Identify two common nail disorders and provide a brief description.

Identify two common nail disorders and provide a brief description.

• A. Onychomycosis — fungal infection causing thickened, discolored nails; Paronychia — infection around the nail fold causing redness and swelling
• B. Eczema — red patches on hands; Psoriasis — white spots on nails
• C. Leukonychia — white spots; Melanonychia — dark streaks
• D. Club nails — curved nails; Pterygium — wing-like nail fold

Answer: (A)

Two common nail disorders you’ll encounter are onychomycosis and paronychia. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the nail plate and bed, causing thickened, discolored nails that may become brittle or crumbly. It’s something you’ll want to recognize and refer for medical treatment if it’s persistent or severe, and in the salon you’d avoid aggressive filing or moisture-trapping practices that could worsen it. Paronychia is an infection around the nail fold, leading to redness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes pus. It often stems from cuticle trauma or improper manicure technique, so the approach in the shop is gentle care, not picking or cutting live tissue, and advising a medical evaluation if there’s significant swelling or drainage. Other options describe conditions or changes that aren’t as representative of common nail disorders. Eczema and psoriasis involve the skin and nails but aren’t primarily nail disorders. Leukonychia and melanonychia refer to white spots or dark streaks on the nail, which are nail plate findings rather than distinct infections or inflammatory disorders. Club nails and pterygium describe structural changes or scarring around the nail, which are less typical as everyday nail disorders.

Two common nail disorders you’ll encounter are onychomycosis and paronychia. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the nail plate and bed, causing thickened, discolored nails that may become brittle or crumbly. It’s something you’ll want to recognize and refer for medical treatment if it’s persistent or severe, and in the salon you’d avoid aggressive filing or moisture-trapping practices that could worsen it. Paronychia is an infection around the nail fold, leading to redness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes pus. It often stems from cuticle trauma or improper manicure technique, so the approach in the shop is gentle care, not picking or cutting live tissue, and advising a medical evaluation if there’s significant swelling or drainage.

Other options describe conditions or changes that aren’t as representative of common nail disorders. Eczema and psoriasis involve the skin and nails but aren’t primarily nail disorders. Leukonychia and melanonychia refer to white spots or dark streaks on the nail, which are nail plate findings rather than distinct infections or inflammatory disorders. Club nails and pterygium describe structural changes or scarring around the nail, which are less typical as everyday nail disorders.