ANSWER: Nails may be grooved in two directions: from side to side or from the cuticle outward. (Do not confuse these with normal ridges that often appear in older clients.) When the grooves are from the cuticle outward, they are called longitudinal grooves of the nail, and these are most commonly caused by a cyst, or a little growth in the skin next to the proximal nail fold. To treat this type of cyst, called a myxoma, a doctor typically performs some form of surgery. See similar questions...

ANSWER: The most common bacterial infection of the nails is due to pseudomonas, and is sometimes referred to as "green nails" because of the greenish-colored nail plate. Pseudomonas is generally caused from air pockets under the nail plate that allow mositure to get in and the green pigment-producing organism thrives in the moist environment. This is usually accompanied by onycholysis (lifting nail), so a dermatologist should intervene. See similar questions...

ANSWER: When the nail plate becomes dehydrated, the results can be peeling and splitting nails, which fray at the edges. As a consequence, the nails may break and become more fragile, and can easily catch on clothing. It may also be harder for clients with brittle nails to pick up small objects or button a shirt. This condition also causes polish to chip and peel, although it is still a good idea for the client to wear polish to help protect the nail plate from further dehydration. See similar questions...

ANSWER: White spots on the nail is perhaps the most common nail disorder and are called leukonychia, which literally means "whiteness of the nails." There are many types of nail whiteness, some of which indicate serious illness; fortunately, by far the most common cause of white spots on the nail is minor injury to the nail matrix. Caused by trauma or minor injury to the nail matrix, these spots will grow out from the matrix with the nail plate and eventually disappear. See similar questions...

ANSWER: Nail technicians can't actually treat fungal infection, but they should be able to recognize some of the signs of this problem. The green spots frequently seen on clients with extensions are more often pseudomonas and frequently are confused for fungus. (See the next question.) Fungus organisms love to infest wide, open spaces. Keeping nails trimmed short will help prevent this, thus reducing trauma and creating less area for the fungus to invade. See similar questions...

ANSWER: When a nail is injured, it can assume a number of different appearances. The most common, of course, would be a discoloration of the nail plate due to bleeding under or around the nail. This condition is referred to as a subungual hematoma, or hemorrhage in the nail plate (similar to a bruise on the skin). When this occurs, the blood accumulates under the nail and it usually causes the nail plate to separate from the nail bed. See similar questions...

ANSWER: In and of themselves and when applied properly, acrylic nails are safe. What contributes to the "danger" to clients is repeated exposure to the chemicals on the skin. Most of the chemicals used to create artificial nails are acrylic-based. Certainly they would be dangerous if ingested, but it is not likely that any significant amount of the products can go through the nails into the bloodstream. The danger is when products are applied improperly. See similar questions...

ANSWER: Cold weather can wreak havoc on your client's hands and nails. Special care must be taken during the winter months to combat the nail-related problems associated with this time of year. Some of the nail conditions you are likely to see include brittle nail syndrome, bacterial infections, and Raynaud's Phenomenon. (For information on brittle nail syndrome, fungal infections, and bacterial infections, please see the individual questions. See similar questions...

Generally, migraine begins as a dull ache and then develops into a constant throbbing and pulsating pain that you may feel at the temples, as well as the front or back of one or both sides of the head. The pain is usually accompanied by a combination of nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. Some people (about 15% of migraine sufferers) experience an aura before an attack. The cause of migraine is believed to be chemical reactions in the brain. See similar questions...

Hives are a skin rash of pink or white irregular-sized welts that itch. They are usually an allergic reaction to something. Just about anything can cause hives including; medicines, food, viruses, and even local irritants. The best treatment is to determine the underlying cause and remove it, if possible. Benadryl or other antihistamines are helpful to control itchiness, but hives often recur when the medication wears off. See similar questions...

a - Nail technicians should be able to recognize some of the signs of fungal infections. The green spots frequently seen on clients with extensions are more often pseudomonas (bacterial infection because of moist in air pockets under the nail plate) and frequently are confused for fungus. Fungus organisms love to infest wide and open spaces. There are all kind of medications available for treating nail fungus, which should be discussed with your dermatologist. See similar questions...

Answer: I treat people of all ages from newborn to elderly who have problems sleeping or with nightmares. Specific problems include: See similar questions...

Answer: Nails can split or yellow for a number of reasons. Excessive exposure to the elements or chemicals, poor diet, nail biting and other habits can be the cause. To strengthen nails, use OPI’s Nail Envy™ Natural Nail Hardener. See similar questions...

Answer: The actual cause of varicose veins is inefficient, faulty vein valves. These valves don't close properly, allowing blood to leak back with gravity and pool in the vein. This causes the veins to bulge and stretch and result in many unpleasant side effects such as aching and throbbing pain, heavy and tired legs, and poor circulation. See similar questions...

Answer: It is not known completely what causes diabetes. It appears that both genetics (family history) and environmental factors (obesity, inactivity) play a role in the development of diabetes. If you have a family history of diabetes, there is a good chance you may have the gene for diabetes. Stress, sickness, lack of exercise, and being overweight can all trigger your diabetes to show up earlier in life. See similar questions...

Cluster headache gets its name because the attacks come in groups. The pain arrives with little, if any, warning and is usually on one side of the head. A tearing or bloodshot eye and a runny nose on the side of the headache may also accompany the pain. Cluster headache, believed to be caused by chemical reactions in the brain, has been described as the most severe and intense of any headache type. Treatment for cluster headache includes prescription medication and oxygen. See similar questions...

When a sinus becomes inflamed, usually as the result of an allergic reaction, a tumor, or an infection, the inflammation will cause a localized pain. If your headache is truly caused by a sinus blockage, such as an infection, you will probably have a fever. An x-ray will confirm a sinus blockage. Your physician's treatment might include antibiotics for the infection, as well as antihistamines or decongestants. Click here for more information. See similar questions...

A pattern of taking acute headache medications too often (more than two days per week) or in excessive amounts (more than the label or a doctor advises) can lead to a condition known as "rebound headache." With rebound headache, your medications not only stop relieving pain, they actually begin to cause headaches. Doctors treat rebound headache by tapering the medication that is being overused, sometimes by gradually substituting a different type of treatment or medication. See similar questions...

Answer: A Beautiful, well-groomed nail is an important part of your overall look. Attractive nails and hands enhance your appearance, whether you spend your days in a kitchen or in a boardroom. A basic manicure takes between 30-45 minutes. Artificial nail services, such as tips, acrylics and gels, average about an hour. The cost is quite reasonable, and the results are well worth it. See similar questions...

Answer: Yes, if your nail technician uses good products, such as the OPI acrylic system, and applies and maintains them correctly. Artificial nails can actually improve the health of your natural nails by protecting them from biting, picking, excess moisture and other elements that can weaken or damage them. See similar questions...