Chapter 10 Nail Disorders And Diseases

A normal healthy nail should be smooth and unspotted. This means that the surface of the nail should be even and without any bumps or ridges. Additionally, there should be no spots or discoloration on the nail, indicating the absence of any underlying health issues or infections.

Tinea pedis is the correct answer because it is the medical term specifically used to describe fungal infections that occur on the feet. "Tinea" refers to a group of fungal infections, and "pedis" refers to the feet. This condition is commonly known as athlete's foot and is characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness, and peeling of the skin on the feet.

Onychomadesis is a condition that causes the nails to separate from the nail bed and eventually fall off. It can affect both fingernails and toenails. This condition is often caused by trauma, infection, or certain medications. It is characterized by the nails becoming brittle, discolored, and eventually detaching from the nail bed. Therefore, both fingernails and toenails can be affected by onychomadesis.

Nail fungi can be transmitted through contaminated instruments. This means that if the instruments used for nail care, such as clippers or files, are not properly cleaned and sanitized, they can carry the fungi and spread it to other individuals. It is important to ensure that all instruments used in nail care are properly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the transmission of nail fungi. Sterilized instruments are free from any microorganisms, so they would not transmit the fungi. Disposable instruments are meant to be used once and then discarded, so they would not transmit the fungi either.

If a client has ridges running vertically down the length of the natural nail plate, it is recommended to buff them carefully. This means using a buffing tool or file to gently smooth out the ridges without causing any damage to the nail plate. This method helps to create a smoother surface for nail polish application and improves the overall appearance of the nails. Filing them aggressively or thinning the nail plate may cause further damage or weaken the nails. Referring the client to a physician is not necessary in this case as it is a common issue that can be addressed through proper nail care techniques.

Under no circumstances can a cosmetologist disobey state or federal rules and regulations. This means that regardless of any waivers signed by the client, verbal permission from the client, or permission from the salon owner, it is still not acceptable for the cosmetologist to disregard the rules and regulations set by the state or federal authorities. The answer emphasizes the importance of following these rules and regulations at all times.

Bruised nails refers to the condition in which a blood clot forms under the nail plate, causing a dark purplish spot. This can occur due to trauma or injury to the nail bed, leading to the accumulation of blood underneath the nail. The discoloration and dark spot are characteristic of bruised nails, distinguishing them from other nail abnormalities such as discolored nails, eggshell nails, or plicatured nails.

Eggshell nails are characterized by nails that are noticeably thin, flexible, and white. This condition causes the nails to become weak and fragile, similar to the shell of an egg. The nails may also be prone to breaking or peeling easily.

A hangnail occurs when the living skin around the nail splits and tears. This can be caused by dry skin, biting or picking at the cuticles, or excessive hand washing. Hangnails are often painful and can lead to infection if not properly cared for.

A typical bacterial infection on the nail plate can be identified in the early stages as a yellow-green spot that becomes darker in its advanced stages.

The term "nail disorder" refers to a condition caused by injury or disease of the nail unit. This can include a wide range of issues such as fungal infections, ingrown nails, nail bed injuries, or abnormalities in nail growth. It encompasses any abnormality or dysfunction that affects the health or appearance of the nails. Nail psoriasis and nail pterygium are specific types of nail disorders, but the term "nail disorder" is a more general and inclusive term.

Melanonychia refers to significant darkening of the fingernails or toenails. This condition is characterized by the presence of dark brown or black pigmentation in the nail bed. It can be caused by various factors such as trauma, medications, systemic diseases, or even melanoma. Melanonychia can affect one or multiple nails and may be seen as a longitudinal or transverse band. It is important to evaluate and monitor any changes in nail pigmentation to rule out any underlying pathology.

Tiny pits or severe roughness on the surface of the nail are signs of nail psoriasis. Nail psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the nails, causing various changes in their appearance. These changes can include pitting, which are small depressions or pits on the surface of the nail, as well as roughness or crumbling of the nail. Other symptoms of nail psoriasis can include discoloration, thickening, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. It is important to note that a proper diagnosis should be made by a healthcare professional.

Onychomadesis refers to the separation and falling off of a nail from the nail bed. This condition is often caused by trauma or injury to the nail matrix, which is the area where the nail is formed. It can also be a result of certain medications, infections, or underlying medical conditions. Onychomadesis is characterized by the gradual detachment of the nail, starting from the proximal end and progressing towards the distal end. It is important to seek medical attention if onychomadesis occurs, as it may indicate an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.

Beau's lines are depressions that run across the width of the nail plate. They are often caused by a temporary interruption in the growth of the nail due to various factors such as illness, injury, or certain medical conditions. These lines can appear as ridges or grooves on the nails and are usually a temporary condition that resolves as the nail grows out. Therefore, Beau's lines are the correct answer in this case.

Splinter hemorrhages are caused by physical trauma or injury to the nail bed. The nail bed is the area beneath the nail plate where the nail is attached. When there is trauma or injury to this area, small blood vessels can rupture, leading to the appearance of splinter-like lines or streaks of blood under the nail. This can be caused by various factors such as nail biting, injury, or underlying medical conditions. The other options mentioned (nail plate, free edge, lunula) are not directly involved in the development of splinter hemorrhages.

Poor blood circulation is not a common cause of surface stains on nails. Surface stains on nails are usually caused by external factors such as nail polish, food dyes, and smoking. Poor blood circulation may lead to other nail problems, such as a bluish tint or slow nail growth, but it is not a direct cause of surface stains.

Onychorrhexis refers to the condition of brittle nails that easily break or split. It is caused by various factors such as injury to the matrix (the area where the nail grows), heredity, and aggressive filing techniques. However, insufficient use of cuticle removers does not cause onychorrhexis. Cuticle removers are used to soften and remove the cuticle, which is the layer of dead skin at the base of the nail. Insufficient use of cuticle removers may lead to buildup of cuticle, but it does not directly cause onychorrhexis.

A sharp bend in one corner of the nail plate creating increased curvature is symptomatic of plicatured nails. Plicatured nails, also known as folded nails, are characterized by excessive curvature of the nail plate, causing it to fold or bend sharply. This condition can be caused by various factors such as genetics, trauma, or underlying medical conditions. Plicatured nails can be painful and may require treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.

Onycholysis refers to the lifting of the nail plate from the bed without shedding. It occurs when the nail plate separates from the underlying nail bed, usually starting at the tip and progressing towards the cuticle. This condition can be caused by various factors including trauma, fungal infections, psoriasis, and certain medications. Onycholysis can result in a discolored, thickened, and brittle nail that may be prone to further damage or infection. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause, keeping the affected nail clean and dry, and avoiding further trauma to the nail.