Identify nail disorders and how they can be serviced by a nail technician.

Identification should include possible treatments, including proper nail care, hot oil manicures, and avoidance of harsh soaps for disorders such as

  • corrugations or furrows
  • leukonychia
  • onychauxis
  • onychatrophia
  • pterygium
  • onychophagy
  • onychorrhexis
  • hangnails
  • eggshell nails
  • blue nails
  • bruised nails.

Some nail disorders cannot be treated by the nail technician but should be referred to a physician. These could include

  • pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • onychia
  • onychogryposis
  • onychomycosis
  • onycholysis
  • onychoptosis
  • paronychia
  • pyogenic granuloma.

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What are signs of nail disorder?
  • Which nail disorders can be treated by a nail technician, and which cannot?
  • What precautions should be taken when performing a nail service on a client with a nail disorder?
  • When should the client be referred to a physician?
  • What suggestions might be made to help a client stop nail biting?