Final answer:
A cosmetologist should refer a client with signs of tinea capitis or folliculitis to a medical professional and take steps to prevent the spread of infection by cleaning and disinfecting their tools and workspace. They should not attempt to treat these conditions themselves.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a cosmetologist encounters a situation where there are areas of enlarged open follicles surrounded by clusters of red spots, which may be indicative of tinea capitis, it is important to handle the situation with caution. Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp, also known as ringworm of the head, which is highly contagious. A professional cosmetologist is not qualified to treat such medical conditions and should immediately refer the client to a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Folliculitis can also present similar symptoms, such as red, itchy bumps, but with different causes and treatments. Upon noticing signs of folliculitis, cosmetologists should also advise clients to seek medical advice. For both conditions, cosmetologists must exercise good hygiene practices, avoid providing services that could exacerbate the area, and thoroughly clean and disinfect all tools and surfaces to prevent the spread of infection. Culturing the causative agent on Sabouraud's agar, as in the case of Trichophyton rubrum, is typically a method used by healthcare professionals to diagnose the specific fungus responsible for tinea infections.