Chapter 10

Nail Disorders and Diseases

Chapter 10

Nail Disorders & Diseases

Learning Objectives

• List and describe the various disorders and irregularities of the nails.

• Recognize diseases of the nails that should not be treated in the salon.

• Perform a hand, nail, and skin analysis on a client.

Introduction

• Nails are an interesting and surprising part of the human body.

• The nail is a mirror into an individual’s general health.

• Certain health conditions may first be revealed by a change in the nails.

• Some conditions are easily treated in the salon but some are infectious and cannot be treated by salon professionals.

• Carefully studying this chapter will vastly improve your knowledge and expertise in caring for nails.

Pinpoint Common and Uncommon Nail Disorders

• Nail disorders are caused by injury, heredity, or disease.

• Disorders must be referred to a physician.

• Only cosmetic problems can be treated by a licensed cosmetologist or nail technician.

• Beau’s lines

• Blue fingernails

• Bruised nail beds

Common Nail Disorders

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• Discolored nails

• Eggshell nails

• Hangnail

Common Nail Disorders (continued)

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• Koilonychia

• Leukonychia spots

• Melanonychia

Common Nail Disorders (continued)

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• Onychophagy

• Onychorrhexis

• Plicatured nail

Common Nail Disorders (continued)

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• Ridges

• Splinter hemorrhages

Common Nail Disorders (continued)

Uncommon or Abnormal Nail Disorders

• Onychauxis

• Onychogryposis

• Nail pterygium

• Pincer nail

Recognize Nail Diseases

• Onychosis• Infectious nail diseases

– Any nail disease that shows signs of infection or inflammation should not be diagnosed or treated in the salon.

– Medical examination is required for all nail diseases and treatment will be determined by the physician.

Infectious Nail Diseases

• Onychia

• Onychomycosis

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• Fungi

• Paronychia

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• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Pyogenic granuloma

• Tinea pedis

Infectious Nail Diseases (continued)

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• Nail psoriasis• Onychocryptosis• Onycholysis• Onychomadesis

Noninfectious Nail Diseases

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Perform Hand, Nail, and Skin Analysis

• Allows a cosmetologist to identify disease, disorders, and conditions

• Cleanse the hands of the cosmetologist and client

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Perform Hand, Nail, and Skin Analysis (continued)

• Observe the moisture, temperature, condition, tenderness of skin and length of nails.

• Share with your client.

Summary and Review

• Well-manicured nails have always been recognized as an indication of good grooming.

• Nails originate in the epidermal layer of the skin and, like hair, their condition is dependent upon the individual’s overall health.

• You will want to identify and help correct any unhealthy nail conditions and advise clients on when they need to see a physician.

• Your creativity in providing quality nail services must be grounded in a thorough knowledge and awareness of the structure and physiology of the nails.

• Working on unhealthy nails can be dangerous to both you and your clients.

Chapter Review Questions

1. In what situation should a nail service not be performed?

2. Name at least eight common nail disorders and describe their appearance.

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Chapter Review Questions (continued)

3. What conditions do fungal organisms favor for growth?

4. What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa? Why is it important to learn about it?

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5. What is the most effective way to avoid transferring infections among your clients?

6. Can a cosmetologist offer treatment advice for a client who has developed a nail infection?

7. Can a cosmetologist treat an ingrown toenail if there is no sign of pus or discharge? Why?

8. Name two common causes of onycholysis.

Chapter Review Questions (continued)