Knowing What To Look For Can Help You Decide?

Do you ever feel like…..ARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH?  Helping all of you with what to do and not to do in the Pedicure chair is really challenging.  As Technicians we can’t diagnose, yet….in many cases, we are the First Responders.  Yet, one wrong move, one wrong statement can start a tizzy of comments.  And, one wrong mis-step in the Salon can not only cause potential damage to your client, but a potential lawsuit for you.

It occurred to me with so much talk about what we can and can NOT do and making sure we are staying within the limits of our license or not going out of our “Scope of Practice” that the importance of having some idea of what we are looking at is crucial.

As I sit in my office and look at ALL the educational books I have from various different entities of our business like (MiLady) (Death by Pedicure) as an example, why are we even being introduced to things which they want us to identify yet according to the “rules” we really have no business being introduced to? 

Well, i’m gonna take my chances and share with you some pictures of Nail & Skin conditions which, you will probably see in your lifetime of working in the Salon.  And, which each one…identify whether or not you should proceed with your service.  Which….BTW…..is the #1 question I get asked all the time.

Heel Callus:  Yes, as Nail Technicians “reducing” a callus is within the limits of our license.  However, remember to remove no more than 80{41aa4bb89c477f1e334505d76149b7c47b1e52c0a22817e445c0fb4c76e652bd}.  And, if there is any broken skin this could be a condition brought on by fungus and should be sent home with at home care products and/or referred to a Podiatrist.

   Hard corn:  NO….In the USA we are not licensed to remove corns.  You can slightly reduce with an acid free callous softening product (treat as a callous), but gently and softly and NOT all the way down.  Refer to a Podiatrist if client wishes to have it removed.  At home softening products also recommended.

  Trumpet Nail:  Also known as a Pincer Nail.  Commonly caused by an inherited disorder.  In rare occasions, improperly fit shoes.  Not a problem for the Technician to perform a Pedicure service as long as they have been cleared of any fungus.

Onychomadesis;  The nail shedding at the matrix bed as a result of a long-standing fungal infection.  Signs of a new nail would be prominent.  If cleared of infection, should be no problem for Technician to perform a pedicure service.  FYI…this can sometimes be associated in children with hand, foot, mouth disease.

Onychomycosis:  Most common disorder of the toenail.                                                It is a fungal infection of the nail module.  Should always be referred.                                                              Soooooo many different types and soooooo many different causes.  

Brittle, discolored, thick nails may mean you have nail fungus. It can affect fingernails or toenails. Prevent nail fungus by keeping hands and feet clean and dry, wearing dry socks and changing them often, wearing shoes in a public shower, pool, or locker room, and not scratching infected skin, such as athlete’s foot. Wear wide-toed shoes (so toes aren’t crammed together), and don’t share nail clippers.

  Nail pitting is most commonly seen in people who suffer from psoriasis. Approximately 50{41aa4bb89c477f1e334505d76149b7c47b1e52c0a22817e445c0fb4c76e652bd} of people who suffer from psoriasis will have pitting of the nails. Trauma to the nail growth plate or nail bed can also cause a pitted appearance with ridges. Sarcoidosis and bacterial and/or fungal infections may also cause pitting of the toenails.

Many conditions can cause white nails. One of the more common is psoriasis, which can affect the appearance and texture of the nails. Yeast and fungal infections may also cause the nails to appear white. Trauma to the nail from an injury or ill-fitting shoes can sometimes lead to an accumulation of fluid that lifts the nail and gives it a more white appearance. In some cases, white nails may be indicative of a more serious underlying condition, such as liver disease, diabetes, or congestive heart failure.  

 A fungal infection of the nails that causes discoloration and thickening of the toenails may cause yellow toenails. Other causes of yellow toenails can be diseases such as lymphedema, arthriticconditions, lung disease, or even repetitive trauma to the nails from tight shoe gear and stop-start athletic activities.

Occurring when microscopic fungi enter through a break in the nail or surrounding skin, a fungal infection can make your nails thick, discolored, and brittle. If left untreated, a fungal infection can spread to other nails. Thriving in warm, wet places such as shoes, pool decks, spas, and gyms, the fungi can be spread from person to person. It may begin from contracting athlete’s foot or incurring an injury to the nail, allowing an opportunity for the fungi to invade the nail. 

Being able to Recognize what you are looking for is Imperative

Referring to a B2B partner for testing and/or treatment is Professional

Recommending at home care products for at home care maintenance is                            Imperative & Professional

 

I will cover a few more over the next couple of weeks.  Print these pictures, keep them handy and always be prepared for What NOT To do!

www.cjscentreforbeauty.com

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