Clive Anderson
MANICURES AND pedicures are an essential part of good grooming and stylish dressing for many people. Many ladies regularly have their 'mani/pedi' done and find it relaxing and enjoyable. Increasing numbers of males are also availing themselves of these services.
Each part of the nail structure plays a very important role in the overall health of the nail.
The nail root is the potion of the nail under the skin behind the fingernail. This is the area where the nail is being manufactured and any injury or infection in this area will result in a damaged unhealthy looking nail being produced.
The nail bed lies under the nail plate and contains blood vessels, nerves and pigment producing cells. This area adds cells to the underside of the nail giving it thickness and strength. If the nail bed is not smooth the nails may split or develop grooves.
The nail plate is the actual fingernail and is made up of translucent keratin. The pink colour comes from the blood vessels under the nail plate.
The cuticle of the nail is located between the nail plate and the skin of the finger. It fuses these structures together and provides a waterproof seal. It protects the vital nail producing area in the nail root from water, soap, detergents, and other harmful substances. It also forms an impregnable barrier that keeps out invaders, such as bacteria, yeasts and fungi.
Professional grooming of the nails involves cutting the nail according to the prevailing fashion and improving the cosmetic appearance of the nails. The current fashion is to cut the nails in a gentle arc, shorter at the sides. Although this style is pleasing to look at, it predisposes to ingrown nails and cracking of the nail plate, especially in the toenails. It is better to cut the nail straight across leaving the sides longer. The nail plate is then buffed with creams containing abrasives and wax to add shine.
CARE THE CUTICLE
Under no circumstances should the cuticle be cut or traumatised in any way as this will damage the seal and allow water and micro-organisms to enter the nail root leading to infection and nail damage. Most problems that arise from a professional manicure or pedicure are related to trimming or pushing the cuticle. Sometimes cuticle removers are used. These products contain an alkali that destroys cuticle keratin. Cuticle softeners contain a quaternary ammonium
compound designed to soften the cuticle and aid in its removal. These products are not recommended as they may, besides damaging the cuticular seal, cause softening of the nail and an irritant contact dermatitis of the finger.
At the spa or nail technician, protect your nails by ensuring that items that cannot be disinfected like emery boards, buffers and toe separators are not reused. Carry along your own manicure and pedicure set that you have cleaned and disinfected after each use. If you are not using your own kit, ensure that all instruments are cleaned and disinfected after each client. The manicurist should remove the clean instruments from the disinfectant solution in front of you. Make sure that pedicure tub is cleaned and disinfected after each use. Any area in the spa where clients step with bare feet should be disinfected after each client.
Dr. Clive Anderson is a dermatologist and venereologist: email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
