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
(continues)
• Discolored nails
• Eggshell nails
• Hangnail
Common Nail Disorders (continued)
(continues)
© F
CG
/Sut
ters
tock
.com
• Koilonychia
• Leukonychia spots
• Melanonychia
Common Nail Disorders (continued)
(continues)
• Onychophagy
• Onychorrhexis
• Plicatured nail
Common Nail Disorders (continued)
(continues)
• 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
(continues)
• Fungi
• Paronychia
© C
ourt
esy
of R
ober
t B
aran
, M
D (
Fra
nce)
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Pyogenic granuloma
• Tinea pedis
Infectious Nail Diseases (continued)
© m
urat
5234
/Shu
tter
stoc
k.co
m
• Nail psoriasis• Onychocryptosis• Onycholysis• Onychomadesis
Noninfectious Nail Diseases
[INSERT ICON4 HERE]
Perform Hand, Nail, and Skin Analysis
• Allows a cosmetologist to identify disease, disorders, and conditions
• Cleanse the hands of the cosmetologist and client
(continues)
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.
(continues)
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?
(continues)
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)