Nail Conditions & Disorders, Footcare Conditions & Benefits of Massage Therapy NAIL CONDITIONS & DISORDERS Beaus Lines – Wavy horizontal ridges across the nail plate, often caused through illness, medication, or heart disease. Light buffing can help improve this condition. Furrows – Ridges from the matrix to free edge often caused through arthritis, incorrect removal of nail extensions, or damage to matrix. Light buffing can help improve this condition. A dark polish or opal polish will highlight the ridges, so it is recommended to apply a clear or light polish. Leukonychia – White spots in the nail plate, which are commonly mistaken as the result of calcium deficiency, are actually caused by calcium deficiency and minor trauma to the nail. White spots will grow up and out so one should treat the nail with care and avoid pressure. Leukonychia is commonly caused through over filing when blending nail extensions. Eggshell Nails – Thin, curved over the free edge and fragile nails. Improper diet and severe medication can cause this condition. In this case it is best to keep the nails short and avoid pressure. Hangnail – A small tear or split in the cuticle, which can be removed with cuticle nippers during a manicure. Regular nail treatments are needed to improve dry skin conditions. Clubbing — Your fingertips widen and become round while the nails curve around your fingertips. Caused by enlargement in connective tissue as compensation for a chronic lack of oxygen. Lung disease is present in 80 percent of people who have clubbed fingers. Half-and-Half (Lindsay’s nails) — an arc of brownish discoloration. May appear in a small percentage of people who have a kidney disorder. Onycholysis (ON-i-ko-LY-sis) — The nail separates from the nail bed. Most of the time, this problem is associated with physical injury (trauma), psoriasis, drug reactions, fungal disease or contact dermatitis from using nail hardeners. Sometimes onycholysis can be related to an over/under active thyroid gland, iron deficiency, or syphilis. Spoon nails — Soft nails that look scooped out. Depression is usually large enough to hold a drop of liquid. This condition often indicates iron deficiency. Terry’s nails — The nail looks opaque and white, but the nail tip has a dark pink to brown band. This can be a symptom of cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, adult-onset diabetes, cancer, or aging. NAIL DISEASES Nail technicians are trained to recognize the following nail diseases. Nail technicians will not diagnosis, nor work on clients with the following diseases: BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY Studies have found massage helpful for a number of conditions, including: Pain — Pain is decreased in people with Fibromyalgia, migraines and recent surgery. Back pain may also be relieved by massage. The aging process brings with it postural changes due to less intervertebral cushioning, as well as repetitive motions and habits. Massage relaxes muscles, thereby giving the skeletal system more room to breathe, hence it lessens pain. Anxiety — Massage reduces anxiety in cases of stress, depression, loss of a loved one, loss of appetite, and it helps ease withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking, or changing medications. Sports-related soreness — For those who are active, receiving massages after exercise, especially targeting muscles used most in the chosen sport or activity. Massage may help increase blood flow to your muscles and reduce muscle soreness after you exercise. Withdrawal symptoms — Massage during withdrawal from alcohol or certain medications has shown benefits when combined with traditional medical treatment by increasing feelings of support, safety and engagement in the therapy. Immune system — People with HIV who participate in massage studies show an increased number of natural killer cells, which defend the body from viral and cancer cells. Even for those without a major health concern, moving toxins out of the body with the help of massage may boost the immune system. Medical treatment — People with cancer or other serious health conditions who receive regularly scheduled massage therapy during treatment report less anxiety, pain and fatigue. Self-esteem — Because massage involves direct contact with another person through touch, it can make you feel cared for. That special attention can improve self-image in people with physical disabilities, terminal illnesses, or the normal aging process. Contra-indications: Risks of massage — For many conditions and injuries, massage may be a means to help you feel more relaxed, less anxious and reduce pain. It is one of several useful tools for managing your health but should not take the place of standard medical treatment and exercise. Massage is generally safe for most people and circumstances, however, discuss massage with your doctor before making an appointment if you have (or suspect that you have): • Burns or open wounds on the area to be massaged • Had a recent heart attack • Cancer — you’ll want to avoid direct pressure on the tumor area Infection and Inflammation – Often the nail or finger will appear red and swollen. This can mean that there is a bacterial infection present. • Deep vein thrombosis Atrophy – An injury or disease of the nail, where the nail plate will be wasting away. • Rheumatoid arthritis in the area to be massaged Hypertrophy – A fungal infection where the nail plate will become very thick and over grown at the side walls. If there is no infection present, nails can be buffed regularly to thin the nail plate. This condition can be hereditary. • Severe osteoporosis Whitlow – A bacterial infection, often the result of hangnails becoming infected. The infection may result in permanent damage to nail plate. • Unhealed fractures Massage done properly rarely leads to severe injuries. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your risk of injury. Asking questions can help you feel more at ease and reduce health risks. Warts – A viral infection with lumps on the hands and fingers. They are very contagious and this should be referred to the GP immediately. Ringworm – A fungal infection, white patches are often found on the nail plate as a result of rotting on the nail. Oychosmadesis – An injury or disease that can cause the nail plate to lift away from the cuticle (a new nail grows and pushes the old nail plate off). The nail must be allowed to re-grow fully before any treatments. Onycholosis – An infection where trauma or psoriasis have caused the nail plate to detach from the nail bed starting at the free edge. Care should be taken, as the nail can be easily ripped off. This is very common after incorrect or home removal of nail extensions. 503.530.8888 res • Manicu • Haircuts c Massages g n li ty S Hair peuti home s • Thera Pedicure fort of your own m o c e th in ER Y PEP K AT H WNER O .8888 503.530 www.ToYourDoorSpaAndSalon.com ighway 4 Pacific H 22 16200 SW igard, Oregon 97 0, T 11 B M P , #H lon.com paAndSa n.com rS o o rD u Salo oYo Kathy@T ourDoorSpaAnd www.ToY