What is the recommended approach if a client is on antibiotics or has skin sensitivity?

• A. Patch test any chemicals prior to a service
• B. Do not patch test and proceed with the service
• C. Use the strongest available chemical to ensure effectiveness
• D. Skip chemical services altogether

Answer: (B)

Safety planning around skin reactions is the key idea here. When a client is on antibiotics or has skin sensitivity, their skin can respond unpredictably to chemical services, so the usual precaution of testing first becomes less reliable and can even provoke irritation. In this scenario, the guidance is to proceed without a patch test, but with extra care: choose milder formulations, use lower concentrations, shorten processing times, and monitor the skin closely during the service. It’s also important to obtain informed consent and be prepared to stop the service immediately if any signs of irritation appear.