Nail Disorder

A nail disorder is a condition that can be treated. They can be caused by internal and external factors and most people will experience one of these conditions at some point.

Examples of nail disorders include:

Beaus Lines – Wavy horizontal ridges across the nail plate, often caused through illness, medication or heart disease. Light buffing can help improve this condition.

Furrows – Ridges from the matrix to free edge often caused through arthritis, incorrect removal of nail extensions or damage to matrix. Light buffing can help improve this condition. A dark polish or opal polish will highlight the ridges, so it is recommended to apply a clear or light polish.

Leukonychia – White spots in the nail plate, which are commonly mistaken as the result of calcium deficiency, are actually caused through calcium deficiency, actually caused through minor trauma to the nail. White spots will grow up and out so one should treat the nail with care and avoid pressure. Leukonychia is commonly caused through over filing when blending nail extensions.

Eggshell Nails – Thin, curved over the free edge and fragile nails. Improper diet and severe medication can cause this condition. In this case it is best to keep the nails short and avoid pressure.

Hangnail – A small tear or split in the cuticle, which can be removed with cuticle nippers during a manicure. Regular nail treatments are needed to improve dry skin conditions.

Nail Disease

A nail disease is more serious and if not treated, can result in deep infection or in extreme cases, can cause permanent damage to the nail.

As a Nail Technician, if you ever feel that a client may have an infection present or suspect any of the following nail diseases then you must refer to a GP for further treatment. It is also important not to treat a client until they have a GP referral letter giving them the “all clear” to have a nail treatment.

Examples of nail diseases include:

Infection and Inflammation – Often the nail or finger will appear red and swollen. This can mean that there is a bacterial infection present.

Atrophy – An injury or disease of the nail, where the nail plate will be wasting away.

Hypertrophy – A fungal infection where the nail plate will become very thick and over grow at the side walls. If there is no infection present, nails can be buffed regularly to help thin the nail plate. This condition can be hereditary.

Whitlow – A bacterial infection, often the result of hangnails becoming infected. The infection may result in permanent damage to nail plate.

Warts – A viral infection with lumps on the hands and fingers. They are very contagious and this should be referred to the GP immediately.

Ringworm – A fungal infection, white patches are often found on the nail plate as a result of rotting on the nail.

Oychosmadesis – An injury or disease that can cause the nail plate to lift away from the cuticle (a new nail grows and pushes the old nail plate off). The nail must be allowed to re-grow fully before any treatments are carried out.

Onycholosis – An infection where trauma or psoriasis have caused the nail plate to detach from the nail bed starting at the free edge. Care should be taken, as the nail can be easily ripped off. This is very common after incorrect or home removal of nail extensions.