Nail Diseases and Salon Safety: A Beautician’s Guide

Understanding Nail Diseases

What is Onychosis?

Onychosis, commonly known as nail disease, encompasses any deformity or disease related to the natural nail. It can be a reflection of underlying health issues or due to external factors that adversely affect the nails.

Occupational Risks and Prevalence

Certain professionals are more susceptible to nail infections due to their job nature. These include:

1. Cosmetologists: Their hands are in constant contact with various products, some of which can be harsh.
2. Cleaning Professionals: Regular immersion of hands in cleaning solutions can strip the skin of its protective oils.
3. Healthcare Workers: Frequent hand washing and exposure to various chemicals increase their risk.

Recognizing an Unhealthy Nail Condition

Although knowing every nail disease’s name isn’t obligatory for beauticians, recognizing an unhealthy nail condition is paramount. Indicators include:

• Discoloration
• Swelling around the nail bed
• Persistent pain
• Abnormal nail growth or thickness
• Visible signs of infection, such as pus

If these signs are apparent, it’s crucial to avoid providing nail services and recommend the client seek medical attention.

Overview of Nail Diseases
Disease	Signs or Symptoms	Image
Nail melanoma	Also known as subungual melanoma, a rare and serious type of skin cancer that begins in the nail matrix. It is more prevalent in the thumbs and big toes and usually affects one nail at a time. Sometimes it can look like other conditions that affect the nail bed, such as a bruise. It also tends to affect middle-aged and older adults with darker skin. To correctly diagnose subungual melanoma, a doctor will need to conduct a biopsy. If untreated it can metastasize or spread to other parts of the body. To date, the only treatment is to surgically remove the entire nail and then remove the growth.
Nail psoriasis	Nail surface pitting, roughness, onycholysis, and bed discolorations randomly or evenly spaced; nail plate may appear as if it has been filed with a coarse abrasive, or the free edge may be ragged, or both
Onychia	Matrix inflammation and nail shedding caused by infection or injury; possible medical referral required
Onychocryptosis	Ingrown nail, wherein the nail grows into the sides of the tissue around the nail; medical referral required
Onycholysis	Separation of the nail plate and bed, often due to injury or allergic reactions; when the cause is removed, the area slowly begins healing; medical referral required
Onychomadesis	Separation and falling off of a nail plate from the nail bed; caused by infection, matrix injury, systemic illness, or medical procedure, such as chemotherapy; medical referral required
Onychomycosis	Nail plate fungal infection, consisting of whitish patches that can be scraped off the nail’s surface or long whitish or pale yellowish streaks within the nail plate; or a third common form causing the nail’s free edge, or as much as the entire plate, to crumble, often invading the free edge and spreading toward the matrix; medical referral required
Paronychia	Bacterial inflammation of the tissues around the nail plate, causing pus, swelling, and redness; often seen in dry or chapped hands from excessive water and detergent exposure; medical referral required
Pseudomonas aeruginosa	Rapidly growing and contagious bacteria that can cause infection; seen in the early stages as a yellow–green spot that becomes darker in its advanced stage, changing from yellow to green to brown to black; medical referral required
Pyogenic granuloma	Severe nail inflammation, in which a lump of red tissue grows up from the nail bed to the nail plate; medical referral required
Tinea pedis	Medical term for fungal infections of the feet, also known as athlete’s foot; seen as red patches or scaling of the skin on the bottom of feet and/or between the toes; can spread by dirty tools and equipment; medical referral required

Ensuring Safe Practices in the Salon

Handling Professional Products Safely

Cosmetologists are exposed to a myriad of products daily, and it’s crucial to:

1. Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always use products as directed. Misuse can lead to adverse reactions or ineffectiveness.
2. Wear Protective Gear: If products advise avoiding skin contact, use gloves. Nitrile gloves are recommended due to their hypoallergenic properties, making them suitable for most users.
3. Stay Informed: If in doubt about a product’s safe usage, consult its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or contact the manufacturer.

Importance of Salon Hygiene

Proper hygiene in a salon setting isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a health imperative. By maintaining cleanliness, you safeguard both the clients and yourself from potential infections. Key practices include:

1. Disinfection of Tools and Equipment: This minimizes the risk of infections being transferred between clients.
2. Avoiding Service on Infected Skin or Nails: It’s not only about the immediate service but also about the potential for spreading infections to other clients or even the beautician.
3. Maintaining Personal Hygiene: Ensuring that hands are regularly washed and moisturized, nails are kept clean, and any cuts or abrasions are properly cared for.

Conclusion

For beauticians, being knowledgeable about nail diseases is a crucial aspect of their professional skill set. As the front line of defense against potential nail infections and diseases, they play a pivotal role in ensuring client safety. By adopting stringent hygiene practices, understanding the products they use, and prioritizing client well-being above all, beauticians can provide a safe and enriching experience for all their clients.

Please follow and like us: