Nail Diseases and Nail Damage: What Every Client Should Know

Healthy nails should be smooth, strong, and evenly colored. Changes in the nail plate, surrounding skin, shape, thickness, or color may indicate trauma, improper nail care, infection, or an underlying health condition.

Some nail concerns are minor and cosmetic, while others require evaluation by a dermatologist, podiatrist, or medical professional. Nail technicians should never diagnose a disease, but they should recognize warning signs and recommend medical attention when necessary.

1. Leukonychia

Leukonychia appears as white spots, dots, or lines on the nail plate. It is often caused by minor trauma to the nail matrix, pressure, or small air pockets between the nail layers.

In many cases, the white marks grow out naturally with the nail. However, widespread or recurring discoloration may require medical evaluation.

2. Nail Psoriasis

Nail psoriasis may cause:

• Small pits or dents in the nail

• Yellow or brown discoloration

• Thickening

• Crumbling

• Separation of the nail from the nail bed

• Redness underneath the nail

Clients with suspected nail psoriasis should be referred to a dermatologist. Nail services must be performed carefully to avoid additional trauma.

3. Onychogryphosis

Onychogryphosis is a severe thickening and curving of the nail. The nail may become hard, discolored, and claw-like.

This condition is more common in toenails and may be associated with pressure, poor circulation, aging, repeated trauma, or inadequate foot care. Professional medical or podiatric treatment may be necessary.

4. Onychoschizia

Onychoschizia is horizontal splitting, peeling, or flaking of the nail plate, usually near the free edge.

Common causes include:

• Frequent exposure to water

• Harsh cleaning products

• Acetone

• Excessive filing

• Improper product removal

• Dryness

• Repeated mechanical damage

Gentle nail care, proper removal techniques, cuticle oil, and protective gloves may help reduce further damage.

5. Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail. It may cause:

• Yellow, white, or brown discoloration

• Thickening

• Brittleness

• Crumbling

• Changes in nail shape

• Separation from the nail bed

• Odor or debris under the nail

A nail technician should not apply gel, acrylic, or other enhancements over a suspected fungal infection. The client should be referred to a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.

6. Onychorrhexis

Onychorrhexis causes longitudinal ridges, splitting, or cracking along the length of the nail.

It may be associated with dryness, aging, trauma, chemical exposure, nutritional deficiencies, or certain health conditions. Gentle care and regular hydration may improve the appearance, but persistent changes should be medically evaluated.

7. Onycholysis

Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. The detached area may appear white, yellow, or discolored.

Possible causes include:

• Trauma

• Over-filing

• Improper removal

• Allergic reactions

• Infection

• Long nails

• Chemical exposure

• Skin conditions

• Certain medications

Product should not be applied over the separated area. The nail should be kept clean, short, and protected while the cause is investigated.

8. Paronychia

Paronychia is inflammation or infection of the skin around the nail fold. Signs may include:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Pain

• Warmth

• Pus

• Tenderness around the cuticle

Nail services should not be performed on an inflamed or infected area. The client should seek medical treatment.

9. Ingrown Nail

An ingrown nail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. It may cause pain, swelling, redness, and infection.

Minor pressure may result from improper trimming or tight shoes, but painful or infected ingrown nails should be treated by a podiatrist or physician.

10. Koilonychia

Koilonychia is a spoon-shaped nail deformity in which the center of the nail becomes concave.

It may be associated with iron deficiency or other medical conditions. Clients with noticeable spoon-shaped nails should be encouraged to consult a healthcare provider.

When Should a Nail Service Be Postponed?

A professional nail service should be postponed when there is:

• Pain, bleeding, swelling, or pus

• Suspected fungal or bacterial infection

• Open wounds

• Severe nail separation

• Unexplained discoloration

• Significant thickening or deformation

• Inflammation around the nail

• A condition that may be contagious

The health and safety of the client must always come first.

How to Protect Nail Health

Healthy nail habits include:

• Avoiding aggressive filing and over-buffing

• Never peeling off gel or acrylic products

• Using cuticle oil regularly

• Wearing gloves when cleaning

• Keeping tools properly disinfected and sterilized

• Choosing a trained nail professional

• Taking breaks from enhancements when medically necessary

• Seeking professional medical advice for persistent changes

Important Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. Nail technicians are not medical professionals and cannot diagnose or treat nail diseases. Any unusual, painful, persistent, or worsening nail condition should be evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider.

At Lazarkova Nails, we prioritize safe techniques, proper sanitation, gentle product removal, and the long-term health of your natural nails.