Client Consultation, Contraindications, and Disorders of the Nail and Skin
The Consultation
A professional consultation is a structured conversation: assess the hands and feet visually, ask about allergies, medications, prior reactions, occupation, and expectations, then explain the service, its limits, and aftercare. Document what you observed and what you recommended. Consent matters - especially for clients with diabetes, circulatory problems, or neuropathy, who should be advised to consult their physician before aggressive pedicuring.
Contraindications
Absolute reasons to refuse or postpone service include visible fungal or bacterial infection, open wounds, severe inflammation, and known allergy to a product you would use. Relative cautions include diabetes, pregnancy (largely regarding fumes and comfort), and sensitive or damaged skin. Traps: assuming a client's assurance replaces your own observation, and assuming a "doctor's note" permits you to treat a disease - it does not expand your scope.
Disorders You Must Recognize
Onychomycosis (fungal infection) causes thickened, discolored, crumbling nails. Paronychia is inflammation or infection of the nail fold, often red and swollen. Onycholysis is separation of the plate from the bed. Onychorrhexis is split, brittle nails; leukonychia is white spotting, often from minor trauma; onychauxis is thickening. Beau's lines are transverse depressions from interrupted growth after illness or trauma. Koilonychia is spoon-shaped nails, sometimes linked to iron deficiency. Melanonychia is a dark band - a sudden, single dark streak warrants medical referral. Skin conditions include tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and warts, both contagious.
Worked Example
A client has one thickened, yellow-brown toenail with debris beneath it. You do not file it aggressively or apply product; you refer for evaluation and disinfect all contacted items.
Rule of thumb: if a condition is contagious, systemic, or unclear, the answer is "do not service; refer."