Corrugations
(kor-u-GA-shuns)
are horizontal wavy ridges across the nail.
Cause: Injury, systemic conditions; uneven growth.
Prognosis: Easily recognizable; if injury-related, it may grow out and disappear;
systemic conditions may cause permanent ridges.
Treatment: Lightly buff to level the nail surface; apply a base coat or ridge filler
to protect and even surface. Avoid overbuffing, since it is easy to thin the
nail plate.
Kolionychia
(kol-e-o-NIK-e-a)
or Spoon nails are nails with a concave shape.
Cause: Systemic or long-term illness or nerve disturbance.
Prognosis: Unusual nail shapes; unlikely to disappear.
Treatment:
File carefully; apply no pressure to nail plate; use polish to harden
and protect nails.
Furrows are indented vertical lines down the nail plate.
Cause: Injury to matrix that causes cells to reproduce unevenly; can be nutri-
tion, injury or illness-related; pushing too hard with pusher during nail service or
exposure to harsh chemicals.
Prognosis: Easily recognizable; may grow out; may be permanent.
Treatment: Lightly buff; apply base coat or ridge filler to protect and even out
surface; perform nail service as usual.
Onychogryposis
(o-ni-ko-GRI-po-sis)
also called "claw nails" represent an increased curva-
ture of the nails.
Cause: Systemic.
Prognosis: Increased thickness and curving of the nail that may occur with age
or injury to nail; most often occurring in the big toe; physicians may remove if
severely deformed or difficult to keep clean.
Treatment: Look for signs of infection; clean well under free edge; file with
emery board and keep nails short; only a podiatrist should trim.
Onychocryptosis
(o-ni-ko-KRIP-to-sis)
are ingrown nails.
Cause: Environmental or poor nail trimming practices; can become infected.
Prognosis: If the nail grows into the edge of the nail groove cutting the skin or
becomes deeply embedded and/or infected, refer client to a physician who will
remove the skin or portion of nail causing the problem. It may also occur on toes
if shoes are too tight, or if the toenails are filed too deeply on sides.
Treatment: Thoroughly soften skin, trim nail straight across to prevent pressure
on the nail groove. If infection has occurred, DO NOT perform service. Refer to
a physician.
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SALON FUNDAMENTALS
