A regular client sits down and the skin around one fingernail is red, shiny, swollen and painful, with a small amount of pus at the nail fold. What is the correct action?

Explanation

Redness, swelling, pain and pus are classic signs of an active infection, and a manicurist may not service infected skin or nails. You should politely explain that you cannot perform the service and recommend she see a physician. Squeezing pus spreads bacteria and can drive the infection deeper, working around the finger still puts your implements and the next client at risk, and naming the condition and recommending an antibiotic is a medical diagnosis you are not licensed to make.