Manicuring, Pedicuring, and Nail Care
Manicuring, Pedicuring, and Nail Care
This domain tests nail anatomy, implements, disinfection, polish application, massage, and pedicure safety. The exam focuses on preventing cross-contamination and recognizing when not to serve.
Core rules
- The nail plate is the visible nail; the nail bed supports it; the matrix produces the plate; the cuticle seals the nail base. The eponychium is living tissue at the proximal nail fold.
- Do not cut living cuticle tissue. Push back only softened, nonliving cuticle carefully.
- Disinfect reusable implements after each client with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant and the labeled contact time. Porous items such as files and buffers are single-use or client-specific.
- Pedicure basins must be cleaned and disinfected between clients. Do not use a whirlpool basin without following the manufacturer's disinfection procedure.
- Refer redness, swelling, pus, fungus-like changes, or ingrown toenails; do not treat them.
Worked example
A client has a red, swollen, painful toe. Do not perform a pedicure. Reason: signs suggest infection or inflammation, and soaking or nipping could spread contamination and worsen tissue damage. Refer the client to a physician, then clean and disinfect the basin and implements according to label directions before the next client.
Traps
- Cutting the cuticle until it bleeds.
- Sharing files or buffers between clients.
- Skipping disinfectant contact time.
- Treating an ingrown toenail or fungal-looking nail.