Diseases of the nail plate: how to distinguish between mold and Pseudomonas aeruginosa?
Who lives on a fingernail after all?
Together with an expert, we figure out how to distinguish between diseases of the nail plate such as mold and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in order to choose the right algorithm of action and not harm the client.
As a rule, diseases of the fingernails and toenails are accompanied by different symptoms, but sometimes they are so similar that the likelihood of error is very high. In this material, together with Tatyana Yurganova , we understand how a manicurist and pedicurist can distinguish mold from Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the nails by indirect signs, in order to know for sure whether it is worth covering the nails, and what products are suitable for this, and also decide which specialist to refer the client to.
Tatyana Yurganova , certified instructor-technologist NUB, founder and director of the Space Nails training center, author of articles in professional publications for nail artists (Ukraine, Russia), expert of the magazine “HAND & nails + Nail Service”, multiple competition winner, competition coach, judge on the field of the Ukrainian Championship, speaker at specialized conferences, developer of proprietary techniques in manicure, design and nail modeling, chemist, biologist (Odessa)
Nails are affected by both mold and Pseudomonas! Only sowing can determine for sure. But by indirect signs you can already understand whether it’s time to panic.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
What it is? Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) is a bacterium that lives in warm, moist places where there is enough nutrition (read: protein) and oxygen. In 90% of cases it affects the hands.
Features of this nail disease. Easily settles in layers of artificial material. It produces blue-green, yellow-green and brown pigments that color the nail. Never produces black. Appears quickly (within a few weeks), dies in an acidic environment and without oxygen. The stain grows together over time.
What should a master do? If Pseudomonas aeruginosa has completely affected the nail, treatment by a dermatologist is necessary. If the stain is small, weak in color, and this is your regular client (which means you saw the person’s nails three weeks ago), you can treat the stain with an acid primer and cover it with material to block the access of oxygen.
Mold
What it is? Mold (Penicillium) is a large genus of fungi that can infect human skin and nails. It affects both fingernails and toenails.
Features of this nail disease. Mold gives a green/black color and most often accompanies other types of fungi in onycholysis or simply in the thickness of the nail plate. It does not heal on its own without treatment and does not appear instantly. And most importantly, you will almost never see mold in the detachments of the material (the detachments should be as ancient as possible, but fortunately the material simply will not last that long on the nail)!
What should a master do? Mold must be treated! Covering such nails is strictly prohibited! And in general, if the master is not sure what disease of the nail plate is in front of him, it is better not to cover the nails and send the client to a competent podiatrist.