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 pedicure treatment.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is similar to eczema in appearance but is usually caused by a reaction or allergy to something in contact with the skin. You should refer any client who presents for a pedicure treatment with this condition to their GP, and should not treat them. If the client has a history of dermatitis you should advise them to obtain written consent from their GP prior to offering a pedicure treatment. If this is obtained a series of patch tests must be carried out to establish that the client is not allergic to anything that you may use. Hypo-allergenic products are recommended when treating a client with a history of dermatitis.

Ringworm

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 should not treat them.

Athlete’s Foot or Tinea Pedis

This is a fungal infection which appears between the toes, and is a form of ringworm and should not be treated. Athlete’s Foot takes the form of small blisters which then burst. The skin can become dry with a scaly appearance. The client must be advised to visit their local pharmacist who can advise them what treatment is available to them over the counter.

Paronychia

This is a common nail disease which starts off as a torn or lost cuticle. Bacteria enters 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.

Verrucas

Verrucas are a viral infection and should not be treated. They are warts on the sole of the foot which grow inwards due to the pressure of the body’s weight.

Chillblains

Chillblains are caused by poor circulation and the toes may appear red, blue or purple. If a client is suffering from chillblains, do not treat them and refer them to their GP for medical advice. Treatment may go ahead once the condition has subsided.

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 and feet, wrists and inner arm, but can also affect the entire body. Never treat a client with scabies, as it is highly infectious. Once the infestation has cleared up treatment may go ahead.

Tinea Corporis

Tinea corporis is also known as body ringworm, and 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. Once the infection has cleared up treatment may go ahead.

Blue Nail

Blue nail is usually a symptom of poor circulation or ill health and shows as a blue tinge to the nail. You should refer any client with this condition to their GP before offering a treatment.

Diabetic clients

If a client advises you that they are diabetic, you must take extra care when offering a pedicure treatment. Nails must only be filed with a non-metal emery board and do not use clippers or scissors to cut cuticles or nails. Diabetic clients are more prone to infection and so sterilisation and hygiene are paramount. Do not treat a diabetic client who is experiencing a lack of sensation in the area to be treated; refer them to their GP, you should not treat them unless a letter of written consent is obtained from their GP prior to treatment.