Texas Esthetician License Practice Exam

What is a type of fungus that impacts plants or inanimate objects but does NOT cause human infections in salons?

1. Mildew

2. Ringworm

3. Yeast

4. Fungus

The correct answer is: Mildew

Mildew is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm environments and is typically found on plants and inanimate objects. It is characterized by its powdery or downy appearance. While mildew can cause aesthetic and structural damage to plants and surfaces, it is not known to cause infections in humans, particularly in a salon setting. This is important for estheticians to know, as maintaining a clean and safe environment is crucial for client safety and comfort. In contrast, ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect humans and is easily transmissible in communal settings like salons. Yeasts, while also types of fungi, can lead to infections in humans, such as in cases of candidiasis. The general category of fungus encompasses a wide range of organisms, some of which can infect humans, making it a less precise answer in this context. Thus, mildew is the correct choice as a type of fungus that does not pose an infection risk to humans in salons.