CONTRA-INDICATIONS

A contra-indication is a factor which will prevent you from carrying out your treatment, whilst contra-actions are things which may occur as a result of the treatment, either during or after it.

A contra-indication is a condition which can prevent a treatment proceeding or can delay it until such a time that the client has undergone medical treatment and has fully healed. You must be able to recognise a contra-indication in order to know when a treatment should or should not go ahead. Carrying out a treatment on a client with a contra-indication can put the client at risk by causing further harm to an existing condition as well as putting yourself and other people in the salon at risk from cross-infection

BEAU’S LINES OR TRANSVERSE FURROWS

These furrows appear across all nails, as affected cells emerge from under the nail fold. This is usually brought about by illness, and will improve as the client gets better.

ONYCHOPHAGY OR BITTEN NAILS

This is self-inflicted and leaves only a small portion of the nail visible. There are usually hangnails and there will be no free edge.
Nails which have been severely bitten do not have sufficient nail plate for you to apply a tip and therefore you would not be able to carry out this service. Applying an overlay may help the client to stop biting their nails. If there is any sign of infection as a result of severe nail biting, the client must not be treated and must be referred to their GP for medical advice.

BRUISED NAIL

This is normally identified by a blue-black mark on the nail bed which has been caused by injury. The bruise will change colour and disappear as the injury heals, but should be excluded from treatment if it is painful. Sometimes, if the bruising is severe, the nail plate may be lost but will grow back with time.

SPOON-SHAPED NAILS

This can sometimes be a symptom of anaemia or an over-active thyroid gland, and can disappear with medical treatment.
The problem is caused by an accumulation of cells under the free edge. The client should be referred to their GP to establish the cause of the condition. It does not prevent the client from having nail enhancements, although it may be more difficult to carry out the treatment.

PSORIASIS

Psoriasis appears as scaly patches of red or silvery skin which can break open and become sore. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but is most frequently found on the limbs around the knee and elbow areas.
Psoriasis sufferers will need medical attention, however, some clients will only suffer from very small patches triggered by stress which can be worked around. Open or bleeding patches are contra-indicated. The condition can be irritated further by the products which are used during the treatment.

ECZEMA

Eczema is an inflammatory disorder of the skin with a variety of causes, both internal and external. It is usually identified by patches of very dry and flaky skin. It can be red in appearance and is often itchy. Eczema can appear anywhere on the body.
If the eczema covers a large area and is infected or inflamed then it should be left alone. If the eczema is just a small patch then the area can be excluded and the rest of the treatment continued as normal. The use of hypo-allergenic products is recommended and a patch test should be carried out if the client advises that they are very sensitive. If you are in doubt about treating the client, always refer them to their GP for advice.

HANGNAIL

Hangnail is identified by the cracking of the epidermis around the nail plate, usually caused by biting. A small piece of skin protrudes between the nail plate and wall, sometimes with swelling. If there is any sign of infection the client must be referred to their GP for advice.

LEUCONYCHIA

Leuconychia is identified by white spots or marks on the nail plate; leuconychia is caused by a trauma to the nail plate. This will grow out with the nail.

ONYCHORRHEXIS

Onychorrhexis is the splitting and flaking of the nail as a result of the use of harsh detergents or a poor diet. As the nails are very thin, they are not a secure enough base for a nail enhancement. The client should be advised to use gloves when carrying out any household chores and to use hand and nail cream regularly.

LONGITUDINAL RIDGES

These grooves in the nail plate are usually brought about by either illness or damage to the matrix. The grooves run from the cuticle to the free edge and can be smoothed with a nail buffer and buffing paste or filled with a ridge filler prior to treatment.

ONYCHORRHEXIS
Onychorrhexis is the splitting and flaking of the nail as a result of the use of harsh detergents or a poor diet. As the nails are very thin, they are not a secure enough base for a gel enhancement. The client should be advised to use gloves when carrying out any household chores and to use hand and nail cream regularly

PTERYGIUM
Neglected nails can suffer from overgrown, thickened cuticles which can lead to a splitting of the cuticle and infection. In extreme cases, the client should be referred to their GP.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS PREVENTING TREATMENT

The following disorders and diseases prevent treatment. You will have to refer the client to their GP if you encounter any of these conditions.
Remember that you are not qualified to diagnose medical conditions. Once the conditions have been successfully treated by a medical practitioner, the client may have a gel nails treatment.

RINGWORM (TINEA UNGUIUM)

This is a fungal infection that can appear as white patches which can be scraped off the nail surface, or as yellow streaks in the main body of the nail. The disease spreads from the free edge to the nail root and often causes the nail plate to become spongy, furrowed and occasionally completely detached. You should refer any client with this condition to their GP, and you should not treat them.

PARONYCHIA

This common nail disease starts off as a torn or lost cuticle. Bacteria enter the tissue and a pus filled swelling begins to form around the nail border. The client should not be treated and should be referred to their GP.

SCABIES
Scabies is a parasitic skin infestation caused by tiny mites. Their burrows appear as darkened, wavy lines on the skin. Scabies usually affects hands, feet, wrists and inner arms, but can affect the entire body. Never treat a client with scabies, as it is highly infectious. The client should be referred to their GP for treatment.

TINEA CORPORIS
Tinea corporis, also known as body ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin. It produces small, scaly patches of skin which can spread outwards and heal from the centre, leaving an easily identifiable ring. You should not treat a client who is suffering from tinea corporis, and should refer them to their GP.

BLUE NAIL

Blue nail is usually a symptom of poor circulation, and shows as a blue tinge to the nail. You should refer any client with this condition to their GP before treating them.

EGGSHELL NAIL

Eggshell nails are thin, with a white plate and curving under the free edge. As this condition is brought on by illness, the client should not be treated and should be referred to their GP.

WARTS

A wart is a small rough growth which can resemble the texture of a cauliflower. Warts are caused by a viral infection. Some are harmless but others may be contagious. Clients should be referred to their GP for treatment.

ONYCHOLYSIS

Onycholysis is the lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed which can be the result of psoriasis, eczema or a fungal infection. The nail appears grey/white. Do not treat and refer the client to their GP for treatment.