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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Chemotherapy can cause your nails to become brittle and grow slower than usual or become very soft. It is common to see a white or dark ridge in the nail after several weeks of chemotherapy. Clip your nails short and protect them from added stress, but do not cut your cuticles. Don't use artificial nails; they could possibly cause a hard to treat fungal infection. Do not use alcohol-based polish or polish remover.

Answer: The correct application of FUNG OFF is under the free edge. FUNG OFF will not effect acrylic nails.

Answer: Although face-to-face sessions in one of our offices is preferable, we can do appointments over the phone supplemented with email attachments for forms and handouts. This has been done successfully with a number of my clients in the past.

If you know your prescription, then try: Am I Suitable? for a quick check. The only way to know for sure and to find the best treatment for you is to come see us for a FREE consultation.

The treatment of nails is very difficult. You should keep them short to prevent further damage from catching them, and ask your doctor about having the clippings analysed to make sure you do not have a fungal infection. A fungal infection can be an additional problem in damaged nails but can also mimic the typical changes of psoriasis. Topical vitamin D agents on the affected part can sometimes work if applied and covered with polythene, but this may only be practical at night.

Just call! We are in the office 7 days a week to assist you. If you must leave a message, someone will return your call within 1 hour. (Back to top) Yes. We offer the most comprehensive warranty in the industry: 10-year workmanship warranty against defects, and a 5-year no-fade warranty against sunlight damage. Although we offer 10 years of warranties, All Pro Putting Greens stands behind its products 100%. (Back to top)

ANSWER: Scarring of the proximal nail fold region involving the matrix (nail growth center) is referred to as pterygium (not to be confused with the common cuticle overgrowth that is often incorrectly referred to as pterygium). This disorder is actually an overgrowth of the proximal nail fold onto the nail bed. By definition, pterygium forms if there is scar tissue in the nail matrix.

Answer: There is a dedicated therapy staff for pediatric and adult patients. The clinic staff treats patients of all ages.

STAINLESS STEEL TEKON treatment keeps Acquinox products cleaner and brighter by repelling water, dust and environmental contaminants that cause corrosion, oxidation and staining. Maintenance is greatly reduced and harmful chemicals are avoided altogether.

In the case of severe sunburn accompanied by fever and blistered skin, see your doctor fro medical treatment. Sunburns in infants are and should be treated as medical emergencies.