Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways characterised by episodes of bronchoconstriction, airway sensitivity, and breathing difficulty. Symptoms may include:
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Persistent coughing
Triggers vary between individuals and can be environmental, emotional, or chemical — many of which may be present in a salon or clinic environment.
While asthma does not automatically contraindicate aesthetic or beauty treatments, it does require careful assessment and adaptation.
Certain aspects of treatments may increase the risk of triggering an asthma episode, including:
• Airborne irritants
• Strong product fragrances
• Chemical exposure
• Stress or anxiety during procedures
For this reason, asthma should always be treated as a relative contraindication, meaning treatment may proceed with appropriate precautions.
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A thorough consultation is essential. Practitioners should assess:
1. Asthma Severity
Is the condition mild, moderate, or severe?
Is it well-controlled or unstable?
Clients with poorly controlled asthma may not be suitable for treatment until stabilised.
2. Known Triggers
Common triggers include:
• Strong fragrances
• Dust or airborne particles
• Chemical fumes (e.g. from peels, adhesives, nail products)
• Temperature changes
• Stress or anxiety
Understanding triggers allows you to adapt the treatment environment.
3. Current Medication
Clients may use:
• Reliever inhalers (e.g. salbutamol)
• Preventer inhalers (e.g. corticosteroids)
Always ensure the client has their inhaler available during the appointment.
4. Recent Asthma Attacks
If the client has experienced a recent flare-up or hospitalisation, treatment should be postponed.
Your working environment can unknowingly contribute to asthma symptoms. Common triggers include:
• Strongly fragranced products
• Chemical vapours from treatments (e.g. acrylic nails, peels)
• Poor ventilation
• Aerosols or sprays
• Emotional stress during procedures
Minimising these factors is key to safe practice.
Depending on the client’s condition, treatments may need to be:
• Modified – using low-fragrance or sensitive products
• Shortened – reducing exposure time
• Delayed – if asthma is unstable
• Avoided – if risk outweighs benefit
For example, heavily fragranced facials or treatments involving strong chemical exposure may not be suitable for some clients.
As a practitioner, your role is to prioritise client safety at all times. This includes:
• Conducting a thorough consultation
• Gaining informed consent
• Ensuring good ventilation in your workspace
• Selecting appropriate, low-irritant products
• Monitoring the client throughout the treatment
• Being prepared to respond in an emergency
You should also feel confident in making the professional decision to decline treatment if necessary.
Treatment should be avoided if:
• Asthma is poorly controlled
• The client is experiencing symptoms on the day
• There has been a recent asthma attack
• The treatment environment cannot be adequately controlled
In these cases, rescheduling is the safest and most professional option.
Client safety is the foundation of ethical aesthetic practice. Not every treatment is suitable for every client — and recognising this demonstrates professionalism, not limitation.
By understanding conditions such as asthma and adapting your approach, you can deliver treatments that are both effective and safe.
Understanding contraindications, risk assessment, and safe practice is essential for any aesthetic practitioner.
At Advanced Learning Academy, our accredited online courses are designed to help you:
• Carry out professional consultations
• Identify contraindications
• Adapt treatments safely
• Work confidently within your scope of practice
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💻 www.advancedlearningacademy.co.uk
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