What skin condition is associated with lesions and dark spots that require physician referral?

The correct choice pertains to melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that often presents as lesions or dark spots on the skin. It is crucial for estheticians to recognize this condition, as early detection can significantly impact treatment outcomes. Melanoma can vary in appearance and may not always exhibit the classic characteristics associated with cancer, such as asymmetry, irregular border, multiple colors, or diameter larger than a pencil eraser. Given its potential severity, clients displaying these lesions should be referred to a physician for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.

In contrast, conditions like athlete's foot, acne, and rosacea, while they may require professional treatment, typically do not present the same level of risk and urgency as melanoma. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection, acne is a common skin condition related to sebaceous glands, and rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the face. While these conditions necessitate care, they do not involve the same critical concern for skin cancer that melanoma does. Hence, referrals for these conditions are generally not required at the same level of severity as for a potential melanoma.