The talented and fashion-inspired nail artist Terri Silacci shows off her love for rocker chic nails for our July cover. These tips include fishnets, chains, studs and even a zipper paired with soak-off gel polish.

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Behind the Nail Pros 2012

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The post Nail Art How To: Rocker Chic Nails (July 2012): Behind the Nail Pros appeared first on Nailpro.

Pattie Yankee demonstrates how to create tattoo inspired nail art for the August 2012 Nailpro cover shoot.

Post your nail art in our Nail Art Galleries » and share, vote or link from your own nail art blog! Don't miss our digital edition for step-by-step nail art » and check our website's nail art archives » for nail art you might've missed!

Behind the Nail Pros 2012

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Behind the Nail Pros 2008

Behind the Nail Pros 2007

The post Nail Art How To: Tattoo Inspired Nails (August 2012): Behind the Nail Pros appeared first on Nailpro.

Award-winning nail artist Azumi Kanene creates striking nails loosely based on Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games.

Post your nail art in our Nail Art Galleries » and share, vote or link from your own nail art blog! Don't miss our digital edition for step-by-step nail art » and check our website's nail art archives » for nail art you might've missed!

Behind the Nail Pros 2012

Behind the Nail Pros 2011

Behind the Nail Pros 2010

Behind the Nail Pros 2009

Behind the Nail Pros 2008

Behind the Nail Pros 2007

The post Nail Art Video: Nail Art Inspired by “The Hunger Games” (April 2012): Behind the Nail Pros appeared first on Nailpro.

The holiday season is in full swing, and nails shouldn’t be neglected. Check out some of our favorite holiday nails our readers submitted for #nailprodigy.

Artist: @celinaryden

Artist: Franziska Christensen

Artist: @luxenails215

Artist: @nailsbyamber_slc

Artist: @jazziegirl_

Artist: @kristynleannem

Artist: @shimmyy

Artist: @polishednailboutique

Artist: @klove0x

Artist: @nailedbystacy

Artist: @jvnaildesign

Artist: @pinkssalon

Artist: @nailed_by_melissa

Artist: @10thstorynails

Peppermint swirls by @natashaharton.

Santas by @nailsbymarielle

Artist: @sarahssnaglar

Gold glitter by @skargardsfin

Artist: @excellencenailsbyiliana1

Artist: @sexxy_lil_nailz

Artist: @nailtechtina

Artist: @celinaryden

Artist: @crimi_nails

Artist: @nailsbyjuicyj

Artist: @missnailsessex

Artist: @jsukovaty

Artist: More Narvaez Rebaza

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Artist: @a_list_asia

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Artist: @nailsbysandrao

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Artist: @bebebebebebe01

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Artist: @drnailsisin

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Artist: @nailsbyivy

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Artist: @parissnails

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Artist: @vivinails

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Artist: @wellofink

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Artist: @getbuffednails

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Artist: Deanna White

Artist: @goteborgsnagelstudio

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Artist: @nailsbykalee

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Artist: @rick_nailsbymales

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Artist: @zi_nails

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Artist: Yanira González

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Artist: Cheek to Chic Nail Art by Eileen

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Artist: Yanira González

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Artist: @adoredollsparlour

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Artist: @i_am_noriko

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Artist: @instanailsbydanny

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Artist: @nailsbyivy

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Artist: @fancynailsirving

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Artist: Emily Zahm

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Artist: @pinknailsny

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Artist: @nailzbychristina

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Artist: @nailsculptress

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Artist: @nails_by_verovargas

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Artist: @jies_naglar

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Artist: @blankita_39

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Artist: @beautifynailsbydebbie

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Artist: @a_list_asia

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Artist: @blackcherry0

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Artist: @jankonikki

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Artist: @bebebebebebe01

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Artist: @rick_nailsbymales

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Artist: @nails_by_verovargas

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Artist: @nailsbymistyk

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Artist: @hai2

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Artist: @nailzcouture

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Artist: @the_nail_lounge_miramar

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Artist: @thehautespot

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Artist: @lumina.beauty

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Artist: @socorrol

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Artist: @shannonunderwoodnails

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Artist: @crimi_nails

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Artist: @misztexas

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Artist: @fiina_naillounge

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Artist: @pinkssalon

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Artist: @fiina_naillounge

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Artist: @thehautespot

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Artist: @luxenails215

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Artist: @nailsbyamber_slc

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Artist: @fancynailsirving

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Artist: @shannonunderwoodnails

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Artist: @celinaryden

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Artist: @vavavarnish

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Artist: @nailsbyjuicyj

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Artist: @amandarath

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Artist: @fiina_naillounge

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Artist: @sammysbodyart

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Artist: @sarahp898

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Artist: @pinkssalon

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Artist: @ashnicolemc

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Artist: @nailsby_alyssac

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Artist: @nailsbyivy

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Artist: @nailsbychesca

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Artist: @nailsby_becky

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Artist: @fancynailsirving

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Artist: @mai.painted.nails

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Artist: @shinenaildesign

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Artist: @pinknailsny

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Artist: @pinknailsny

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Artist: @nailsatprettyfingers

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Artist: @the_nail_lounge_miramar

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Nails by Karma Salon (Instagram: @karmasalonspa).

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Nails by Bobbie Brooks.

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Nails by Instagram @naq57.

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Nails by Christy of Instagram @lvnailsbychristy.

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Nails by Instagram @nailsbymiracle.

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Nails by Instagram @nailsbyjme.

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Nails by Ingrida Bytautiene at Helena Amour.

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Nails by Samantha Smith (Twitter: @picturesnailart).

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Nails by @zi_nails.

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Artist:

Ivelisse Marrero

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Artist: Ivelisse Marrero

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Artist: sonnysnails

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Artist: Deanna White

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Artist: Katie FuQua

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Artist: Katie FuQua

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Artist: Katie FuQua

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Artist: Katie FuQua

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Artist: NotoRiosNails

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Artist: NotoRiosNails

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Artist: redhotmamanails

Artist: NailsbyKaCee

Artist: NailsbyKaCee

Artist: NailsbyKaCee

Artist: Julie Brumit at Pink’s Nail Studio

Artist: Julie Brumit at Pink’s Nail Studio

Artist: Julie Brumit at Pink’s Nail Studio

Artist: Julie Brumit at Pink’s Nail Studio

Artist: Julie Brumit at Pink’s Nail Studio

Artist: Julie Brumit at Pink’s Nail Studio

Artist: @nailsbyalissa

Artist: sonnysnails

Artist: Hailey H.

Artist: TiffyG

Artist: TiffyG

Artist: TiffyG

Artist: sonnysnails

Artist: DonaRae1

Artist: Super Sweet Nails

Artist: Super Sweet Nails

Artist: Super Sweet Nails

Artist: Super Sweet Nails

Artist: Super Sweet Nails

[Pagebreak]

Artist: Super Sweet Nails

Artist: Super Sweet Nails

Artist: NailEssentialz

Artist: @luxenails215

Artist: @nailperfectionbreaston

Artist: @haleycapitalb

Artist: @nailsbymiriamelizabeth1

Artist: @beeqnails

Artist: @emily_zahm

Artist: @melissathun

Artist: @nailsbycz

Artist: @excellencenailsbyiliana1

Artist: @missgsnaillounge

Artist: @natashadangelo

Artist: @lash2nails

The post Gallery: Winter and Holiday Nail Art appeared first on Nailpro.

The nail products you use every day can trigger unexpected adverse reactions in clients. Here’s why, and what you can do about it.

Nail techs are expected to be well-versed on issues of sanitation and sterilization, and meticulous about employing protocols to ward off infections. But there’s another health risk that often gets short shrift: that of adverse or allergic reactions to commonly used nail products. Even when you perform every step by the book, a client can develop an uncomfortable and even dangerous physiological reaction to the chemicals in products that techs use every day. Fortunately, you can minimize damage to your clients (and your business!) by understanding how and why reactions happen.

Contact Dermatitis (Photo By BSIP/UIG via Getty Images)

Allergy or Irritation?

Any adverse response to a nail treatment is cause for concern, but there’s a difference between allergic reactions and irritations. “It can be challenging to distinguish between the two, but it’s important to do so,” says Dana Stern, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of the dermatologist-developed nail care line, Dr. Dana. “Allergic reactions are much less common than irritations and tend to be lifelong, whereas anyone can develop an irritant reaction to a nail product if enough of the chemical comes in contact with the skin.”

An allergy to nail and/or skincare products develops in stages through a process called sensitization, the result of prolonged or repeated exposure to a particular substance over days or weeks. Ultimately the skin’s natural protective barrier is breached, enabling that substance to combine with skin proteins and be carried via white blood cells through the body. Those cells, whose job it is to work within the immune system, react by releasing chemicals that produce the symptoms we commonly see with skin allergies, generally referred to as atopic dermatitis or eczema.

An irritation occurs quickly, within minutes or hours after brief but heavy exposure or repeated low exposure. As with allergies, the outer layer of skin has been penetrated, but the response is acute and localized. Symptoms, typically a pink hue and blisters that might turn into sores that become scaly or crusty, tend to peak in about 24 hours. The condition is usually called, simply, contact dermatitis.

Eczema (Photo by Getty Images/S-ANIAOSTUDIO/ISTOCK)

Seeing Red

Suppose you have a long-time client who is slowly building up an allergy to one of your products. What are you likely to see? “The reaction to the allergen can appear as redness, swelling and blistering of the skin surrounding the nail,” says Stern. “Sometimes the nail will burn and then separate or lift off of the nail bed (onycholysis).” Other common symptoms include dry and bumpy skin, and even nail plate discoloration.

You might be mystified by this unprecedented reaction, and wonder whether the product has gone “bad” or changed formulations. Or, you might dismiss an allergy because you’ve been seeing this client and using the same products on her for several years. However, that’s exactly why you should suspect an allergic reaction. “Nobody develops an allergy upon first exposure; it takes repeated exposures for this to happen,” stresses Stern.

Sometimes allergic reactions to nail products behave so mysteriously that it takes a dermatologist to draw the connection between the symptoms and their cause. Remember, once the dermal barrier is violated, the reaction can show up anywhere on the body. Allergies to topical products can manifest as dermatitis on the neck, in and behind the ears, and even around the eyelids. More rarely, there are flu-like symptoms and/or dark circles under the eyes caused by swollen neighboring tissue. Pre-existing skin conditions may also flare up at the same time. Although this is less common, nail product-related allergies can even lead to serious secondary infections of the nail, such as paronychia (soft-tissue infection), onychia (nail bed inflammation) and paraesthesia (numbness or prickling sensations). Ultimately, the best way for a client to determine whether an allergy is causing her symptoms is to have a patch test administered by a dermatologist. As her nail tech, your knowing the results of that test can help you tailor future treatments so as to avoid using products that contain the allergen(s). Keep in mind, says Stern, if a client has a true ingredient allergy, she will likely be allergic to any product with that ingredient, or those with a similar chemical structure.

Recognize and Respond

A nail tech’s best opportunity for preventing a client’s adverse reaction occurs before a service begins, with a close evaluation at the start of every appointment, says Janet McCormick, M.S., educator, author and co-owner of Nailcare Academy, an online education site that offers programs for advanced and medical-level nail care. In artificial nail clients, for instance, “a developing allergy will give the technician an early warning: There will be an ever-so-slight puffiness of the skin in and outside the sidewalls of the nail, and the oponychium will be thinning or gone,” she explains. “It won’t be red or painful yet, but there’ll be a shininess due to the edema.” In such an instance, it’s time to recommend removal of the enhancement, McCormick says, because an allergic response has already begun. “Otherwise, the symptoms will worsen with each application. Next there’ll be redness and itching, and tiny blisters will occur after each application of the product,” she says. “If the nails aren’t taken off immediately, the skin will [develop] a raging reaction with severe pain and high edema. The client may even feel feverish.”

Should a client call you hours after a service to report a reaction, it is more likely to be an irritant-induced response, says Stern. “Salon technicians should have relationships with local dermatologists to whom they can refer such clients,” she recommends.

Finally, make sure that you are just as vigilant about your own potential for developing a product allergy. “It’s essential to understand the chemistry of the ingredients you work with, and to handle them properly, to prevent a lifelong, occupation-induced allergic dermatitis from developing,” says Stern. “Wear gloves—nitrile gloves are preferred as clients may be latex-sensitive—and maintain strict operational protocols, such as keeping tools, containers and working surfaces clean and dust-free.” Be alert to symptoms, and take care of any allergy or irritant issues asap for healthy (and happy!) clients and techs, alike.

-Linda Kossoff is a health and beauty writer in Los Angeles.

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[Images: Getty Images/BSIP/ Universal Image Group, Getty Images/S-ANIAOSTUDIO/ISTOCK]

The post Nail Clinic: Allergy Or Irritation? appeared first on Nailpro.

Nail atrophy is permanent and affects the way you work on clients. Learn more about its causes and how to proceed.

Onychatrophy isn’t an exceedingly common condition, but it can get a bit confusing with the different terminology used to describe it. You may have heard of onychatrophia (this is a Latin-based word, according to Richard K. Scher, MD, adjunct professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill) or onychatrophy (a word most commonly used in the medical community), but in layman’s terms, both describe atrophy of the nail—scarring that can be caused by a variety of factors. Regardless of its cause, nail techs need to be careful when faced with clients who exhibit this condition.

Common Causes of Nail Atrophy

Atrophy of the nail is defined by Merriam-Webster as “an atrophic or underdeveloped condition of the nails.” Scher explains that you can recognize nail atrophy because the nail plate will look a certain way: It might not grow at all, grow partially or show a partial loss of the nail. It’s a subset of nail dystrophy, a nonspecific word that simply describes an abnormal-looking nail. Scher, who has written five books on nails, relates some of the causes of nail atrophy.

Trauma Damage is by far the most common cause of atrophy of the nail. A client who hits her hand with a hammer or slams her finger in a car door often causes injury to the nail matrix, which is the growth center of the nail, according to Doug Schoon, chief scientific adviser for CND, in Dana Point, California. For instance, he notes that runners cause injury to their toes from wearing too-small running shoes; feet may swell up to a full size larger when running, and toenails (often on the big toe) can push up against the shoe, especially if the nail is too long. Scher adds that it depends on how severe the trauma was whether or not the scarring will be permanent and lead to atrophy. Minor injuries won’t cause enough damage to the nail matrix to lead to this problem. Generally, the nail simply falls off and grows back without further complication. However, you need to be aware that you can also cause trauma that leads to nail matrix damage if you push, trim or cut too aggressively in the cuticle area.

Lichen Planus: The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) describes lichen planus as a disease of unknown origin (but likely linked to an allergic or immune reaction) that causes an itchy rash on the skin or in the mouth. Skin lesions or shininess may also be present.

Connective Tissue Diseases: This group of diseases can include lupus (an autoimmune disorder), scleroderma (the NCBI notes that this can also cause the skin to tighten so that fingers lose mobility) or dermatomyositis (creating inflammation and a skin rash).

Bullous Diseases: These are also called blistering diseases. Mosby’s Medical Dictionary defines this group as “any of a number of conditions characterized by the formation of bullae [blisters larger than 1 centimeter wide] covering large portions of the skin surface.” This group includes Stevens Johnson Syndrome (a severe adverse reaction to medication), which can lead to permanent scarring if not treated early, Scher explains. Similarly, a severe burn that causes blistering can also lead to nail atrophy.

Heredity: Some people are simply born with atrophy of the nails for unknown reasons.

Scher notes that no matter the cause of the nail atrophy, the nail looks about the same—abnormally small—with symptomatic characteristics visible. Symptoms can include the nails to appear thin, discolored or rudimentary.

At the Station

Treating nail atrophy itself is impossible, but if a medical condition is causing it, seeking treatment for that condition is crucial and may help prevent further damage. If you notice a client with atrophy, don’t work on the nail, and ask if she knows the cause. Whether she says it’s due to trauma or thinks she knows the underlying cause, point her to a medical professional who can examine her. “The client wants to make sure there’s nothing else going on—for example, cancer of the nail bed creates scarring and could masquerade as nail atrophy,” says Scher. “If a nail tech sees any nail that looks abnormal, her obligation is simply to say, ‘See a dermatologist.’”

Schoon adds that a suspect nail is more susceptible to infection or fungus, so it’s crucial you don’t risk your livelihood by interacting with it. Even after a dermatologist has determined the cause, you’ll want to steer clear. “If it’s not a healthy nail, a nail tech is not licensed to work on it,” Schoon asserts. “A doctor can’t give permission to do something unsafe—even if the doctor says it’s OK, under what authority is he speaking?” In other words, because a doctor might not know exactly what products will be used in the salon, you should avoid working on the nail entirely.

If you notice a client with atrophy, don’t work on the nail, and ask if she knows the cause. If you see any nail that looks abnormal, your obligation is simply to say, “See a dermtologist.”

Unlike muscle atrophy, which simply describes a loss of tissue and can be remedied, nail atrophy relates to scarring—meaning permanent damage, just as a scar on skin would be permanent. If you see a client with this issue, make sure you proceed accordingly by sending her to a medical professional and avoiding contact. As a rule, erring on the side of caution will help you stay out of hot water when dealing with abnormal nails.

– Tracy Morin

Image: Courtesy of Danalynn Stockwood

The post Nail Clinic: Atrophy of the Nail appeared first on Nailpro.

Onycholysis refers to the lifting of the nail plate either up from the underlying nail bed or in from the sides. Since it’s a pretty common occurrence, it’s a good idea to keep up on the three kinds of causes of this condition: external irritants, infections, or health problems.

As far as irritants, there are four main culprits:

Harsh soaps and detergents: Those who work in housecleaning, use harsh chemicals cleaning, or tough soaps while dishwashing are at risk.

Certain raw or acidic (like citrus) foods: Restaurant workers and those often handling food may be affected.

Frequent contact to water: Clients who are housekeepers, work in the medical field, or are new parents may be irritated by repeated water contact and hand washing.

Nail products like acrylics, acetone, formaldehyde can irritate nail techs and their clients from overexposure.

Skin problems and infections can also be a source of the problem, such as:

Psoriasis: The same skin condition that causes redness and flaking can also lead to lifting of the nail plate. Not only that, but the skin debris from psoriasis can collect under nails and actually thicken them.

Fungi: Fungal infections like dermatophyte become a problem after trauma (like a badly stubbed toe or hurt finger) lifts the nail away from the bed and allows the fungus to enter in between the two.

Growths: Warts, usually on fingernails, can affect lifting, and nail biting only spreads the problem from finger to finger. Bony growths on feet can be a factor in onycholysis on toenails. Rarely, and usually in older individuals, a tumor underneath the nail can be the cause of nail lifting in older adults.
Deeper inside the body, imbalance and disorder can be the root of onycholysis. A few of these causes include:

Candida: Chronic yeast infections paired with one of the aforementioned irritants can put a client at higher risk for their nail detaching from the nail bed.

Medicine: Certain antibiotics like tetracycline, sulfa-related medicines like those sometimes used as diuretics or to treat diabetes, some antihistamines, chemotherapy drugs, and tranquilizers like Thorazine can produce lifting issues.

Thyroid disease: An overactive or underproducing thyroid gland can cause nails to become brittle and split from the nail bed.

Lupus or similar disorders: Serious medical conditions like lupus can also be a factor in onycholysis. With 90% of lupus patients between the ages of 15 and 45 being women, lupus can be a big problem in salons.

So what do you do?

The most important thing is to treat the cause of the problem–whether it be irritant, infection, or disorder. As a nail tech, you should stress the importance of pinpointing the initial reason for the issue, as nails can be an indicator of overall health. Advise your client to see her doctor or dermatologist for the problem. Those with a yeast infection or other fungal infection should seek the medical treatments necessary to eradicate them after consulting a doctor.

At the salon, it is best to trim affected nails as short as possible. If it is likely one of the external irritants is the source of her nail’s lifting, let her know she should wear vinyl gloves (rubber or latex can exacerbate the problem) whenever possible to limit exposure to water and/or the need for repetitive hand washing. By avoiding contact with acidic foods or harsh soaps, she might also reduce her problem.

[Information: C. Ralph Daniel, III, M.D.]

[Images: Wikimedia Commons CopperKettle; Thinkstock/iStockphoto]

The post Nail Clinic: Onycholysis: What It Looks Like, Causes, and Treatment appeared first on Nailpro.

What is Beau’s Lines?

French physician Joseph Honoré Simon Beau first described “Beau’s lines,” or transverse ridges — horizontal grooves on the nail — in 1846. Beau was best known for his research on the heart and lungs, but the nail community remembers him for noticing this condition.

Beau’s lines, as they have come to be known, occur when the nail matrix is injured and the growth of the nail is slowed. This eventually causes grooves in the surface of the nail plate. Affecting finger- and toenails, this condition is most commonly caused by an injury such as slamming a finger in the door or dropping a heavy object on a toe.

Transverse ridges can also be a sign of a systemic illness—an illness that affects the entire body rather than just one organ—or of a congenital disease, which means it was acquired during the body’s development in the uterus.

Whatever the reason for the slowing or halting of nail growth, it will result in transverse ridges on the nails, which look like pale bands lying horizontally across the nail plate. They first appear at the moon (lunula) and then progress with the growth of the nail. In cases where the ridges are not caused by a systemic illness or congenital disease, Beau’s lines will grow out with the nail and disappear.

Fingernails take approximately nine months—about one millimeter per week—to grow out completely, with the middle fingernail growing most rapidly, and toenails take approximately 18 months to grow out. With this in mind, by measuring the distance from the transverse groove to the cuticle, you can sometimes estimate the date of the injury or illness.

What Causes Beau’s Lines

Beau’s lines are a result of a variety of conditions, ranging from minor to severe. The most common causes are local injury or exposure to severe cold, both of which decrease the blood flow to the nail matrix.

Any kind of injury to the nail matrix (also called a microtrauma) slows cell division in the matrix, causing transverse ridges to appear. An example is with athletes who do a lot of jogging or long-distance running—they often find Beau’s lines on their toenails from the repeated smashing of the distal edge into the front of the shoe when running or kicking.

But not all injuries are from playing sports; other examples of local traumas include:

1. Eczema The inflammation in the skin around the nail (the proximal fold) associated with eczema can prevent normal cell division in the nail matrix.
2. Habit-tic deformity (HTD) A source of repeated, habitual trauma to the nail matrix, HTD occurs when a person habitually picks at or rubs the central cuticle with a neighboring finger, most commonly seen on the thumb.
3. Subungual hematoma The hematoma can press into the nail matrix affecting nail cell production.
4. Paronychia Inflammation of the tissue adjacent to the nail, usually accompanied by infection and pus formation.
5. Onychia Inflammation of the matrix often leading to suppuration—or pus formation—and loss of the nail.
6. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome A condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, which can affect nail growth.

Another cause of Beau’s lines is congenital disease. Acrodermatitis enteropathica (technical jargon for zinc deficiency) causes changes in the skin and sometimes skin infections around the fingernail, which may result in ridges on the nail.

Beau’s lines are also caused by systemic illnesses, which include extreme fevers, measles, mumps, myocardial infarction and exposure to chemotherapy and radiation.

(Yes, this is a long list to remember, but there is good news—you don’t need to memorize all of these causes in order to help your clients.)

How To Treat Beau’s Lines

Despite the long list of causes, there are a few things you can do to help a client with Beau’s lines, and a few things your client can do to help herself.

The first step in preventing this condition from coming back is to refer your client to her doctor. In many cases, she may have a history of the above conditions. As a nail technician, you are not able to diagnose or treat her condition, but her doctor will be able to give her instructions on how to proceed.

After your client has seen her physician and gets the green light for a nail service, you then have a couple of options. Offer her a set of enhancements, especially if she considers the lines unappealing. But do not apply enhancements if the client has yet to see a doctor to evaluate the cause of the Beau’s lines.

You can also provide your client with a natural nail manicure and polish the nails with her favorite color. But be careful; the grooves on the nail mean there isn’t as much nail growth, so you don’t want to file the ridges in an attempt to smooth the nail, as this will cause further damage by making the nail very thin and fragile.

Beau’s lines are caused by a variety of conditions. As with every set of nails at your station that seems out-of-the-ordinary, you need to proceed with caution. The good news for you and your client is that these grooves won’t put an end to her nail services—it’s just a bit of a pause on the road to beautiful nails!

Beau’s Lines Statistics

• Mee’s lines are transverse white bands that frequently affect multiple nails, and are classically associated with arsenic poisoning.
• Children and active adults commonly have one or more white lines or spots on one or more nails, a condition known as leukonychia.
• Changes in the color of the moon (lunula) can be revealing—heart failure can turn it red, while tetracycline therapy can make it yellow.

*Source: Nail Abnormalities: Clues to Systemic Disease by Robert S. Fawcett, M.D., M.S., Sean Linford, M.D., And Daniel L. Stulbert, M.D., published by the American Academy of Family Physicians (aafp.org)

Cheryl Louise Branche is a retired M.D. living and working in New York as a consultant.

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From dry eyes to tension headaches, eyestrain-related ailments can permanently impact your vision and ultimately limit the longevity of your career.

Forget monomer, nippers and even your e-file—your eyes are two of the most important tools that you use for your job. Unfortunately, spending long periods of time staring at your clients’ nails can result in eyestrain. Also known as asthenopia, eyestrain is a condition that occurs after extended use of the eyes, resulting in symptoms including blurred or double vision, redness, tension headaches, and burning, dry, watery or sore eyes. “Because nail professionals perform a significant amount of close-up work, the natural lens of the eye must constantly refocus and use a tremendous amount of power to see up close,” explains Dagny Zhu, MD, a Rowland Heights, California-based ophthalmologist and cornea, cataract and refractive surgeon. Though symptoms may only be temporary at first, eyestrain can have lasting effects, namely, vision problems. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice the quality of your work in order to avoid straining your eyes. Read on to learn some easy ways to recognize the symptoms of eyestrain, along with efficient solutions to protect your peepers throughout the workday.

Spotting the Symptoms

Have you ever experienced a pounding headache or dry eyes after a day of back-to-back appointments? You’re not alone. Unfortunately, thanks to endless hours spent prepping nails, building meticulous acrylic extensions and creating detailed designs, eye irritation is extremely common, yet most nail artists write off any discomfort as “part of the job.” Ashland, Virginia-based nail artist Kenny Vo didn’t realize how much he was straining his eyes until a fellow tech pointed it out to him. “In order to see my clients’ nails, I was constantly moving the nail closer to my eye, to the point where it was only 6 inches away from my face,” admits Vo. Other often-overlooked symptoms include itchy or watery eyes, tension headaches and fatigue. Celebrity manicurist Mar y Sol Inzerillo admits that it wasn’t until she ultimately lost a client that she realized her vision was in trouble. “At a press event, I noticed one of my clients waving her hand at me to show off her nail art,” recalls the New York-based tech. “I started squinting to see her nails, but the client mistook my expression as a dirty look and no longer wanted to work with me.”

RELATED: Nail Clinic – Heel Spurs

Setting Up Your Space

Implementing a few changes into your workspace may drastically reduce eyestrain. “The eyes see best with light, so it’s imperative that your workspace has ample illumination,” stresses Dr. Zhu. Selecting the right type of lighting is critical. “Natural lighting is best, or opt for LED lights that mimic outdoor lighting,” suggests Los Angeles-based tech Nidia Guzman. Avoid bright fluorescent tube bulbs or yellow lighting, which may cause even more eye discomfort. Another factor to consider? Blue light, the type of light emitted from smartphones and tablets, can also irritate the eyes. To reduce its effects, limit screen time and turn down the brightness levels.

To minimize squinting, position the client’s hand as close to your eyes as comfortable. “Opt for a chair with lumbar support that allows you to sit straight up and see the client’s nails without leaning over the nail table,” suggests Los Angles-based nail artist Karen Rivas. Inzerillo also suggests using a hand rest to prop up your client’s hand. Don’t have a hand rest available? Follow Inzerillo’s lead and get creative. “On set, I’ll use a paper towel over a gel lamp and put my client’s hand on top, or I’ll even place the hand on a paper towel roll,” she says.

Relaxing the Muscles

Much like you wouldn’t lift weights for hours on end without taking a break, you must rest your eyes as well. Dr. Zhu’s top suggestion for relaxing the eyes is to follow the “20-20-20 rule”: Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. A few other easy exercises to implement regularly during your workday: Close your eyes, raise your eyebrows or massage the pressure points between your eyes. To relieve dryness, apply one drop of artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to each eye every few hours. You can also apply a cold eye mask at the end of the day to relieve any pain or discomfort.

RELATED: Nail Clinic – Restless Legs Syndrome

Next Steps

Still noticing eyestrain after an eight hour day? Glasses or magnification lenses may be the way to go. “If you’re in the presbyopic age range (over 40 years old), try using over-the-counter reading glasses within the range of +1.50 to + 2.50 power to enhance your vision while working,” advises Dr. Zhu. “The older you are, the higher power you need.” Traditional reading glasses not your thing? Invest in a freestanding magnifying lens or magnifying loupe glasses similar to what dentists or surgeons wear. (Bonus: Glasses or goggles can also protect your eyes from flying debris when filing.) Regardless of the state of your current vision, yearly eye exams are crucial for techs. “Annual eye exams can rule out any eye diseases that may contribute to eye strain, especially dry eye, which is frequently under-diagnosed,” stresses Dr. Zhu. “Nail professionals must take the proper measures now to prevent their vision from worsening,” agrees Guzman. “If we don’t, we could damage our eyes in a manner that prohibits us from working in the future.”

Eyestrain Facts*

Approximately 80% of all vision impairment globally is considered avoidable.

An estimated 1.3 billion people globally live with some type of vision impairment.

Roughly 61 million adults in the United States are at high risk for serious vision loss, but only half visited an eye doctor in the past 12 months.

Approximately 80% of American adults report using digital devices for more than two hours a day, with 59% experiencing symptoms of digital eyestrain.

Nearly 1.8 million Americans aged 40 years and older are affected by age-related macular degeneration, an eye disorder associated with aging that results in damaging sharp or central vision.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov; Vision Council, visioncouncil.org; World Health Organization, who.int

–by Taylor Foley

[Image: Getty Images]

This story first appeared in the July issue of Nailpro magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

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Your client’s inflamed skin may be dermatitis. Here’s what you need to know before you begin the service.

As a nail tech, you get up close and personal with people’s hands and feet on a daily basis. That’s why, if your regular client shows up for her biweekly manicure with evidence of dermatitis on her hands, you’re going to notice. In fact, you’ve probably already seen many instances of these red, scaly and sometimes itchy areas on your clients’ skin, because it’s as common as it is noticeable. The good news about dermatitis is that it isn’t contagious. However, it should never be ignored.

What is Dermatitis?

“‘Dermatitis is a term that technically means ‘inflammation of the skin,’” explains Amber Reck Atwater, MD, president of the American Contact Dermatitis Society and director of the Contact Dermatitis & Patch Testing Center at Duke Dermatology in Durham, North Carolina. “Most of the time, the word refers to eczema or a rash, and there are several skin problems that fit within the category.” To help sort it out, Dr. Atwater cites the 2017 American Academy of Dermatology study “The Burden of Skin Disease in the United States,” which singles out three of the most common types of dermatitis: contact, atopic and seborrheic dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis occurs as a result of actual contact with an allergen or irritant. “A good example of allergic contact dermatitis is a rash that develops after contact with the acrylates present in nail enhancement products or paraphenylenediamine (PPD) in hair dye,” says Dr. Atwater. “In the case of allergy to nail polish, gel or acrylic, there may be a rash along the nail folds and even in places like the face, eyelids and neck. Allergy to massage oils and other mani- pedi products like lotions may result in a rash in the areas where the products were applied.”

RELATED: Test Yourself July 2019 – Eyestrain

Irritant contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is the result of direct chemical damage to the skin. “Chemicals like acetone can cause an irritant contact dermatitis if they are accidentally applied to the skin,” warns Dr. Atwater, who adds that even frequent handwashing can lead to irritant contact dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is another term for eczema, which is a complex skin condition with many potential causes, including environmental factors, the immune system, genetics and skin barrier dysfunction. There are eight subcategories of eczema identified by the National Eczema Association. Common locations for eczema in adults include flexural areas like the elbow folds and behind the knees.

Seborrheic dermatitis is what we commonly refer to as “dandruff.” It’s most often seen in areas where hair grows, such as on the scalp, eyebrows and beard. “It may be the result of the immune system’s response to normal yeast on the skin,” says Dr. Atwater. There’s also a less common form of dermatitis called stasis dermatitis—it’s often characterized by swelling of the legs and a rash on the front and inside portions of the lower leg—and is thought to be related to vein function.

Doctor’s Orders

While red, irritated skin may indeed be dermatitis, if you spot these symptoms on a client’s skin, don’t assume that’s what you’re looking at. Physicians are generally able to diagnose the various forms of dermatitis via examination and medical history. Sometimes, allergy (patch) testing is used. “It’s difficult to know if a red, scaly rash is dermatitis or a fungal infection,” points out Dr. Atwater. “Fungal infections can also be red and scaly, and such infections are mildly contagious. This is another reason that referral to a dermatologist is important.”

RELATED: Nail Clinic – Understanding Psoriasis

If you have a client who exhibits serious signs of dermatitis on her hands, arms, feet or legs, steer clear, warns Janet McCormick, MS, educator, author and co-owner of Nailcare Academy. “Frankly, most clients will not even come in for a mani or pedi if they have any type of dermatitis on those areas,” says McCormick. “But if they do, they should be gently told that it would be best to wait until after the area is clear to receive a service.”

Treatment depends on the type of dermatitis and its cause. Often, doctors prescribe a topical anti-inflammatory, as well as oral medications, such as antihistamines, and even antibiotics if infection is suspected. “Once a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is in place, the client can then work with the nail technician to identify the best products for his or her nail care,” says Dr. Atwater.

Take Care

Even when dermatitis symptoms are mild, techs should still proceed with caution. “The first thing I do with a client like that is check her health intake sheet if I’m not already aware of the situation,” says Denise Baich, a Certified Advanced Nail Technician, Certified Medical Nail Technician and Certified Safe Nail Professional whose St. Louis-based nail care suite, The Pedicure Plus, is located next door to a podiatry center. Based on the intake information and the severity of the client’s symptoms, Baich might defer the decision to her podiatrist neighbors. “I explain to the client that the possibility of a pedicure that day is slim and call the podiatrist in or text him a photo with a message,” says Baich. “They usually respond quickly, and then the decision on whether a pedicure is to be performed rests with them, not me.”

Whether you have a medical professional to consult or not, a health intake sheet is still key. “If the client has a chronic illness, such as diabetes, a minor irritation could be the precursor to an ulcer, which should not be pressed in any way,” cautions McCormick. “Ask the client if she knows the cause of the irritation, and whether a doctor has approved the treatment.”

When Baich encounters a client whose skin is just a little red and she isn’t experiencing heat, pain or irritation, she relies on her training and experience to go ahead with the service. All of her pedicure services are waterless—a recommended modification for anyone suffering from skin irritation—and she takes care to avoid the use of any potential allergens or irritants. McCormick adds some caveats: “There should be no exfoliation and no massage over the affected area,” she says. “Also, no heated mitts, paraffin or warm stones, and no lotions containing lactic acid.” As always, when in doubt, refer the client to a physician and continue the service once her skin has healed.

Dermatitis Facts

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema) occurs in approximately 7.3% of adults in the United States.
• Contact dermatitis comprises 95% of all of the skin disorders that develop as a result of a person’s occupation.
• Clinically significant seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) affects about 3% of the U.S. population, whereas mild to moderate cases affect about half.
• Approximately 80% of contact dermatitis cases in the United States are irritant-based (20% are allergic).

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, aad.org; Haz-Map, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, hazmap.nlm.nih.gov; Denis Sasseville, MD, FRCPC, uptodate.com; National Eczema Association, nationaleczema.org

–by Linda Kossoff

[Image: Getty Images]

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