Nail Care and Skin Care Services
Nails, skin and the referral habit
Nail anatomy: plate, bed, matrix (the lunula is the visible part of the matrix), cuticle, eponychium, hyponychium, sidewalls, free edge and mantle. The matrix makes the plate, so pressure or injury there shows up later as a ridge or spot. Manicures and pedicures are about shape, cuticle care that does not cut living tissue, and immaculate sanitation - single-use files and buffers, disinfected nippers, and foot spas cleaned per manufacturer instructions between clients.
Know the disorders you must not treat: onychia (matrix inflammation), paronychia (bacterial infection of the nail fold), onychocryptosis (ingrown nail), onycholysis (loosening), onychomycosis (fungal), Beau's lines, leukonychia, and any red, swollen or discharging tissue. Refer; never diagnose.
Skin care starts with analysis: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive. A basic facial moves through cleansing, exfoliation, massage, mask and moisturizer, with massage movements named for the exam - effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, friction. Contraindications include open lesions, contagious conditions, recent surgery and active inflammation. Waxing requires a temperature test and application in the direction of hair growth, removal against it.
Traps
- Cuticle versus eponychium; nippers are for hangnails, not living cuticle.
- Cutting living tissue and using credo blades are prohibited.
- A fungal nail is not a cosmetic problem.
Rule of thumb
Red, swollen, painful, pus, or spreading - stop the service and refer.