Disinfectant
a parasitic submicroscopic particle that infects and resides in cells of biological organisms
virus
bacteria capable of producing a protective coating that allows them to withstand very harsh environments and to shed the coating when conditions become more favorable to them
bacterial spores
a disease caused by bacteria that are transmitted through coughing or sneezing
tuberculosis
an infection, such as a pimple or abscess, that is confined to a particular part of the body and appears as a lesion containing pus
local infection
showing no symptoms or signs of infection
asymptomatic
a fungal infection of the scalp characterized by red papules, or spots, at the opening of the hair follicles
tinea capitis
a chemical process that uses specific products to destroy harmful organisms (except bacterial spores) on environmental surfaces
disinfection
single-celled microorganisms that have both plant and animal characteristics; some bacteria are harmful, some are harmless
bacteria
harmless microorganisms that may perform useful functions and are safe to come in contact with since they do not cause disease or harm
nonpathogenic
a contagious skin disease that is caused by the itch mite, which burrows under the skin
scabies
made or constructed of a material that has pores or openings; porous items are absorbent
porous
the ability of a product to produce the intended effect; on a disinfectant label, it indicates specific pathogens destroyed or disabled when used properly
efficacy
the presence, or the reasonably anticipated presence, of blood or other potentially infectious materials on an item’s surface, or visible debris or residues such as dust, hair, and skin
contamination
a large family of bacteria that is often found in soil and water
Mycobacterium
able to be communicated; transferable by contact from one person to another as in a communicable disease
communicable
also known as barber’s itch, a superficial fungal infection that commonly affects the skin; it is primarily limited to the bearded areas of the face and neck or around the scalp
tinea barbae
harmful microorganisms that can cause disease or infection in humans when they invade the body
pathogenic
organisms that grow, feed, and shelter on or inside another organism (referred to as the host), while contributing nothing to the survival of that organism. Parasites must have a host to survive
parasites
disease-causing microorganisms carried in the body by blood or body fluids, such as hepatitis and HIV
bloodborne pathogens
abbreviated AIDS; a disease that breaks down the body’s immune system; AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
a mechanical process (scrubbing) using soap and water or detergent and water to remove all visible dirt, debris, and many disease-causing germs. Cleaning also removes invisible debris that interfere with disinfection. Cleaning is what cosmetologists are required to do before disinfecting
cleaning
capable of destroying molds and fungi
fungicidal
colonies of microorganisms that adhere to environmental surfaces, as well as the human body
biofilms
chemical germicides formulated for use on skin; registered and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
antiseptics
transmission of pathogens through touching (including shaking hands), kissing, coughing, sneezing, and talking
direct transmission
the process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores
sterilization
chemical products approved by the EPA designed to destroy most bacteria (excluding spores), fungi, and viruses on surfaces
disinfectants
a condition in which the body reacts to injury, irritation, or infection, characterized by redness, heat, pain, and swelling
inflammation
abbreviated HPV; virus that can infect the bottom of the foot and resembles small black dots, usually in clustered groups; also a cutaneous viral infection commonly contracted through sexual transmission and exhibited by genital warts
human papillomavirus
tuberculocidal disinfectants that are a form of formaldehyde, have a very high pH, and can damage the skin and eyes
phenolic disinfectants