Nail Care
This domain tests nail structure, manicuring and pedicuring, implement safety, and recognition of disorders that require referral.
Nail anatomy
- Nail plate: visible keratin; nail bed: skin under the plate; matrix: growth area; lunula: visible matrix; cuticle: dead tissue seal; eponychium: live fold; hyponychium: seal under the free edge.
- Growth varies by finger, age, and health; nails generally grow faster in summer and on the dominant hand.
Service safety
- File natural nails in one direction to reduce splitting.
- Do not cut live tissue; push back cuticle gently; nippers are only for hangnails or dead tissue within scope.
- Implements: clean, then disinfect with an EPA-registered hospital-grade product for the full contact time; porous items such as files, buffers, and orangewood sticks are single-use.
- Pedicure: do not shave legs immediately before service; disinfect foot baths.
Disorders
- Onychomycosis (fungal), paronychia (bacterial infection), Pseudomonas (green discoloration), and warts require medical referral; do not treat.
- Contraindications: inflamed, broken, or infected skin.
Worked example
Green-black discoloration appears under an acrylic nail. Reasoning: likely Pseudomonas from moisture trapped under lifting product; remove the product, do not apply a new enhancement, refer the client, disinfect implements, and discard porous items.
Traps
Cutting cuticles; reusing files; diagnosing fungus and treating it; ignoring lifting; skipping hand washing.