Several times daily pictures are sent to various social media groups asking what a nail condition is and can a service be carried out. What follows is usually a vast array of diagnosis and suggested treatments, the question “are you qualified” and several ‘no, you’re not insured’ or refer to a doctor.
The correct answer is that, unless the nail professional has advanced and suitable qualifications or is medically trained, a diagnosis must not be made nor any treatment suggestions. Our remit is to only work on healthy nails. However, there still needs to be some recognition of the condition, especially if an allergy is suspected. Just a picture is often not enough for any informed help as more information is usually needed.
Cómo tratar las afecciones de las uñas y la piel debe ser el tema de otro Blog. Éste trata de algo diferente.
Aunque se trata de una minoría muy pequeña, parece que ahora hay publicaciones de fotos con afecciones menores de las uñas con el comentario de que ¡el servicio de uñas fue rechazado! Algunas de ellas, en mi opinión, no tenían por qué haber sido rechazadas.
A well-educated and informed nail professional CAN deal with a whole range of conditions before a refusal, or a referral is needed. Maybe the required service needs some restriction or adaptation e.g., avoid soaking, shorter enhancements, added strength, thinner coating, avoid exfoliation, replace UV gel polish with traditional polish etc.
Or maybe, if something might be ‘brewing’ a clear UV gel base with a nail polish so it can be easily removed, and the nail plate checked no more that 2 weeks later.
Así que, volviendo a la pregunta original: ¿todas las advertencias nefastas (muchas en estos blogs) están asustando a algunos para que rechacen un servicio de uñas? Creo que puede ser el caso de algunas. Es una situación mejor que la de aquellos que ignoran las advertencias y siguen adelante de todos modos, pero ¿se están perdiendo clientes que podrían beneficiarse de un asesoramiento profesional y tal vez de un servicio de uñas adaptado?
Todo depende de la formación y los conocimientos. Con estas dos cosas, todo profesional de las uñas debería tener confianza en sus consejos a las clientas. El cliente no es el profesional y la mayoría agradecerá un consejo bueno, lógico y con sentido.
As a last word (but one), it can be difficult to get a doctor’s appointment. Many GPs are not interested in ‘nails’ or maybe don’t have enough understanding and are not willing to refer on. Also, a letter from a GP usually has a cost involved as it is considered to be a private request. A podiatrist can often diagnose nail conditions as can a pharmacist. They may be an easier option.
Very last word: EDUCATION! You cannot possibly gain all the necessary knowledge from a very short course! So, when those people on SM ask if the poster is qualified the answer for some could be “yes, but not very well”.

