Skin & Nail ServicesQuestion 422 of 484

A manicurist sees that a regular client's nail plate is gradually thinning and developing horizontal grooves after a year of biweekly gel manicures with aggressive electric filing. The most likely cause is:

a.Vitamin deficiency the manicurist should treat with biotin
b.Repeated mechanical thinning of the nail plate from over-filing, plus possible irritation from removal soaks; reduce filing pressure, lengthen intervals between services, and counsel the client
c.An undiagnosed thyroid disease the manicurist should mention to the client by name
d.Fungal infection requiring an antifungal lacquer

Explanation

Chronic aggressive e-filing thins the nail plate, weakens its dorsal layers, and produces longitudinal and horizontal irregularities; long acetone soaks during gel removal further dehydrate the plate and surrounding skin. The professional response is mechanical: reduce filing pressure, use a finer grit, lengthen intervals between services, and use plastic-wrap foil soaks no longer than necessary. California licensees may not diagnose vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, or fungal infections (CCR Title 16 §980.3 and BBC scope), so options A, C, and D crossing into medical territory are wrong. Counseling the client on filing pressure and service interval is within scope.

Law Reference: CCR Title 16 §980.3

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