Dr. Rich: Diagnosis of skin lesions based only on a description can be a dangerous sport. While there are numerous things that meet your description, the first thing that comes to mind is a variant of seborrheic keratosis called “stucco kertosis” because the nodules look a bit like someone spattered stucco on the skin. They are harmless, come by the hundreds, appear as we age, and can be treated by freezing or even scraping or filling, but they almost always come back. They are not contagious. The tendency to get them is often inherited. Warts would be less likely but possible, and some skin rashes like psoriasis could have that appearance. Her doctor should be able to diagnose the condition and help her manage it. Don’t work on the skin until you know for sure.
Health
Is it ok to pedicure a client with lots of warts?
September 1, 2002
More FAQ
One of my clients has deep indentations in her nails. Should I refer her to a doctor?
One of my clients has deep indentations in her nails. She never gets artificial nails — just manicures. She told me she has a bit of arthritis. What may have caused these deep indentations? Should I refer her to a doctor?... read more
I recently got ringworm on my arm from a client who had it on her nail bed. How do I treat it?
I recently got ringworm on my arm from a client who had it on her nail bed. How do I treat it?... read more
What can I do to help a client who does not chew her nails, but chews the skin around her nails?
What can I do to help a client who does not chew her nails, but chews the skin around her nails?... read more
Can fungus be transmitted from one client to another with a file if proper sanitation is used or if files are disposed of? Is it airborne?
Can fungus be transmitted from one client to another with a file if proper sanitation is used or if files are disposed of? Is it airborne?... read more
I understand how allergic reactions work, but I am very perplexed at the high incidence of it I’m having lately. Please help.
In my 21 years of doing nails, I’ve had about eight people become allergic to acrylic monomer. However, in the past year I’ve had six clients become allergic. I’ve been using the same product for about five years and have had no problem until recently. I contacted the manufacturer to see if they knew of any problems and they didn’t. I understand how allergic reactions work, but I am very perplexed at the high incidence of it I’m having lately. Please help.... read more
Could the vitamins a client takes cause her nails to lift?
I have a client whose nails are lifting from the nail bed, but only about a quarter of the way. They grow just fine, but then they start to lift again. She had an acrylic overlay on for about two weeks and when that acrylic came off, the nails were perfect. Soon after, they started lifting again. She is using a nail strengthener and is on several medications and vitamins.... read more
Reader to Reader: How do you combat burnout?
How do you combat burnout?... read more
How do I know when to change the disinfectant solution in my jar?
How do I know when to change the disinfectant solution in my jar? At school they said to change it when it has stuff floating in it, but that can’t be sanitary. Does it become ineffective when it has been used for a while?... read more
What are my responsibilities if a client acquires a nail infection after I have performed a nail service on her?
What are my responsibilities if a client acquires a nail infection after I have performed a nail service on her?... read more
What is a glomus tumor?
I had a client with a nail tumor who was reluctant to go to the doctor. We made her go and it was removed and biopsied. They said it was a glomus tumor. What is this?... read more
Why do my clients have dark spots on the soles of their feet?
When doing pedicures I have noticed that several of my clients have dark spots on the soles of their feet. Do you have any idea what these spots could be?... read more
The Nail Doctor
There is a growth of skin under four of my client’s nail and the nail plate near the free edge has a white color to it. I apply acrylic as an overlay to make her nails stronger. She takes blood pressure medication and Tamoxifen to prevent a recurrence of breast cancer. What is going on with her nails? ... read more
