Identifying nail disorders and conditions

Identifying nail disorders and conditions

Identifying Nail Disorders

Onycholysis

  • Characterised by a detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed, often starting at the tip and/or sides.
  • Can be caused by a number of factors such as trauma, infection, and certain medical conditions.
  • It is important to avoid any aggressive manicure or pedicure treatments on a client who shows signs of this condition.

Paronychia

  • Defined by a painful inflammation or infection of the nail fold.
  • Sufferers often experience redness, swelling around the nail, and pus-filled abscesses.
  • Avoid treating clients with acute paronychia as they may require medical attention.

Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infections)

  • Usually discolors nails, causing them to turn white, black, yellow or green.
  • Nails can become thickened, brittle, and deformed.
  • Treating nail fungus is outside the scope of a beauty therapist’s role - a client showing symptoms should be referred to a healthcare professional.

Identifying Nail Conditions

Ridges

  • Vertical or horizontal waves or indentations on the nail plate.
  • Can indicate ageing, trauma, or illness, but are usually harmless.

White Spots

  • Small white spots or streaks often resulting from trauma to the nail.
  • They usually grow out with the nail and are not a cause for concern.

Brittle Nails

  • Nails that break, peel, or crack easily.
  • Can be due to ageing, exposure to water or chemicals, or certain medical conditions. Nourishing base coats and nail treatments may help.

Hangnails

  • Occur when a tiny piece of the skin around the nail tears off.
  • Can lead to painful skin infections if not treated properly.
  • Moisturising hand creams and avoiding picking, biting, or pulling at the skin around the nails can help.

This section is about the most common nail conditions and disorders that beauty therapists should be able to recognise. However, it is important to remember that accurate diagnosis should be left to healthcare professionals. Therapists should never try to treat any disorders or conditions beyond the scope of their training.