Before applying warm towels to a client's face, where should you first test the water temperature?

• A. On the inside of your wrist
• B. On the inside of the elbow
• C. On the back of the hand
• D. On the inside of the ankle

Answer: (A)

Testing the water temperature on a sensitive area of your own skin before touching the client helps prevent burns and ensures comfort. The inside of the wrist is ideal because the skin there is thin and highly sensitive, so you can quickly sense if the towels are warm but not hot. If it feels comfortable on your wrist, it’s likely safe for the client’s face. The back of the hand is less sensitive, so it may not detect heat as reliably, while testing on the elbow or ankle isn’t practical for facial treatment and may not reflect how the client will perceive the heat.