Fungos nas unhas no salão de beleza

Como identificá-la, interrompê-la, tratá-la e quando consultar um podólogo

If you work in a nail salon, chances are you’ve encountered nail fungus in the salon without even realising it. These infections, known as onychomycosis, are more common than many people think. Although they aren’t immediately dangerous, they can be persistent and unsightly, making them difficult to eradicate. This underscores the importance of early detection and effective management, especially in a salon setting where hygiene is critical.

So, how do you spot nail fungus early, what should you do if a client has it, and when is it time to refer them to a podiatrist? Let’s break it all down, step by step.

O que são fungos nas unhas (onicomicose)?

Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a slow-growing infection caused by fungal organisms called dermatophytes. These fungi feed on keratin, one of the proteins that makes up nails and skin, leading to thickened, discoloured, and often unhas quebradiças.

A infecção pode começar em uma unha e, se não for tratada, pode se espalhar para outras, inclusive para as unhas das mãos, embora as unhas dos pés sejam muito mais comumente afetadas.

But here’s the kicker: nail fungus is stubborn. It doesn’t clear up on its own and often requires months of treatment. That’s why early detection and proper management are so important especially in a salon setting where hygiene is everything.

Identificação de fungos nas unhas no salão de beleza

Nos estágios iniciais, unha com fungos infections can be sneaky. They don’t always scream “Hey, I’m a fungal infection!” Em vez disso, elas geralmente começam pequenas, com apenas uma leve descoloração em algum lugar dentro ou ao redor da unha ou leito ungueal. Com o tempo, porém, eles se tornam muito mais óbvios.

Sinais e sintomas a serem observados:

Descoloração – Yellow, white, or brown patches on the nail. Some nails may even appear greenish or black in severe cases.
Espessamento – The nail may become unusually thick, making it difficult to cut.
Fragilidade – The edges of the nail may crumble, split, or break away easily.
Lifting (Onycholysis) – The nail may separate from the nail bed, creating a gap where dirt and bacteria can collect.
Distorção – The shape of the nail may change, becoming more curved or uneven.
Odor – In some cases, fungal nails can develop a slightly unpleasant smell.

Fungal nails don’t always cause pain, but if the infection progresses, the thickened nail can press against shoes, leading to discomfort or even secondary bacterial infections.

Diagnóstico diferencial: é realmente uma infecção fúngica?

Not every thick, discoloured, or damaged nail is caused by fungus. As a nail technician, it’s important to know the difference between a fungal infection and other conditions that can mimic it.

Condições que podem se parecer com fungos nas unhas:

Trauma – Repeated pressure from tight shoes or injury can cause thickening, white patches, and even nail detachment.
Psoríase – Psoriatic nails often have pitting (small dents), thickening, and a yellowish or red discolouration.
Eczema & Other Skin Conditions – These can cause brittle, flaky nails that may look similar to fungal infections.
Infecções bacterianas – Greenish nails, often seen in salon clients, are usually caused by a Pseudomonas bactérias em vez de fungos.
Envelhecimento das unhas – As we age, our nails naturally thicken and become more brittle, which can sometimes mimic fungal changes.

If you’re unsure whether a client has a fungal infection or another condition, do not attempt to diagnose it yourself. Remember, accurately identifying nail fungus in the salon is crucial for appropriate referral to a podiatrist for proper testing and confirmation.

O que você deve fazer se encontrar fungos nas unhas no salão de beleza?

1. Não realize um tratamento na unha afetada

It’s tempting to try and cover up a discoloured nail that may or may not be a fungal infection with polish or gel, but that won’t solve the problem. In fact, it can make things worse by trapping moisture and encouraging fungal growth. Plus, working on an infected nail puts your clients at risk especially if they are not properly cleaned and disinfected.

Instead, gently explain to the client what you’ve noticed and recommend they seek professional advice.

2. Desinfetar tudo

Fungal infections spread through tiny spores, which can linger on tools, nail files, and in footbaths. To prevent cross-contamination:

Lave todas as ferramentas e superfícies de metal com água e sabão primeiro
Use desinfetantes de grau hospitalar em todas as superfícies e ferramentas de metal.
Dispose of single-use items like nail files and buffers.
Limpe adequadamente os pedilúvios entre os clientes.

3. Aconselhar o cliente sobre as próximas etapas

If you suspect a fungal nail infection, advise your client to visit a podiatrist. Many people don’t realise that fungal infections need medical treatment, simply cutting or filing the nail won’t make it go away. The only way to be sure it is a fungal infection is to test for it.

Opções de tratamento para unhas com fungos

Uma vez diagnosticados, os clientes têm uma série de opções de tratamento. Como técnico de unhas, a compreensão desses tratamentos o ajudará a instruir seus clientes e a apoiá-los em sua jornada pela saúde das unhas.

1. Antifúngicos tópicos (vernizes, cremes e soluções)

Eles são aplicados diretamente na unha e podem ajudar em casos leves, embora exijam o uso regular por meses. As opções mais populares incluem:

Amorolfina (Loceryl) – A medicated nail lacquer.
Terbinafine (Lamisil)- Um forte spray antifúngico
Ciclopirox (Curanail) – Another antifungal varnish.
Tea Tree Oil & Natural Remedies – Some clients swear by them, but results vary.

2. Medicamentos antifúngicos orais (somente com prescrição médica)

For more severe cases, podiatrists may prescribe oral antifungals like:

Terbinafina – One of the most effective options, usually taken for 3–6 months.
Itraconazole (Sporanox) – Another option, often used for those who can’t take terbinafine.

3. Terapia a laser

Some clinics offer laser treatment to target fungal infections. This can be effective, but it’s expensive and not always widely available and again results vary.

4. Remoção de unhas (em casos extremos)

Se a infecção for grave, o podólogo pode recomendar a remoção completa da unha. Isso permite o tratamento direto do leito ungueal e evita que o fungo se espalhe ainda mais.

Quando consultar um podólogo

As a salon professional, you’re not expected to diagnose or treat fungal infections—but you can play a vital role in guiding your clients to the right help.

Encaminhar um cliente a um podólogo se:

A unha está espessada, descolorida ou esfarelando.
A infecção está se espalhando por várias unhas.
O cliente está com a infecção há muito tempo, sem melhora.
The client has diabetes or poor circulation (these conditions increase the risk of complications).
A unha está se levantando ou causando dor.

Os podólogos podem confirmar se o problema é fúngico (usando testes de laboratório, se necessário) e oferecer o tratamento mais adequado.

Considerações finais: Protegendo seus clientes e seu salão de beleza

Fungal nails are a common but often overlooked issue in salons. As a professional, your job isn’t just to make nails look pretty—it’s also to protect your clients’ health.

By learning to recognise possible fungal infections, maintaining strict hygiene standards, and referring clients to podiatrists when needed, you’re setting yourself apart as a knowledgeable and responsible nail technician.

And let’s be honest, nobody wants fungus ruining their flawless pedicure. So, stay vigilant, educate your clients, and keep your salon a fungus-free zone.