Infectious vs. Non-Infectious Nail Conditions
The most tested rule in nail disorders: never perform a service over an infection. You must be able to identify which conditions are infectious (refuse service) and which are non-infectious (proceed with care or modification).
Infectious Conditions: Do Not Service
Onychomycosis (Tinea Unguium)
A fungal infection of the nail. Appearance: yellow, white, brown, or thickened nail plate that may crumble or separate from the nail bed. The most common nail disorder seen in salons. Caused by dermatophytes entering through damaged nail tissue. Refer the client to a physician. Do not file, soak, or apply product over an infected nail.
Paronychia
A bacterial infection of the nail fold (the skin around the nail). Appearance: red, swollen, and sometimes purulent (pus-filled) tissue at the sides or base of the nail. Acute paronychia is usually bacterial. Chronic paronychia may have a fungal component. Either way: refuse service and refer to a physician.
Onychitis
Inflammation of the nail matrix. Often bacterial in origin. The area around the matrix becomes red and tender. Do not service.
Non-Infectious Disorders: May Service With Care
| Condition | Description | Service Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Onycholysis | Separation of nail plate from nail bed, starting at free edge | Service OK; avoid pressure under lifted plate |
| Onychorrhexis | Brittle nails with longitudinal ridges and splitting | Service OK; use strengthening treatments |
| Eggshell nails | Thin, flexible nail plate that curves over free edge | Service with care; avoid aggressive filing |
| Leukonychia | White spots or streaks in nail plate (air bubbles, minor trauma) | Service OK; spots grow out naturally |
| Pterygium | Forward growth of living cuticle tissue onto nail plate | Soften; do not tear; avoid aggressive removal |
| Melanonychia | Dark brown or black streaks in nail plate | Refer to physician to rule out subungual melanoma |
Nail Condition Quick Reference
- Onych- prefix: related to the nail
- -lysis: separation or loosening
- -mycosis: fungal infection
- -orrhexis: splitting or breaking
- -itis: inflammation