Nail Conditions and Disorders

Nail Conditions and Disorders

• Beau's lines: Visible depressions across the nail plate; consequences of major illnesses or injuries affecting nail growth.
• Bruised nails: Dark purplish spots due to blood clots under the nail, typically from minor injuries.
• Discolored nails: Nails may change colors due to staining, systemic disorders, or circulation issues.
• Eggshell nails: Thin, flexible white nails that can curve over the free edge; may result from various factors including diet and genetics.
• Hangnail: Condition where surrounding skin splits or tears away from the nail plate, often due to dry skin.
• Leukonychia: Small white spots on nails, stemming from minor matrix injuries, not health deficiencies.
• Melanonychia: Darkening of nails with a black band extending from base to edge, due to pigmentation changes.
• Nail disorder: General term for any condition caused by injury or disease of the nail unit.
• Nail psoriasis: Non-infectious condition marked by pitting or roughness on the nail surface.
• Nail pterygium: Skin abnormality where the nail plate stretches it, often due to injury or chemical reactions.
• Onychia: Inflammation of the nail matrix leading to nail shedding.
• Onychocryptosis: Ingrown nails which grow into surrounding tissue.
• Onycholysis: Nail lifting from the nail bed, starting at the free edge.
• Onychomadesis: Separation and falling off of nails from the nail bed.
• Onychomycosis: Fungal infection affecting the natural nail plate.
• Onychophagy: Biting nails or surrounding skin; can improve with regular manicures.
• Onychorrhexis: Brittle nails with lengthwise ridges, often due to matrix injury or chemical exposure.
• Onychosis: Any deformity or disease related to natural nails.
• Paronychia: Bacterial inflammation causing redness, swelling, and pus near the nail.
• Pincer nail: Nails curved like a trumpet due to increased matrix curvature.
• Plicatured nail: Highly curved nails typically from matrix injury or inherited traits.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Bacteria causing nail infections, leading to discoloration.
• Ridges: Vertical lines from uneven nail growth, commonly associated with aging.
• Splinter hemorrhages: Traumatic injuries to nail bed causing capillary damage and blood accumulation.

Infection Prevention and Management

• Nail services should be avoided if there are infections, inflammation, or injuries present on nails or skin.
• Fungi prefer warm, moist environments for growth, making appropriate hygiene critical.
• If nail infections recur, it is recommended to reassess cleaning, disinfection, and application techniques.
• Cosmetologists cannot provide treatment advice for client-developed nail infections; referral to a physician is necessary.
• Following state board guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting implements is essential for preventing infection transfer.
• Proper disinfection practices include cleaning metal tools, using single-use files, and sanitizing work surfaces before and after procedures.

General Nail Health

• Nail discolorations can result from lifestyle factors such as smoking or nail polish.
• Conditions like leukonychia are often myths for health deficiencies like zinc or calcium.
• Legally liable practices include avoiding harm to a client by not cutting or tearing living skin.
• Early bacterial infections may present as yellow-green spots, progressing in color without intervention.
• Professional nail products should be used according to manufacturer instructions to ensure safety.