The most common bacterial infection of the nails is due to pseudomonas, and is sometimes referred to as "green nails" because of the greenish-colored nail plate. Pseudomonas is generally caused from air pockets under the nail plate that allow mositure to get in and the green pigment-producing organism thrives in the moist environment. This is usually accompanied by onycholysis (lifting nail), so a dermatologist should intervene. You can advise the client to soak her nail in vinegar or a 5 percent household bleach solution several times a day for about four days. It will usually take several months for the green stain to grow out.
Health
More FAQ
What makes matte top coat matte and glossy top coat glossy?
What makes matte top coat matte and glossy top coat glossy?... read more
Is it possible to transmit germs or bacteria via nail polish?
Is it possible to transmit germs or bacteria via nail polish? How come we worry about “double-dipping” with other products, but not nail polish?... read more
What is this washboard-pattern defect in the middle of my thumbs?
For almost 10 years I have a “washboard” configuration on my two thumbs. How can I treat this problem?... read more
Is it normal that I'm in pain after doing a couple clients' nails?
I just recently started doing nails and I had two clients back-to-back. My hands were so tired after filing and I even started getting cramps, back pain, and shoulder pain. Is this normal? Will I get accustomed to my job after a while so I’m not in pain?... read more
What’s the cause of the pinkish-red oval area on the pad of my client’s toes?
I have a client who has a recurring problem with her fourth toes during the winter months. Both of her “ring finger” toes develop a pinkish-red oval area on the pad. Then a month later, when I see her again, the skin has become dry and hard like a callus, with the layers of skin peeling away to reveal a deeper, dark epicenter. It’s extremely painful for her and, needless to say, we do not touch it. But it clears up in the summer when she’s wearing open-toed sandals, so I suspect it has to be due to the boots she wears in the winter. Plus she never puts lotion on her feet or uses a foot file in between visits. What do you think causes this?... read more
What should I tell clients who believe that LED lights are safer than UV lights?
What should I tell clients who believe that LED lights are safer than UV lights? How do I explain the difference and that both lights are safe?... read more
How can I relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
I’m suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. Do you have any suggestions on how I can relieve the problem?... read more
What are the big white spots on my natural-nail client’s nails?
I have a client who has been with me for about two years. She used to wear acrylic nails but has been a natural nail client for eight months or so. She has these white spots on her nails — big spots that are dry, but not flaky, right in the middle of the nail. I did try to buff them lightly but they do not come off or grow off. I had a new client come in last week who had the same on her toenails. She said it started after she had a pedicure done at another salon. Can you help?... read more
How do other techs solve the problem of odors in the salon during chemotherapy?
I’m wondering how other techs have solved the problem of odors in the salon during chemotherapy? I have an amazing extraction vent system, but even the slightest odor of paraffin or polish makes me queasy. It has affected the services I can offer. ... read more
Do I need a special permit to do medical pedicures?
I’m a manicurist. Do I need a special permit to do medical pedicures? I don’t want to work in a podiatrist’s office, but I would love to remove ingrown nails. What do you recommend?... read more
I have a client who has broken out with psoriasis on her hands and it has now spread to some of her nails. What advice can you give me and my client?
I have a client who has broken out with psoriasis on her hands and it has now spread to some of her nails. She has been to many dermatologists (one said it was caused by her artificial nails). Anyway, we have taken the artificial nails off and it has been three months. They are still bad. My client wants them back on so badly. I say no because everything I read says not to add more trauma to the nail plate. What advice can you give me and my client?... read more
Clients With Cancer
I have a client with natural nails who I’ve been seeing for 20 years. During the past year she underwent radiation for breast cancer and her nails began splitting and peeling. I have tried different nurturing and hardening products. She also goes to the gym and uses the pool for her exercise routine. Perhaps the chlorine is also harsh on her nails. Do you recommend a certain product or have any other advice?... read more