Contra-actions: These are conditions which may arise during the treatment which would indicate that the treatment must stop.

During a treatment be aware to any abnormal changes happening with the client. These changes can signal you should stop performing the treatment.

Contra actions examples.

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Profuse sweating
Restlessness and Irritability
Feeling faint
Abnormal Erythema
The area is becoming very hot and red
Stomach or any abdominal pain
Joint pain
Muscle fatigue
Bruising

If any of these conditions arise, remove any product and slowly place the client in the recovery position to allow the client to rest for 10 minutes or so.

Stay with the client until she or he feels better. Allow the client to sit up slowly and rest in this position. If there is still cause of concern seek medical advice.

Contra actions to waxing.

Erythema
Blood spotting
Bruising
Allergic reaction
Diminished hair growth
Broken hairs
Swelling in the area

These may occur during the treatment or after it has taken place. It is important to give your client full and detailed aftercare advice to help prevent these reactions

1. Erythema

Common after waxing, this should go down within 24 hours. The client should avoid perfumed products or hot baths until redness has faded.

2. Blood spotting

Common on areas of strong hair growth such as underarms and bikini. The area should be cleaned with cold, damp cotton wool and waste placed in the contaminated waste bin.

3. Bruising

Common on bikini line area. The client should be informed and cold compress applied. Bruising should start to fade after 24 hours. Some clients are more prone to bruising – in this case, ensure that you and the client stretch the skin thoroughly. Note the occurrence on the client’s record card.

4. Allergic reaction

Clients may react to products at any time. If you suspect a client is reacting to a product, remove all traces of the product immediately and apply a cold compress. The client should be encouraged to do this again at home. If the reaction has not reduced after 24 hours they should seek medical advice.

5. Diminished hair growth

This is a positive effect of waxing. Over time the client’s hair may become weaker and some areas may have patches with no hair at all. No action is required.

6. Broken hairs

Strong terminal hair can sometimes break during waxing, meaning there will be a quick regrowth. This can occur due to poor technique or inappropriate wax products being used. Hot wax may be more suitable for the client.

7. Swelling in the area

Recognised as the area being tender and the skin having a puffy appearance, swelling is caused by the wax having too high a temperature or by the strips being lifted off in an upward motion rather than back on themselves.

Contra actions to facial treatments.

Remove all skin products immediately with suitable remover, clean the area with cool water, apply a cool compress, record the information on their record card, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist. Recommend hypo-allergenic products.

An allergic reaction to skin products – the client may experience.

Redness
Itching
Swelling
Rash
Burning or stinging
Blistering

Contra actions to Eyelash extensions and perming.

EYE TREATMENTS – Contra-actions

An allergic reaction to eye products – the client may experience sensitivity or a burning sensation. Remove all products immediately, apply a cold compress, if product has got in the eye use an eye bath to flush the eye, record the information on the clients record card and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

These conditions include:

Redness
Itching
Swelling
Sensitivity
Burning or stinging

Contra actions to Massage treatment.

Tiredness due to release of toxins encouraged by the treatment and the initiation of healing energies, which require the body to rest
Muscular ache and/or headaches the nerve fibres responding to the deep work that has been undertaken during treatment
Heightened emotional state due to the positive release of deep-held feelings and emotions
Frequent urination due to stimulation of the lymphatic system
Changed sleep patterns you can fall asleep during the treatment, a state of relaxation may help you sleep better
Active bowels body systems, including the digestive one, will work better
Spots may occur released toxins and hormones may surface through the skin, especially if you previously suppressed your skin condition

Any contra-action symptoms you may experience are absolutely normal and will subside within 24 hours.

Tiredness
Muscular ache and/or headaches
Heightened emotional state
Frequent urination
Changed sleep patterns
Active bowels body systems
Spots

Contra actions to body wraps and electrical treatments

These reactions may occur for a number of reasons and a client can develop a reaction to any product, even if they have been using it for years. If the client has been on certain medication, especially hormonal-based drugs such as the contraceptive pill or HRT, antibiotics or steroids, it can upset the acid mantle on the skin and cause skin irritation.