CLS CLS Contraindications & Adverse Events Management

Question 1

Which medication is a well-known photosensitizer that represents a contraindication or requires extra caution before laser treatment?

Accepted Answer

Tetracycline antibiotics

Answer

Tetracycline antibiotics are photosensitizers that increase skin sensitivity to light energy, raising the risk of burns and adverse reactions during laser treatment.

Question 2

A client with a history of cold sores (HSV-1) is scheduled for a fractional laser resurfacing treatment. What is the appropriate pre-treatment protocol?

Accepted Answer

Prescribe prophylactic antiviral medication before treatment

Answer

Clients with a history of HSV-1 require prophylactic antiviral medication before ablative or fractional laser procedures to prevent viral reactivation triggered by the treatment.

Question 3

What skin condition is an absolute contraindication for laser hair removal in the treatment area?

Accepted Answer

Active skin infection or open wound in the treatment area

Answer

Active skin infections or open wounds are absolute contraindications because laser energy can spread infection, delay healing, and cause severe tissue damage.

Question 4

Which condition requires a physician's clearance before a CLS proceeds with laser treatment on a client?

Accepted Answer

Keloid or hypertrophic scarring history

Answer

A history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring indicates abnormal wound healing, and physician clearance ensures the risk-benefit analysis is appropriate before laser treatment.

Question 5

Isotretinoin (Accutane) use requires how long a waiting period after the last dose before most laser resurfacing procedures can be safely performed?

Accepted Answer

6–12 months

Answer

Most protocols require waiting 6–12 months after the last isotretinoin dose before ablative or aggressive laser procedures, as the drug impairs sebaceous gland function and wound healing.

CLS - Certified Laser Specialist Practice Test

CLS - Certified Laser Specialist Practice Test

CLS CLS Contraindications & Adverse Events Management