Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Nail treatments
4/18/2018
Nail Treatments
Marks:
Preparation and care of client
Preparation and hygiene of the work area
Shaping of nails
Cuticle work
Massage – including 5 classical movements where appropriate
Nail enamel, finished result
Oral questions
Timing
Aftercare and advice
Economy of products/professionalism/appearance
Theory paper – a multiple choice paper, duration 20minutes. Pass mark 60%
Introduction
The Purpose of Manicure/Pedicure
This is a cosmetic treatment for the hands and fingernails. A professional
manicure is performed by a qualified manicurist, Aesthetician or Beauty
Therapist. DEFINITION
A manicure consists of shaping and filing the free edge of the nail,
The word ‘Manicure’ is derived from
softening and then tidying the cuticle before massaging the muscles of the
the French meaning "care of the
lower arm and hand. The manicure is completed with attention to the
hands"
aesthetic appearance of the fingernails; either by buffing to a shine or the
Latin origins:
application of nail enamel.
Manus = "hand" Cura = "care"
A professional application of nail enamel will last at least a week.
Variations on finish
Basic paint- 1 application of base coat, 2 application of colour, 1
HISTORY
application of top coat (if pearlised a 3rd application may be applied The manicure began over 5,000 years
instead of the top coat). ago in India, when women used
French manicure - uses a flesh tone nail enamel with a dense white tip henna to colour nails. In Babylonia,
across the free edge of the nail. 4,000 years ago, solid gold tools were
American manicure - this is similar to a French manicure but uses stronger used to create gorgeous looking nails
colours for the nail plate and free edge. - creating the whole process of the
Nail Art: Nail art uses different techniques and patterns to create manicure.
individualised artwork on the finger nails. Techniques are many and varied Nail polish was developed in China in
including the texture of the nail through the application of gems and 3,000 BC, the length and colour
rhinestones. (most elite colours were red and
Nail jewellery. This requires a small hole to be drilled in the nail to attach black nail enamel) was used as a
an item of jewellery allowing it to dangle from the free edge of the nail. Or symbol of status. Using nail polish
precious gems to be glued onto the nail. Artificial 18 carat gold nails are colours to establish rank in society
also considered to be nail jewellery. was also used in ancient Egypt;
Shaping the nail plate for an aesthetic finish. Cleopatra and Queen Nefertiti used
Although some nail shapes will be more suited to specific shaped and sized deep shades of red.
hands, fashion extends to nail shapes and this will be a consideration to
both the therapist and the client. In ancient Egypt and Rome, the
When filling nails, the most pleasing aesthetic result is for all nails to be the commanders in the military would
same length. paint their nails (to match the colour
worn on their lips) before heading
Finished Nail Shapes into battle.
The French manicure first made an
appearance in the 18th century Paris.
The signature white tip and natural
pink base became extremely popular
during the 1920s and 1930s and has
had a resurgence in popularity in the
21st Century
Treatment time and
Almond Squoval Square Round Oval variations
Basic manicure - 30 minutes
File and Polish - 15 minutes
Mini manicure - file, massage and
polish - 20 minutes
Deluxe manicures - Hot oil
Paraffin wax - 45 minutes
Hand mask with thermal mitts –
45mins
Precautions
Do not work over a contraindicated area. If in doubt, refer or request doctor’s permission to carry out a treatment
Referral procedures
NB. Under no circumstances must a therapist diagnose any medical condition.
When there is a medical condition that may contraindicate a treatment, the therapist should be tactful when
discussing this with the client. There are some medical conditions when medical permission is required before
treatment is carried out. It is the responsibility of the client to obtain permission for treatment from the GP or
specialist, preferably in the form of a letter, which may then be kept with the client’s records.
It may be advisable to refer the client to another practitioner such as a chiropodist, for treatment of corns, calluses
and bunions, in growing nails etc.
Orange sticks
Used tipped to apply buffing paste and cuticle remover and cream
Used tipped to push back cuticles in small circular movements and clean under the free edge
Used tipped to remove any traces of enamel
Cuticle knife
They are used to remove excess cuticle adhering to the nail plate
They must always be used wet to protect the nail plate
They are held at 45% to prevent scratching, with the blade on its side, moving outside to centre in small
circles and then reversed
Cuticle nippers
Used to remove hangnails from around the cuticle
Hold firmly, cutting the hangnail cleanly, without pulling
Do not cut live cuticle as it will overgrow and become thickened
Nail scissors
Used for longer nails to cut the free edge prior to filing
Nail buffer
A cushioned leather pad
Used with the tiniest amount buffing paste to smooth out surface irregularities and achieve a shine to the nail
plate
A buffer should be used in one direction only, at moderate speed, from cuticle to free edge
Hoof stick
Plastic with a rubber or plastic hoof shaped end piece
Used for moulding around the cuticle to ensure the cuticles are loosened
Nail brush
A small brush is used with warm water and nail soak to remove product residue
The nails are individually brushed with warm water from matrix to free edge, then dried with tissue
Nail mending To repair split and torn nails and to Adhesive, solvent, fibre reinforcing material
products reinforce fragile tips
Consultation
The therapist should always perform a consultation regardless of whether the Client is new, or existing.
The reasons: Checking for Contra indications - check verbally and by looking to ensure there are no CI - the client’s
health and condition is in flux and therefore the therapist should check regularly.
Filing Discuss with the client the best shape for the nails. A better appearance will be created if the nails are all
one length.
Always use an emery board, held at a 45-degree angle to the free edge (use the pale side for manicure and the dark
side for pedicure) – use the entire length of the emery board holding firmly at one end.
Always file in toward the centre of the nail – don’t file backwards and forwards (sawing) as this
causes the layers of the nail to split.
CAUTION - Filing into the corners of the nails can cause in growing nails and weakens the side of
the nails leading to weakness and breaking of the nail as it grows.
CAUTION - Filing to a point also weakens the nail and may cause breakage.
The ideal shape is oval; the strongest is square: the weakest shape is pointed
To complete the filing, bevel the nail, using the file tip at a 45-degree to remove any nail
residue from the free edge. Also check under the free edge
Speed filing - To build up speed when filing the therapist/ manicurist should hold the finger in such a way that it
supports the file. By resting the file on the therapist/ manicurist’s own hand it facilitates the ease at which the
therapist/ manicurist can return to the original position allowing filing to be done at speed rather than having to find
the free edge on each return.
Buffing
Effects of buffing
Gives lustre to the nails – it is used at the end of a gentleman’s manicure.
Increases circulation brining nutrients to the nail bed improving health and growth of the nail plate.
Regular buffing smooth the surface of the nail due to the abrasiveness of the buffing paste – over time this is
especially good for minor furrows in the nail.
Finger Sequence for Left handed Manicurists Finger Sequence for RIGHT handed Manicurists
2.
Draw the brush backwards to the tip of the nail ensure you cover
the edge.
3.
Repeat the move slowly on the side slowly edging towards the
cuticle and lining up with the first stroke to create a continuous line.
4.
Draw up to the edge of the nail ensuring the edge is covered.
5.
Repeat on step 3 the other side
6.
Hazards of nail enamel- the client could HAVE an allergy to one of the ingredients, particularly formaldehyde resin,
found in nail enamel, which may cause irritation, swelling, or inflammation,
Qualities of a good nail enamel
1. Does not stain the nails or skin
2. Flexibility
3. Does not damage or dry out the nails
4. Adherent and lasting
5. Good coverage
6. Correct viscosity
7. Enamel retains its colour when applied
8. High gloss
Causes of Chipping Nail Enamel
1. No base coat
2. Flaking nail conditions
3. Nail enamel too thin
4. Forced drying
5. Unclean nail plate– oil on the nail
Causes of Flaking Nail Enamel
1. Unclean nail plate– oil on the nail
2. Enamel too thick
3. Second coat applied too quickly
4. Incorrect use of quick drying top coat
Bottle Care
A good therapist looks after their tools to ensure a long lasting nail enamel and ensure
that the therapist can open the bottle on each occasion for use care and attention should
be given to cleaning the bottle and the brush.
An inspection of the bottle neck and brush should be made at each use, to keep the cap
and neck free from nail enamel before it dries making it difficult to open: if required this
should be cleaned with a tissue (cotton wool will leave fibres) soaked in enamel remover
and if necessary clean the brush and inside the lid removing any enamel form the grooves
inside the bottle lid.
Disposables
Manicure cushion covered with five split sheets of tissue (eight for deluxe). For pedicure, 10 sheets
of tissue (not split). Ensure cushion is covered with cling film for pedicure*
Emery board
1 x double ended tipped orange stick
Folded tissues
Bowl of cotton wool discs
Disposable toe separators made from twisted tissue*
Disposable gloves*(CIDESCO term only)
Products
Nail enamel remover
Cuticle cream and /or oil
Buffing paste
Cuticle remover
Hand lotion /cream
Base coat
Choice of enamels to compliment
Top coat
Quick dry (spray and paint on)
Sanitising wipes or fluid e.g. steritane
Foot deodorant spray*
Manicure soak and pedicure foot soak*
Nail strengtheners
Ridge fillers
Nail white pencil
Exfoliant for hands and feet
Nail repair kit
Manicure routine
1. Treatment time 30mins
2. Set up the workstation
3. Greet and seat the client comfortably and remove all jewellery
4. Wipe the client’s hands with deodorising wipes, one for each hand to avoid any cross infection
5. Remove enamel from both client’s hands with a cotton wool disc and enamel remover. Hold the
cotton wool disc at the tips of your 1st and 2nd fingers
6. Switch on the magnifying lamp and angle it to improve the light over the working area
7. Commence consultation checking for contra indications Identify any contraindications and modify
treatment if necessary
8. Ask the client to choose the enamel colour and check its consistency (Note RED enamel for exams)
9. Wash your hands and collect tools from autoclave, sanitising (Vircon) bath or UV cabinet
10. Starting on non -working hand, file nails and if necessary cut the nails for the desired shape, work
from side to centre and bevel.
11. Apply cuticle cream using the flat end of the hoof stick and massage into the cuticles (thumb and
little finger, index and ring finger, middle and thumb), place to soak in nail bowl
12. Repeat stages 10 – 11 on client’s working hand
13. Remove and dry the non–working hand. Apply cuticle remover with cotton wool tipped orange
stick, directly onto the cuticle, clean under free edge.
14. Using a rubber tipped hoof stick gently but firmly, push back the cuticles working from side to
centre in a circular movement.
15. Work under tissue to ensure hygienic conditions at all times
16. Wet the cuticle knife in dapping dish, and with the knife on its side at an angle of 45%, blade
towards centre, loosen any excess traces of cuticle, gently lifting underneath the cuticle with flat
edge of knife. Move from right side to centre, turn the blade, then left side to centre. Place any
removed cuticle onto a harmony wipe dampened with anti-bacterial solution (Steritane)
17. Dry around cuticles with tissue, throw couch roll away then with cuticle nippers, remove any loose
cuticle and hang nails around the cuticle (cut and release – no pulling). Discard onto harmony wipe
and couch roll.
18. Repeat stages 11 - 15 on working hand
19. Perform hand and arm (to elbow) massage with hand lotion or cream
20. ‘Squeak‘ the nails. Nails may be wiped with cotton wool soaked in nail enamel remover but this
dehydrates the nail plate unless an acetone free remover is used
21. An alternative is to brush the nails (dipped in nail soak) to remove any grease on both hands, and
then dry thoroughly to ensure all grease is removed, pushing back the cuticles at the same time
22. Use hoof stick to tidy any file residue from under the nails; check filing on each hand
23. Starting with working hand, and working from left to right, apply base coat, colour and topcoat.
Wait a minute or two between each application Please note: For client sessions the client chooses
the colour. For exams red is used.
24. This is an appropriate time for the client to put their jewellery back on.
25. Apply cuticle oil to nails ask client to raise their hands so that fingers are pointing downwards, with
the dropper place a drop of oil at the cuticle edge of the nail and allow oil to cover nail surface.
Alternatively apply a quick dry product
26. An alternative to painting is a buffed finish if they do not wish to have varnish
27. Advise the client to wait 20 minutes before leaving.
28. Wash hands thoroughly after treatment
TREATMENT AFTERCARE
Allow the enamel to dry for at least 20 minutes, longer if possible. Even after 20 minutes the enamel will
not be hard enough to resist knocks or scraps when rummaging in a handbag or purse. It takes up to 24
hours for all 4 layers of enamel to harden.
Homecare advice
To maintain healthy nails, the client, when not attending the salon will improve the condition of their nails
at home, so important advice is very important such as:
Protect the nails from detergents and household chemicals
Wear gloves when outside in winter or working in the garden
Avoid using the nails as tools
File the nails correctly using an emery board and not a metal file as these may cause the nails to flake
Use hand cream after immersing the hands in water and cuticle massage cream and hand cream at night
Use a nail strengthener /hardener and keep nails short and rounded if weak
Attend to nails between manicures, but avoid overuse of polish, and avoid harsh enamel removers
A base coat should always be worn to protect the nail
The nails should not be bitten and the cuticles should not be picked
Make sure the diet is well balanced and includes all the necessary vitamins and minerals, including
the B complex, A and D, calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
FUTURE TREATMENTS
Regular manicures
Hot oil manicure
Paraffin wax manicure
Hand mask with thermal mitts manicure
Retail Products
Nail and cuticle cream
Nail strengtheners
Nail oil
Cotton gloves
Hand and foot cream.
Care of the manicure trolley/sterilisation of small implements
The trolley / area should be clean, organised and tidy with tools in a tissue pouch or glass.
Metal and plastic implements should be washed in hot soapy water, rinse and dry first, then immerse in an
autoclave or if not suitable sterilising fluid (‘Vircon’ or alcohol), or wipe with alcohol wipe, then place in
sanitiser (UVC cabinet).
Wooden implements e.g. emery boards, orange sticks should be disposed of.
Pedicure routine
Treatment time 45mins (ITEC 40mins)
1. Check for contra-indications by wiping over both with steritane
2. Remove old enamel from both feet
3. Cut (nail clippers/pliers) and file (use darker side of emery board) nails straight across of left foot
4. Support left foot (in a professional way) use foot rasp to remove superficial hard skin using a
rasp/grater (ensure bedroll covers towel).
5. Apply foot scrub/exfoliator to skin and work all over foot in circular movements, remove with mitts
and warm water.
6. Apply cuticle cream using the flat end of the hoof stick and massage into the cuticles (big toe and
little toe, 2nd and fourth toes, middle and big toe), place to left foot to soak in foot spa.
Repeat steps 3 to 6 to right foot
7. Remove the left foot from water and dry thoroughly, discard couch roll.
8. Apply cuticle remover with cotton wool tipped orange stick, directly onto the cuticle, clean under
free edge.
9. Using a rubber tipped hoof stick gently but firmly, push back the cuticles working from side to
centre in a circular movement.
10. Work under tissue to ensure hygienic conditions at all times
11. Wet the cuticle knife in dapping dish, and with the knife on its side at an angle of 45°, blade
towards centre, loosen any excess traces of cuticle, gently lifting underneath the cuticle with flat
edge of knife. Move from right side to centre, turn the blade, then left side to centre. Place any
removed cuticle onto a harmony wipe dampened with anti-bacterial solution (steritane)
12. Dry around cuticles with couch roll, roll away excess cuticle, then with cuticle nippers, remove loose
cuticle and hang nails around the cuticle (cut and release – no pulling). Discard onto harmony wipe
and couch roll.
Carry out steps 7 to 12 to the right foot
13. Give a massage to lower leg demonstrating correct technique for each of the 5 swedish movements
14. Use nail varnish remover to squeak nails
15. Place toe separators or tissue in between toes
16. Keep feet flat when enamelling to prevent the enamel running into the cuticles, ask client to bend
their knees
17. Enamel nails: basecoat x 1, colour x 2, topcoat x 1. Start with big toe working out.
18. Apply cuticle oil to nails ask client to raise their hands so that fingers are pointing downwards, with
the dropper place a drop of oil at the cuticle edge of the nail and allow oil to cover nail surface.
Alternatively apply a quick dry product. Remember shoes can smudge polish easily. Ask client to
wait as long as possible before replacing shoes
19. Wash hands thoroughly after treatment
Advise the client to wait 20 minutes before leaving.
Dry pedicure procedure (usually carried out when a client is already on the couch (i.e. a facial)
1. Check for contra-indications
2. Ensure client is comfortable and warm
3. Wash hands thoroughly
4. Set up your area as normal (excluding the bowl of warm soapy water to wash the feet)
5. You will need a towel and 8 split sheets of couch roll
6. 10 squares of cotton wool, dampened in warm/hot water will be required for individually
soaking the toes
7. Spray soles/top of feet and between toes with a germicidal/fungicidal foot spray
8. Remove the nail varnish on one foot, cut and file the nails
9. Apply cuticle massage cream
10. Place warm/hot cotton wool squares, securely around each toe
11. Repeat routine as for normal pedicure
12. When painting, ask client to place foot flat on the bed to avoid enamel running into cuticle
Treatment aftercare
Allow the enamel to dry for at least 20 minutes, longer if possible
Do not put feet into shoes after a pedicure, wear toe-less sandals or flip flops. It takes up to 24 hours for
the enamel to be hard
HOMECARE ADVICE
To maintain healthy nails, the client can improve the condition of their nails at home, so homecare advice is
very important:
File the nails correctly using the dark side of an emery board and not a metal file as these may cause the nails
to flake.
When filing toes nails file them square to lessen in growing nails.
Change shoes frequently
Use foot cream to prevent cracking heels and dry cuticles.
A base coat should always be worn to protect the nail.
FUTURE TREATMENTS
Regular Pedicures,
Paraffin wax Pedicure
Foot mask with heated booties Pedicure
Retail Products
Foot deodorant/talc
Nail and cuticle cream
Foot cream
Base coat
French manicure
The nails are painted a pale beige or pink and the free edge (nail tip) is painted white to give the nails a
natural and healthy look. It is ideal for a bride or someone who prefers a natural look. – It can also be
applied to the toes.
Application of enamel
1. Perform normal manicure up to the painting stage
2. Apply a base coat
3. Apply one coat French manicure base colour -barely beige or pink.
4. Apply the white enamel to the free edge (tip) only
5. Apply a second coat of the colour
6. Apply topcoat
American Manicure
As French manicure but using bold colours.
Nail repairs
Types of nail repairs:
Paper, Silk, Adhesive
Paper nail repairs
Used to repair broken nails, reinforce splitting, peeling or fragile nails and to protect soft and weak nails
Procedure
1. Clean nail surface with enamel remover
2. Tear off (do not cut) the amount of nail mender tissue, required to cover the break, plus enough to
fold under nail
3. Place mender tissue on facial tissue an saturate with nail mender adhesive
4. Using cuticle stick place wet side down on nail break
5. Dip cuticle stick into nail enamel remover (to prevent tissue from sticking to stick) and blend nail
mender tissue onto nail
6. Add an extra dab of adhesive to the tissue that extends beyond nail an tuck extension securely
under nail
7. Moisten a finger with remover, gently smooth patch, working away from nail edge
8. Apply nail mender adhesive under nail to ensure adherence and let patch dry
9. Apply nail mender tissue across the nail and around sides (where splitting and peeling occur).
Ensure the ends of the tissue extend beyond both sides of nail and tuck under nail
10. A second patch may be applied if break is severe
Procedure
Complete the manicure/pedicure treatment up to and including the cuticle work
Apply a scrub to the lower arm and hand/ lower leg and foot. Work over skin in circular
movements, remove using mitts. (Desquamating, stimulating, softening and refining)
Apply a rich moisturising cream to hands and nails/ foot and toes
Place first hand/foot and in the middle of the foil
Test the wax on self, then client
Paint the paraffin wax carefully over the front of the hand/foot starting at the wrist/ankle.
Turn client’s hand / lift foot to complete
Build up 2–3 layers of wax on all areas
Wrap the foil around the hand/foot, then the towel to maintain the heat
Repeat on the other hand/foot
If required apply the infrared heat lamp - do not leave the client alone
The infra red lamp deflected away from the client’s eyes
Leave the wax on the hands/feet approximately 10 –15 minutes, depending on the dryness of the
skin
Switch off the infrared lamp and move it away
Remove the towel; ease the foil and paraffin wax off. Any remaining wax can be peeled off
separately
Continue with a deep massage and nail paint
Keratinisation
The processes whereby living cells with a nucleus, lose their moisture and become horny, flat dead cells
with no nucleus, containing the protein keratin. (Keratin is a hard, durable, fibrous protein that occurs in
the nails, hair and outer layers of the skin)
Keratinisation of the nail
The process of keritinisation starts in the basal layer of the epidermis completes in the horny layer.
The nail plate sits on the dermis (nail bed), which contain nerves and a rich blood supply. It is
made up of cells, which are pushed forward and go through a process of keratinisation causing the
nail plate to grow in length, thickness and hardness.
The cells produced in the matrix (stratum germinativum) divide to produce new cells in the matrix
(stratum spinosum). Then partly keratinised cells begin to lose fluid and the nucleus starts to
disintegrate and forms the lunula (stratum granulosum). Finally dead, horny keratinised cells form
the nail plate (stratum lucidum and stratum corneum)
Growth of the nail
The growth of the nail may be affected by health, injury, age, and diet.
It takes on average between 5 and 6 months to grow from matrix to free edge.
Nails grow more quickly in young people, summer, hands rather than feet and during pregnancy.
The growth, strength and the formation of the nail can be affected by the following:
Age - nails grow more quickly in younger people
Ill health – nails can become brittle or flake and horizontal lines may appear
Diet and nutrition-if poor nails may become weak, thin, brittle and flaky
External environmental factors-nails can become dry, brittle and flaky in cold weather
Pollutants and free radicals-nails become dry, weak and flaky
Ultra-violet- nails more quickly in the summer
Lifestyle-a good lifestyle grows healthy nails
Systemic factors such as:
Puberty-the nail plate gets slightly thicker
Pregnancy - nails grow more quickly
Menopause-nails become dry and thickened
The germinal The matrix is immediately below the cuticle. It makes up about 1/5 of the length of the nail,
matrix although this is mostly hidden. It is here that new cells form and continually push forward to form
the nail plate. Nerves, blood and lymph vessels in the matrix allow the reproducing cells to receive
their nourishment from the blood supply. As the cells are moved forward they undergo
keratinisation and form the horny nail plate.
The health and strength of the nail plate is determined by the matrix. It is the only living,
reproducing part of the nail
Damage to the matrix is likely to cause temporary deformity of the nail.
Lunula (half- The point where the matrix and the nail bed meet (the only visible part of the matrix).
moon at the base It is the crescent shaped, pearly portion of the nail – the colour is caused because the densely
of the nail): packed cells prevent the pinkness of the blood capillaries in the nail bed from being seen.
The nail fold (or The nail fold is the deep fold of skin around the base of the nail and the matrix.
mantle) The nail wall are the folds of skin that overlap the sides of the nail plate to protect
Nail wall
Types of Bone:
Compact bone
To the naked eye, compact bone appears to be solid, but when a microscope is used the following can be
observed
Tiny plates of bone close together called lamellae
Fluid present between the plates of bone - contains bone cells or osteocytes
A central canal is present containing blood, lymph vessels and nerves
Forms the outer shell and outer ends of bone
Gives strength to the skeleton
Examples –femur and humerus
Long bones
Strongest bones of the skeleton
Composed of a shaft (diaphysis) and two ends (epiphyses)
Example- the femur
Short bones
Small bones located in the wrists and ankles
A thin outer layer of compact bone with cancellous bone inside
Example -the tarsals
Scaphoid
Blood vessels
Arteries
Structure
Veins
Structure
Vein walls are thinner than arteries
Have the same three layers of tissue but there is less muscle and elastic in the middle layer
As the pressure in veins is lower, they have valves at intervals to prevent the back flow of blood
They start as venules and become quite thick as they reach the atria of the heart
They are closer to the surface
Function
Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart from the body (except the pulmonary vein)
Veins collapse when cut to maintain blood pressure
The radial artery and vein-on the thumb side of the lower arm
The ulnar artery and vein - on the little finger side of the lower arm
These diagrams represent both arteries and veins although the veins
are not labelled, but they would be in the same position as the
arteries
Thenar eminence
Hypothenar eminence
Anterior view
Posterior view
Lymph vessels
Type of Lymph
Location Structure Function
vessel
Lymph Vessels The larger vessels lead Valves are present to prevent Transport lymph to
to lymph nodes the backward flow of lymph lymph nodes
Lymphatic nodes
Psoriasis Reddened patches, which have flaky silvery Unknown may have nervous Avoid open sore area. Nails
scales. origin. Hereditary can be painted. See doctor
Pits in nail plate
Onychomycosis or tinea Ringworm of the nail. Nail becomes Fungal infection Do not treat
ungium (nail) thickened and discoloured
Highly infectious
(On-ee-com ee-co-sis) Spreads from free edge to the matrix
Onychia Inflammation of matrix. Red, swollen cuticle Bacterial infection See doctor, do not treat
at lunula. Pus present
(On-nic-ee-ah) Contact with detergent.
Dirty manicure tools, nail
biting
Paronychia – also known as Inflammation of nail wall. Red, inflamed pus Bacterial infection See doctor, do not treat
whitlow
Contact with detergent.
(Par-on-nic-ee-ah) Dirty manicure tools, nail
biting
Dystrophy Wasting
Illness harsh products
Onycholysis -separation – bed Nail plate separates from nail bed at Fungal infection Damage to Avoid if due to disease or
and plate hyponychium or nail wall. Can be discoloured finger. Disease. exposed. No harsh manicure
treats. Keep nail short
(On-ee-co-sis)
Onychophagy - bitten nails Short nails with no free edge. Hyponychium Nervous habit Regular manicures, hot oil,
and nail wall exposed. “stop” solution. Home care
(on-ee-co-fa-jee)
Hang nails Dry skin around nail wall Neglect – results in dry As above except “stop”
cuticles
(Hang-ney-els)
Onychocryptosis- ingrown Nail plate grows into the nail wall. Red, puffy, Incorrect cutting of nails. Refer to chiropodist. Do not
toenail. swollen. Pressure of shoes and feet treat
(on-ee-co-gri-fo-sis)
Leuconychia -white spots White spots on nail plate Damage to matrix. Regular manicures. Home
Insufficient zinc. Air bubbles care. Careful of matrix if
(lu-co-nic-ee-ah)
between layers of nail damaged
Blue nails Nails look blue Bad circulation (old age). Regular manicures. Buffing to
Heart disease. Diabetes increase circulation
Beau’s lines - growth arrest Transverse ridges across the nail plate. Illness. Nails stop growing Regular manicures. Buffing to
Visible at same place on all nails temporarily smooth ridge
Pterygium- overgrown cuticles Thick, hardened growth of dry cuticle adheres Lack of care/neglect. Hot oil or paraffin wax to
to nail plate as it grows. Prone to splitting Persistent biting. Cutting soften skin and push cuticles
(te-rij-ee-um)
cuticles back.
Regular manicures, good
home care
Onychauxis –hypertrophy and Nail thickens and becomes ridged Fungal infection Damage If infection is present do not
thickening. to matrix. Ageing treat
(on-ee-kawk-sis)
Onychatrophia -atrophy nails. Nail becomes smaller and smaller and loses Injury to matrix Manicures are inadvisable
lustre. until nails are healthier
(on-ee-cat-row-fee-ah) Nervous disorder or disease
Opaque and ridged
Splinter haemorrhages Minute lines of bleeding under the nail plate. Blow to the nail. Rough use Regular manicure. Home care
of hands
Onychorrhexis -split nails. Free edge splits and peels Over exposure to harsh Regular manicures and
detergents and over use of moisturising treatments-oil
nail cosmetics or anything and paraffin wax
(on-ee-co-rex-is) which dries out the nail
plate
Corrugations-vertical and Ridges running from cuticle (eponychium) to Uneven growth or illness Regular manicure with
horizontal ridges free edge, or across the nail Usually affects and ageing buffing. Ridge filler
all nails
Matrix damage.
Pits and grooves Pits – small circular depressions Damage to matrix. Psoriasis Regular manicure. Buffing
– (see previous page)
Grooves – depressions (ridges) in nail
Canaliformis –laddering Vertical splitting of nail plate forming ladder. Damage to matrix. Ill health Careful manicure. Buffing in
Nail may split completely down middle mild cases
Lamella dystrophy-flaking and A common disorder with many causes. Poor care, diet, ill health, Regular manicures,
breaking nails hereditary, nail disease, moisturising, and good home
Characterised by flaking, peeling, and
hands in water too long, nail care advice
(La-mel-ah) breaking of nail plate
biting, over use of false nails
etc.
Onychogryphosis-claw nail An enlarged nail with increased curve An increase in the Can give normal manicures
production of horny cells of but recommend they see a
(on-ee-co-gri-fo-sis)
the nail plate. Age, neglect chiropodist
ill fitting shoes
Bruised nail May have a blue or black bruised appearance Damage or trauma to nail Do not treat the nail until
with discolouration bed or using the nail as a healed
tool
Melanoma Small pigmented area or lesion in the nail bed Very rare Refer immediately to doctor
Yellow nail syndrome Nails are opaque and yellow Lymphatic abnormality Advise client to have a break
from enamel, buffing
Micronychia-small nail Very small nail plate Chronic illness Can treat
(mi-cro-nic-ee-ah)
Yellow stained nails Due to the pigment in nail Use a base coat
enamel staining the plate
Koilonychia-spoon nail (coy-lo- Abnormal growth which gives the nail a Abnormal growth at the Can treat as normal
nic-ee-ah) spoon shape matrix
Tinea manum (hand) Ringworm of the hand “ring” like patches of Fungal infection Highly See doctor. Be tactful but do
red itchy skin. Spreads outwards while contagious not treat
healing in centre
Onychoptosis A condition in which part or all of the nail It can occur during or after Depending on the cause of
sheds periodically and falls off the finger; it certain diseases of the body, the nail loss.
can affect one or more nails. such as syphilis, as a result
Trauma – Restrict – avoid area
of fever and system upsets,
as a reaction to prescription Fungal infection – Prevent –
drugs, or as a result of Do not treat
trauma or fungal infection.
Tinea pedis (athletes foot) A.K.A. athlete’s foot. Red and itchy, moist, Fungal infection caught in Do not treat
white, soggy patches between toes swimming pools etc
Raised, thickened areas found on pressure Ill fitting shoes If they become sore advisable
points, such as toes to consult a Doctor
Corns
Seed corns (with a small nucleus) are found
under the arch or heel
Chilblains Painful itchy areas on the feet. Inadequate blood supply. Paraffin wax treatment may
Aggravated by cold, damp help.
Dull blue to red
conditions
Keep warm and dry
Bunions A lump on the inside of the foot at the base of Poor fitting shoes resulting Can give a pedicure as usual
the big toe in displacing the big toe
joint
Verruca Plantaris –warts Warts on the soles of the feet become Caused by a virus Treatment by a doctor or
flattened under pressure chiropodist
6. Define lunula:
7. Define matrix
8. Define Hyponychium
9. Define perionychium