The Nail Structure

The Nail Structure/Cross Section

Nail Diseases & Disorders = Onychosis Nail Diseases: will show signs of infection or inflammation (redness, pain, swelling or pus). All diseases require medical attention and must NOT be treated in the salon. Nail Disorder: condition caused by injury to the nail or some imbalance in the body. These can be treated in the salon.

Diseases Onychia- inflammation of the matrix with pus and shedding of the nail. Improperly disinfected nail implements could cause this bacterial disease.

Disease Onychocryptosis - ingrown nails; nails grow into the tissue surrounding the nail

Disease Onychogryposis – thickening and increased curvature of the nail; also called “ram’s horn nail” usually caused by injury to the matrix

Disease Onycholysis – loosening of the nail without shedding usually beginning at the free edge and continuing to the lunula.

Disease Onychomadesis – separation and falling off of the nail from the nail bed.

Disease Onychoptosis -The periodic shedding of one or more nails, in whole or in part. This condition might follow certain diseases such as syphilis, or can result from trauma, system upsets or reactions to prescription drugs.

10 Disease Onychomycosis - fungal infection of natural nail plate, infect the free edge & spread to matrix

Disease Paronychia - bacterial inflammation of the tissues surrounding the nail. Pus is usually present along with gradual thickening and brownish discoloration of the nail plate.

Disease Chronic Paronychia: most often found in toenails because of perspiration in footgear

Disease Pyogenic Granuloma – severe inflammation of the nail in which a lump of red tissue grows up from the nail bed to the nail plate.

Disease Tinea (ringworm) – highly contagious skin disease caused by a vegetable parasite or fungus. It is characterized by itching, scales and sometimes painful circular lesions.

Disease Tinea Pedis – athlete’s foot or ringworm of the foot

Disease Tinea Unguium – ringworm of the nail. The disease invades the free edge and spreads towards the root

Disease Nail Psoriasis – tiny pits appear on the surface Treatment: Refer to Physician

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa – an anaerobic (No Oxygen) bacterial infection that can grow out of control as a result of an unsanitized natural nail or unsanitized implements then covered by artificial nail products such as tips, acrylic, gels, or wraps. Formerly incorrectly referred to as mold Treatment: You may only remove The enhancements. Then you MUST REFFER CLIENT TO A PHYSICIAN Bacterial Infection - Disease

Disorder Beau’s Lines – visible depressions running across the width of the nail plate – usually caused by major illness Treatment: lightly buff & use ridge filler

20 Disorder Splinter Hemorage caused by physical tramua, damages capillaries & blood flows up to bed epithelium, always positioned lengthwise in the direction of growth 20

Disorder Blue Nails – discolored nails is a condition caused by poor blood circulation, heart disorder, or topical and oral medications. This condition may indicate the presence of a systemic disorder. Treatment: this condition can benefit from a regular manicure with polish, artificial tips, or wraps

Disorder Bruised Nails – blood clot forms under the nail plate, forming a dark purplish spot, usually due to injury Treatment: this nail can benefit from regular manicures, the dried blood will attach itself to the nail plate and grow out over time. Try to avoid placing pressure on the nail plate during the manicure.

Disorder Corrugations – wavy rides, caused by uneven growth of the nails Treatment: carefully buff the nail, this helps to minimize the ridges. Use a ridge filler base coat to give the polish a smooth look

Disorder Eggshell Nails – noticeably thin, they are more flexible than normal nails. Usually caused by improper diet, internal disease, medications or nervous disorders. Treatment: be very careful when manicuring these nails they are fragile and can break easily. Do not use pressure, and use the fine side of the file.

Disorder Furrows – depressions in the nails that can run either lengthwise or across the nail. Occasionally caused by pregnancy, poor circulation, of frostbite Treatment: nails are brittle & great care must be exercised when giving a manicure. Avoid the use of a metal pusher; instead use a plastic one or an orange wood stick, use ridgefiller.

Disorder Hangnail or Agnail: condition where cuticle splits around the nail. Treatment: Hot oil manicures will aid in correcting the problem. Advise client that if not properly cared for a hangnail can become infected

Disorder Leukonychia – white spots on the nail; usually caused by injury to the base of the nail Treatment: treat as normal healthy nail; spots should grow out and disappear

Disorder Melanonychia – darkening of the nail, can be seen as a black band under the nail; an increase in pigment cells Treatment: treat as normal nail

Disorder Onychatrophia – is the atrophy or wasting away of the nail, usually due to injury Treatment: file nail with smooth side of emery board; do not use metal pusher; advise client to protect nails from further injury

Disorder Onychauxis –(otherwise know as Hypertrophy) overgrowth of the nail usually in thickness; can be hereditary, internal imbalance, or a local infection. Treatment: If infection is present do NOT manicure the nail. If not you may file and buff the nail smooth.

Disorder Onychophagy – bitten nails result of an acquired habit. Treatment: regular manicures or nail enhancements will discourage the client from biting the nails

Disorder Onychorrhexis – abnormal brittleness with striations (lines). Usually caused by improper filing vitamin deficiencies, or exposure to strong soaps Treatment: Suggest hot oil manicures, buff gently, use ridge filler

Disorder Plicatured Nail – “folded nail” surface is usually flat while the two sides fold at a 90degree angle Treatment: carefully trim nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails

Disorder Pterygium – forward growth of the eponychium Treatment: Do NOT use a metal instrument to push back the skin, doing so will just make it worse. Use cuticle creams and conditioners on the area

Disorder Trumpet or Pincer Nails – edge of the nail plate curls around to form the shape of a trumpet or a cone. Nail bed becomes constricted and may be painful Treatment: carefully trim the margins of the nail to make the client comfortable