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WEDNESDAY WISDOM

Jul20

INGROWN NAILS

With summer plans, vacations and cruises, I’m encountering more “INGROWN” toenails. If the nails are trimmed too short or shaped incorrectly, this may lead to ingrown nails. This can be quite painful. What is an ingrown toenail?

An ingrown toenail, referred to as onychocryptosis, is when the corner or edge of the nail embeds in the surrounding skin. The nail has sharp edges and when the nail pierces the surrounding nail fold tissue it can begin to grow into the skin. One of the first signs that something is wrong may be feeling pain at the affected site. As the sharp edges embeds into the nailfolds, it can result in significant pain, redness of the surrounding skin, inflammation, and swelling. Leaving the embedded nail to persist can result in a granuloma, a heap of vascular tissue that occurs in response to trauma. It’s how the body attempts to stop the sharp object from piercing the skin. The granuloma might look like a growth overlying the area where the nail is embedded. This condition usually occurs on the feet but certain disorders can cause this to happen to the fingernails.

HOW TO REMOVE AND PREVENT

See your Licensed Nail Technologist. Shape-wise, square would be preferred to round, although squoval (square with a bit of filing on the edge) would be ok too. Also, it is important to not cut the nail too short as that will also make it more prone to embedding. Those who suffer from ingrowns should allow their toenails to be a bit longer than is typical…Sometimes a simple clipping of the embedded section will create immediate relief or you may need to see a doctor for relief.

HOME REGIMEN

  • Epsom salt soaks in cool water will help alleviate inflammation.
  • Wear shoes where the nail doesn’t make contact with the shoe. Open toed, well-fitting sandals are ideal in summer.
  • Over the counter anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen can help.
  • Keep the area clean and dry.
  • Do not try to dig into the nail fold with tools or to perform a home surgery.

To keep the look, get regular care by a professional Nail Technologist.

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MONDAY MANI

Dec20

Finally, we’re in the winter months. That means dry skin and hair! What are you doing to keep those hands and feet moisturized? At, DEW DROP NAILS, I emphasize the importance of wearing gloves when the temperature is 50 degrees or less. Lotions with oil base are recommended. If you like the scent of your favorite lotion, just add the oil of choice to this lotion in “another” small carry bottle. Or use the your favorite oil on your moist skin right out of the tub and then use your lotion for lasting fragrance.

Be kind to someone today.

MONDAY MANI

Mar23

To Wash or Not to Wash?

 

Whenever possible use soapy soap (really lather up) with warm water instead of any type hand sanitizer…Why?

LEVELS OF CLEAN

~~Cleaning surfaces:  removes visible dirt, stains or debris with soap and water

~~Hand sanitizer:  does not, visibly, clean the skin but kills germs and bacteria(label directions — wet time, approx. 30 sec)?

~~Sanitize:  removes germs or bacteria microbes by a chemical aide(Lysol, bleach, etc.)

~~Disinfect:  kills 99.99% of germs, bacteria and fungus but not spores(follow label directions — wet time)

~~Sterilize:  kills “ALL” contaminants and spores(Autoclave)

Always start with cleaning, using a general-purpose cleaner.  A surface should be clear of dirt and debris before sanitizing or applying a disinfectant. By itself, a general-purpose cleaner won’t kill bacteria or viruses but you should always start with this step.  After the surface is properly cleaned, it’s then important to decide whether to sanitize or disinfect.  The best way to clean skin is with soap and water.

 

MONDAY MANI

Nov4

WHAT IS PARAFFIN  MANICURE?

Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft, solid wax.  It’s made from saturated hydrocarbons.

It’s often used in skin-softening salon and spa treatments on the hands, cuticles, and feet because it’s colorless, tasteless, and odorless(scented paraffins come in a wide variety of scents). It can also be used to provide pain relief to sore joints and muscles.

Paraffin wax has many other uses, too.  It’s often used as lubrication, electrical insulation, and to make candles and crayons.

 

BENEFITS

Paraffin wax is often applied to the hands and/or feet at around 100 degrees. The wax is a natural emollient, helping make skin supple and soft. When applied to the skin, it adds moisture and continues to boost the moisture levels of the skin after the treatment is complete.  It can also be very soothing.

It can also help open pores and remove dead skin cells. That may help make the skin look fresher and feel smoother.  An exfoliating scrub may be used along with this moisturizing treatment.

Paraffin wax may be used to help relieve pain in the hands of people with:

  • osteoarthritis
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • fibromyalgia
  • other joint mobility issues

It acts like a form of heat therapy and can help increase blood flow, relax muscles, and decrease joint stiffness. Paraffin wax can also minimize muscle spasms and inflammation as well as treat sprains.

You should not use paraffin wax if you have:

  • poor blood circulation
  • numbness in your hands or feet
  • diabetes
  • any rashes or open sores

The cost of a paraffin wax treatment varies greatly by salon.  It generally takes around 15 – 30 minutes.

~~healthline

MONDAY MANI

Sep16

CUTICLES!   CUTICLES!   CUTICLES!

(The Russian Manicure Continued)

 

The Danger

Some nail techs justify their actions by claiming to use only sterile or disposable implements. They naively believe this prevents infections. Wrong!  Whenever the living skin is cut or abraded, the damaged area is more susceptible to infection for many hours or even days. The potential risk of infection will remain until the body heals.

Any bit spinning at thousands of RPM and placed against the skin surface will abrade the skin no matter the light touch.

This abrasion can reduce the skin’s effectiveness as a germ and bacteria barrier. It also makes it easier for infections and adverse skin reactions to occur.

Ask for that the drill not be used during your nail service especially on your skin.  ~~  Nail Care HQ

 

 

MONDAY MANI

Aug26

CUTICLES!   CUTICLES!   CUTICLES!

 

Not one left any where!  The Russian Manicure.  That’s the nouveau wave of cuticle damage, in my opinion, that is hitting our industry with the potential of thousands of run around victims in the future.  Damaged cuticles.

That’s the look of this new type manicure.  Remove ALL cuticle!  Cuticles are not to be cut or E-filed for beautification.

I’m talking about the Russian Manicure.  Some claim the manicure/polish lasts longer.  One professional even said, ‘…the gels/acrylics last longer cause you can get right up under the cuticle.’  What!?  When did putting product under the cuticle become ok for the well-being of the client’s skin and nails and possibly overall health.  If the product can be placed underneath the cuticle, so can germs and bacteria.

What Is It?

Some people around the globe are teaching a highly risky technique that goes by several different names including, the “Russian” or “Equipment”  or “Dry” or “E-File” manicure. 

The process is to use an electronic file with very fine bits to file off the dead/dry skin or cuticle around the nail plate. Tissue is also filed from the nail plate.

This isn’t a new look.  It resulted in the condition called “run around” when we didn’t know of the long-term effects of cutting off live tissue/cuticle.  The result was the  cuticles are then permanently puffy and tender because the nail techs took off the living tissue(cuticle)the proximal fold or the eponychium during the manicure.

The  proximal fold, lateral side walls, and the hyponychium create the 4 required guardian seals to protect the nail bed and matrix from harmful germs and bacteria.  We never want to cut or sand down live skin!  ~~Nail Care HQ

To be continued…

MONDAY MANI

Aug12

Vertical Ridges, Lines or Bands on Fingernails

Vertical ridges and streaks on your fingernails are caused by different things.  Your nails need blood, just like the rest of your body.  Dark brown, black or gray streaks may occur on your fingernails or toenails as vertical, rather than horizontal lines.

 

If they are particularly dark in color, running from the tip of your nail to your cuticle, they may be because of dilated or burst capillaries.  In most cases, lines like these typically occur because of an injury and are usually completely normal.

However, if you haven’t recently hurt your finger or toe and have lines like these along your nails, it may be unrelated to blood-flow issues. Some of these dark lines may be a sign of melanoma.  Unlike other types of melanoma, this type ⁠— known as acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) ⁠— isn’t related to sun exposure.  ALM is a specific type of melanoma that appears on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or under the nails.

Vertical lines in fingernails are most likely to be of concern when you haven’t had any injuries or impacts but the area surrounding the streak has damaged your nail. If you see any vertical, brown lines that run into your cuticle, contact your dermatologist as soon as possible to have a professional exam and diagnosis.

MONDAY MANI

Aug5

Nutrients and Nail Health

The fingernails and toenails are made up of keratin, just like your hair.  Keratin is a protein, and healthy oils and fats are also needed to keep the skin, hair and nails moisturized and strong. A varied diet rich in vitamins, antioxidant fruits and veggies, protein and minerals is key for healthy skin, nails and hair.  Minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, sodium and zinc are particularly important for your nails. However, it’s not just these minerals that make a difference — other nutrients like biotin, folic acid and protein are just as important to nail health. 

If you’re deficient in certain nutrients or have ongoing health issues, you may see changes in your nails that include discoloration, ridges or lines in fingernails. Some lines in fingernails can signal serious health problems, while others are simply due to impact or injury. However, with the exception of zinc, folic acid, iron or protein deficiencies. nutrient deficiencies are unlikely to be the cause of your fingernail ridges.*

*See previous blog(s)

 

MONDAY MANI

Jul28

Do Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Fingernail Ridges?

 

Your fingernails can say a lot about you, including whether or not you’re consuming enough vitamins and minerals. Getting insufficient amounts of certain B-complex vitamins can cause ridges in your fingernails. However, lack of certain minerals and protein, as well as various health conditions, can cause these lines in fingernails too.

White spots and Vertical ridges on the fingernails symptomsDeficiencies in zinc, folic acid, iron and protein may cause fingernail ridges. The appearance of your nails may also indicate that you’re experiencing other health issues, like psoriasis or kidney problems. ~LivingStrong

**Should you have any issues or concerns with skin, hair or nails, please consult your physician.

MONDAY MANI ~ Nail Anatomy

Jun24

*The cuticle and proximal nail fold is often called “the cuticle” and is often cut as part of the manicure service.  The cuticle should be removed by soaking the fingers in warm soapy water, and a cuticle remover used to help lift the sticky cuticle from the nail plate by pushing and lightly scraping(…yes) but not cutting. 

*Please see photo

 

 

 

Fingernail: A fingernail is produced by living skin cells in the finger. A fingernail consists of several parts including the nail plate (the visible part of the nail), the nail bed (the skin beneath the nail plate), the cuticle (the tissue that overlaps the plate and rims the base of the nail), the nail grooves (the skin folds that frame and support the nail on three sides), the lunula (the whitish half-moon at the base of the nail) and the matrix (the hidden part of the nail unit under the cuticle).

THE NAIL=Onyx

An appendage of the skin, this horny,translucent plate protects the tips of fingers and toes.  The nail is composed mainly of keratin.  A healthy nail should be whitish and translucent in appearance, with the pinkish color of the nail bed below showing through.