Nail Health Problems That Your Manicurist Should Detect

Although it seems like an exaggeration, it is important that you know that there are diseases in the nails that can put your health at risk. “Nails are the mirror of how we are on the inside,” says Joaquín Manuel, expert in hand and foot care and creator of his own line of toxic-free enamels, Joaquín Manuel 7 Free Nail Polish

"We know that nails speak of the care of a person because of their appearance, but also many times, nails also reflect the state of health, because they get sick from bad habits or genetic abnormalities," added Joaquín Manuel.

"It is very important that the expert technicians in the care of hands and feet not only care about keeping the nails beautiful, but also examine the condition of the nails as they can show if we are suffering from any deficiency or health condition", pointed out the expert.

Here are the main conditions that we must monitor.

1- Soft and brittle

This can be the result of having been exposed to aggressive chemical processes or permanent manicures that have removed several layers of keratin, vitamins and minerals from our body.

Also, it may be due to a genetic factor or due to chronic and rheumatic diseases.

Solution: If this is your case, you should not immerse your hands in water for a long time -it can also cause separation by layers-, and above all, never file or cut your nails after contact with water.

You should not stop applying a hardener base that strengthens the nails and prevents them from dividing into layers.

2- Mushrooms

This disease is an infection that affects both fingernails and toenails. The causes of this can be due to practicing a sport or having suffered trauma over the years.

Solution: In these cases, it is important that when manicurists see a client with fungus on their nails, hands or feet, refer them to the general practitioner or dermatologist to start treatment as soon as possible.

EYE; You should not do a manicure or pedicure if your clients have fungus, these services are only offered on healthy nails.

The 4 most common myths about nail fungus

3- white spots

Although for a long time it was thought that white spots on the nails were due to a lack of calcium, doctors have already denied it, but if they warn that the large spots could be related to kidney failure or cirrhosis.

Solution: Refer the person to his doctor to make the pertinent analyzes and identify the cause of these spots.

4- biting your nails

The habit of "biting your nails" is a practice that although it may seem harmless, can be linked to deep stress, nervousness or insecurity.

Regarding the consequences, we must know that it can result in a great risk to health. Especially when the cuticles are bitten, which protect the nail from possible infections and trauma.

“If the person bites their nails very aggressively, the lesion of the nail matrix that is under the cuticle and periungual tissue can occur. If that matrix is damaged, it has no repair capacity and it is an irreversible alteration. The nail will grow in a dystrophic way, that is, in an irregular, thicker shape, with grooves or scratches”, warned Joaquin Manuel.

Solution: Apply a hardener enamel based on garlic or some component with an unpleasant taste when taking it to the mouth.

5- ingrown nails

This is when the nail digs into the meat, inflaming it. When a client with this condition comes to us, it is important to leave the edges and not trim the peaks of the big toe nail, rather it should be filed in a square shape.

Solution: Soak a cotton ball in antiseptic and apply it between the edges of the nail and the meat. Remember that the appropriate length of the "white" part must be one millimeter.

In addition to this, the expert recommends that hand and foot care specialists:

Do not remove the cuticle when doing a manicure or pedicure.

Remove the enamel every week, if it is not removed regularly the nails become more prone to creating fungus on the surface.
Use toxic free enamels.
Diseased, thick, or yellow nails should be dorsed at least once a week.
Very important: Have strict hygiene with work instruments.
Recommend manicures and pedicures regularly, at least every two weeks.