When should a client with fever blisters be referred?

A client with fever blisters, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus, should be referred immediately upon noticing symptoms. This is crucial for several reasons. First, fever blisters are highly contagious, and any treatment performed while the client has active symptoms could result in the spread of the virus to both the practitioner and other clients. By referring the client as soon as symptoms appear, you help ensure they receive appropriate medical advice and treatment, which can prevent any further outbreaks and protect the overall health of everyone in the salon environment.

Additionally, treating a client with obvious symptoms of a fever blister could not only jeopardize their health but also the reputation and professionalism of the salon. Practitioners have a responsibility to maintain hygiene and safety standards within the workplace, and acting swiftly when symptoms are observed reinforces this commitment. Hence, immediate referral is the appropriate course of action in this scenario.