Imagine a situation: you are a manicurist and a client with problem nails comes to you. Split nails, yellowish tint, in some places already blackened, the porous structure of the plates – there are signs of a fungal infection. What to do in such a situation? Send a client home (or to another specialist, for example, a dermatologist) or take responsibility and still give a manicure?
Or another story, only now you are in the place of the client. You come to a seemingly decent salon, give your nails in caring hands, make a gorgeous cover. But after a few weeks, you notice that the nails began to deteriorate, and under the carefully selected shade of polish, there is complete horror. Could fungus infect you in this salon? And if so, what should I do?
These two sad stories, alas, occur in real life. Both the client and the master should remember that manicure is a mutual responsibility. You should not go to the procedure if you notice that your nails are not healthy, and in the same way, the nail technician should not heroize and do manicures on such nails. After all, it’s a high probability of infecting another client.
In this article, we will talk about what a fungal infection is, how the nail technician must recognize it, and what to do in such a difficult situation.
What is a fungal infection?
Nail fungus is a disease caused by the rapid growth of dermatophyte fungi. Penetrating into the nail plate, the fungus corrodes its upper layer, leading the nail to yellowing and complete deformation, capturing new territories for reproduction.
Fungal infection is accompanied by a rash, swelling of the skin layer, cracking, unpleasant odor. A qualified nail technician can determine the fungus visually, but it is essential to know that an accurate diagnosis can only be made after the analysis and consultation of a dermatologist.
What is important to remember?
Many clients, and, unfortunately, even some masters, have an equal sign between the concepts of “infection” and “disease”. But there is a difference.
Infection is contact with fungi. And the disease after this contact may not even occur.
Infection can be imagined as an attempt to capture a peaceful city. Our body (the “city”) has “protective walls” – immunity. And there are specially trained “military” (lymphocytes) – cells that destroy pathogenic microorganisms. The result of the struggle between the “military” and the “invaders” depends on:
- The number of pathogenic pathogens (dose).
- Degrees of pathogenicity. It, by the way, can change, as well as the fighting spirit of the “army”.
- From the degree of protection of the “city” – how much immunity is able to track penetration and mobilize defense mechanisms.
The “entrance gate” is also important: the intact stratum corneum of the epidermis is an insurmountable barrier to fungi.