A perfectly manicured hand is one where the nails are strong and smooth, with no discoloration, jagged cuticles or other signs of abuse. So what about nails that are less than perfect? Since many health problems have an impact on the nails, it’s worth listening to what your hands have to say.

Next time you have a client sit down for a manicure, if you notice any of these signs you may want to point them out. According to Dr. Ariel Ostad, a Manhattan Board Certified Dermatologist, nails can say a lot about your client’s health. See what he says to watch out for:

Beware of Dangerous UVA Rays at the Nail Salon: Doctors raised the alarm after two women developed tumors on their hands from exposure to ultra-violet lamps used to fix artificial nails. The lamps can also be bought for home use. But experts now fear the high dose of UVA rays—the most dangerous form of ultra-violet light they produce could be damaging skin cells. “Regular users should have their hands and fingers inspected for signs of cancerous growths,” says Dr. Ostad. Because the matrix originates under the cuticle, getting a manicure can harm it if the equipment isn’t sterilized. And when a drill is inserted under the cuticle to smooth it, the matrix cells can be ground up so badly that they cannot regenerate. Nail sculpture chemicals can also drip down into the matrix, causing damage. “When the matrix cells are damaged, they may never grow properly again, and the nail will always be deformed,” says Dr. Ostad.

It’s the Pits. When the normally smooth surface of the fingernail has several small dents or pits in it, that can be a signal that something is going on beneath the nail. Most often, the cause of those dents is psoriasis  Read More…