Anatomy & DisordersQuestion 76 of 100
A client has living skin that has grown forward and is stuck tightly to the surface of the nail plate, a condition called pterygium. What is the correct way to handle it?
a.Cut the attached skin away with nippers so the nail looks longer
b.Do not cut it; care for the area gently, keep it conditioned with oil, and refer her to a physician if it is severe
c.File it off the nail plate with a coarse abrasive
d.Leave an acid cuticle remover on it for twenty minutes until the skin releases
Explanation
Pterygium is living skin, not dead cuticle, so cutting or filing it is cutting living tissue and is outside a manicurist's scope; it also makes the condition worse and can cause bleeding and infection. The correct approach is gentle care with oil and massage, and a referral to a physician if the growth is severe. A strong cuticle remover left on for twenty minutes will irritate and burn the skin without solving anything.
Law Reference: CA Business & Professions Code §7320Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
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