Download nail diseases & disorders

NAIL DISEASES
&
DISORDERS
BEAUS LINES
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Single horizontal ridge caused by a severe,
short term illness, such as a heart attack, measles, etc.
ACTIONS: Mild cases treat with gentle buffing and refer more severe
cases to medical practitioner.
NON CONTAGIOUS
BRUISED NAIL
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Dark, congealed spots of blood between nail plate and
bed
ACTION: Gentle manicure. May need to refer to a medical practitioner
NON CONTAGIOUS
BUNIONS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: A projection of the medial metatarsal and phalanges
of the big toe causing the big toe to turn towards the others. This is caused by
joint weakness and ill fitting shoes.
ACTION: Normal pedicare, no rasping/callus smoothing and gentle massage
over area.
NON CONTAGIOUS
CHILBLAINS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: An itchy, sore, tingly, red area resulting in broken skin
caused by prolonged exposure to cold and poor circulation.
ACTION: Area may be infectious so should be covered. Gentle massage in
area may improve circulation.
NON CONTAGIOUS
VERRUCA VULGARIS
(COMMON WARTS)
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: A viral infection which causes raised lumps of horny
tissue in areas of pressure, the warts are caused by the human papilloma virus.
ACTION: Do not manicure. Refer client to medical practitioner.
CONTAGIOUS
VERRUCA PLANTARIS
(PLANTAR WARTS)
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Plantar warts are warts caused by the human
Papilloma virus. They are small lesions that appear on the sole of the foot
and are cauliflower in appearance and may have small black specks within
them. Due to pressure on the soles of the feet, a layer of hard skin forms
over the wart. A plantar wart may or may not be painful. It can be spread in
communal showers, around swimming pools, sharing shoes etc.
ACTION: Do not pedicure. Refer client to medical practitioner
CONTAGIOUS
CORNS & CALLUSES
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Corns are nodules of hard skin. Calluses are
plaques of hard skin, on an area of pressure or constant friction.
ACTION: Regular manicure or pedicure with exfoliation and moisturiser on
affected areas. Refer to podiatrist for removal.
NON CONTAGIOUS
DERMATITIS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: An inflammation of the skin caused by an allergic
reaction or contact with an irritant. Typical symptoms of dermatitis include
redness and itching.
ACTION: Do not manicure or pedicure infected, inflamed, broken or swollen
skin.
NON CONTAGIOUS
DIABETES
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Inability to produce to insulin form the pancreas.
Can have poor healing qualities. May have concerns with circulation in the
extremities and sensations of heat and cold. Ulcers and Gangrene are a
regular concern for Diabetics.
ACTION: Perform treatment with care, check heat levels and no sharp
metal implements to be used. Any broken skin, eg. ulcers refer to medical
practitioner, do not perform treatments.
NON CONTAGIOUS
ECZEMA OF THE NAIL
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Can affect the eponychium, nail plate and bed,
causing pitting and onycholysis. This is rare.
ACTION: Do not manicure or pedicure. Refer to medical practitioner.
NON CONTAGIOUS
EGGSHELL NAIL
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Nail plate is thin and abnormally flexible. It curves
at the free edge and the nail plate can separate from the nail bed. This is
caused by chronic illness of systematic or nervous origin.
ACTION: Gentle manicure may help.
NON CONTAGIOUS
HANG NAILS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Usually caused by minor injury or constant irritation
through biting. The cuticle splits and appears as a small spike or hard nail
growing alongside the nail plate. Dry cuticles or careless cutting away of
cuticles can also cause this condition. Hot oil manicures and regular use of a
cuticle oil will help. The spike can be clipped so it does not catch on things.
ACTION: Gentle manicure with emphasis on cuticle work. Give homecare
routine.
NON CONTAGIOUS
HEEL FISSURES
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Dry skin build up from calluses. Deep cracks
sometime appear in these and become red and sore. These made bleed if the
client removes the callus once body weight is applied.
ACTION: Pedicure rasping/Callus smoothing must be very careful and must
not be performed on directly over fissures. Daily use of heal remedial products
may help. Refer to pharmacist
NON CONTAGIOUS
KOILONYCHIA
(SPOON NAIL)
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Flat or spoon shaped nail often thin and soft and is
caused by iron deficiency (anaemia), excessive exposure to harsh chemicals
etc, or is a congenital condition.
ACTION: Manicure with care.
NON CONTAGIOUS
LEUCONYCHIA SPOTS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Small white spots are groups of whitish nail
cells trapped inside the nail plate These spots are caused by minor
trauma to the Matrix. Pseudoleukonychia/False Leukonychia surface
layers develop a whitish flaky appearance due to a lack of moisture in the
nail plate sometimes caused by picking off or removal of nail polish.
ACTION: The white area grows out so there is no special treatment required.
Conduct manicure and pedicure service as usual nail polish will disguise the
problem. Surface dryness can be gently buffed away. Recommend cuticle oil.
NON CONTAGIOUS
ONYCHATROPHIA
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: The wasting away of the nail, causing it to lose its lustre
and become smaller. The nail can also shed completely. This condition is mainly
caused by injury or disease.
ACTION: Manicure gently, if the condition is not severe.
NON CONTAGIOUS
ONYCHAUXIS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: An overgrowth of the nail, in thickness rather than
in length. Usually caused by an internal disturbance, such as a local
infection.
ACTION: Do not manicure or pedicure .
CONTAGIOUS
ONYCHIA
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Inflammation of the nail matrix, accompanied by pus
formation. Inflammation within the nail plate.
ACTION: Do not manicure or pedicure.
CONTAGIOUS
ONYCHOCRYPTOSIS
(INGROWN NAILS)
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Also known as ingrown nails. May affect either the
fingers or toes. The nail grows into the sides of the flesh and may cause
infection. Filing the nails too much in the corners and failing to correct hang nails
can cause the condition as well.
ACTION: Do not manicure or pedicure if infection is present. Refer to medical
practitioner.
CONTAGIOUS
ONYCHOLYSIS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Most commonly associated with external
trauma to the nail. Nail plate separates from the nail bed. Can also
be associated with an internal disorder.
ACTION: If possible, keep the nail short to avoid the free edge
“catching” on things and resulting in further separation. Can be
permanent if condition is long term. If so, refer to a medical practitioner.
NON CONTAGIOUS
ONYCHOMYCOSIS
(TINEA UNGUIUM)
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: An infectious fungal disease mainly seen as white spots
that can be scraped off the surface, or long yellowish streaks within the nail
substance. The disease attacks the free edge and moves its way to the matrix. The
infected portion is thick and discoloured.
ACTION: Do not perform manicure or pedicure – seek medical advice.
CONTAGIOUS
ONYCHOPHAGY
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Bitten nails, often no free edge is visible. Nails
look ragged and distorted, skin and nail bed can be exposed and raw.
ACTION: Regular manicure or apply nail enhancements to discourage the
client from biting their nails.
NON CONTAGIOUS
ONYCOPHOSIS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Refers to the growth of the horny epithelium in
the nail bed. In other words a callus like growth on the nail plate.
ACTION: Buff nail to reduce any thickness
NON CONTAGIOUS
ONYCHOPTOSIS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Periodic shedding of one or more nails, either in
whole or parts. This condition may follow certain diseases such as syphilis.
ACTION: Do not work on the area - refer the client to their medical practitioner.
NON CONTAGIOUS
ONYCHORRHEXIS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Split or brittle nails. Caused by injury to the finger or
exposure to harsh chemicals
ACTION: Hot oil manicures will improve the condition. Homecare advice
needs to be given.
NON CONTAGIOUS
PARONYCHIA
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: An infectious and inflammatory condition of nail
folds. Infection is bacterial. Chronic paronychia may weaken defences and
increase the risk of developing a fungal infection of the nail or may
permanently deform the nail plate.
ACTION: Do not work on the area - refer the client to their medical practitioner.
CONTAGIOUS
PSORIASIS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: A skin disease which can affect the nail. It appears as
silvery scales that build up to form a plaque which, when removed, leave a raw,
red patch of skin. Plaques which form around the nail plate can cause pitting.
Those which form beneath the nail plate can cause onycholysis.
ACTION: Do not work on the area - refer the client to their medical practitioner
NON CONTAGIOUS
PTERIGIUM
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: An abnormal winged like growth of skin (living tissue)
on the nail plate. The skin is slowly stretched and dragged along the bed. Most
commonly caused by severe trauma such as warts, burns & blood circulation
disorders.
ACTION: Do not attempt to remove the wing of skin as it is quite possible that
there is no nail plate growth under the wing. NOTE: PTERIGIUM SHOULD NOT
BE USED TO DESCRIBE THE CUTICLE (NON LIVING TISSUE).
NON CONTAGIOUS
RIDGES, FURROWS,
CORREGATIONS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Multiple shallow/ deep ridges due to illness or injury,
excessive dieting, incorrect removal of nail enhancements, pregnancy, etc.
ACTION: Gently manicure, if severe refer to a medical practitioner. Can sometimes
be buffed smoother or can use a ridgefiller base coat.
NON CONTAGIOUS
TINEA PEDIS
(ATHLETES FOOT)
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Fungal infection, in acute conditions, small blisters form
and spread over the sole of the foot and between the toes. Where they rupture, the
skin becomes red and oozes. Feet can be itchy and smell. Can be caught from
bathroom floors, gyms etc.
ACTION: In extreme cases DO NOT TOUCH, highly contagious, seek medical
advice.
CONTAGIOUS
DISCOLOURED NAILS
DESCRIPTION/ CAUSE: Exposure to chemicals including dyes & nicotine. Some
medications, bacterial infections and systemic disorders may also cause nail
discolouration .
ACTION: Application of coloured polish or nail enhancements can hide this
condition but lifestyle changes or medical advice may be required to fix the
problem.
NON CONTAGIOUS