Contra-indications are diseases and disorders of the natural nail, and skin that may prevent or restrict a treatment. These include;

Infectious Diseases:
e.g  impetigo, warts, etc are sometimes viral infections, and can be highly contagious. Warts can grow on any part of the body. Manicure, pedicure and artificial nail treatments should be avoided until the infection has cleared up to avoid cross-infection.

Scabies:
A skin infection caused by tiny mites. Their burrows appear as darkened, wavy lines on the skin. Scabies usually affects hands and feet, wrists and inner arm, but can also affect the entire body. Never treat a client with scabies, it is a highly infectious, parasitic disease.

Ringworm:
A fungal infection giving a ringlike and wormlike appearance. It is highly contagious when touching an infected person, animal, or damp surface. It is common in children. Do not carry out any nail treatments when ringworm is present on a client.

Cuts/Abrasions:
Cuts and abrasions can be caused by various accidents with knives, sharp edges, falling over,etc. Leaving a wound uncovered aids healing. Care should be taken to avoid knocking cuts. When performing a manicure, pedicure or nail extensions treatment, small cuts can be covered and treatment then carried out at the discretion of the therapist. Large cuts should be allowed to heal before any nail treatment can take place for the comfort of the client, ease of the therapist and to prevent cross-infection.

Swelling
Swelling can be caused by accidents and infections. If the client has an infection, the nail technician can refer the client to their G.P. before nail treatments can take place. If the swelling is caused by an accident, tell the client that the swelling must heal before a nail treatment can take place for their comfort, and peace of mind of the therapist

Redness
Medically called erythema. Can be caused by heat, cold, infection, and a reaction to chemicals. Allergic reactions and dermatitis can cause erythema. Chilblains can also be a cause. Redness should only prevent or restrict a nail treatment if the client is uncomfortable or if the redness is caused by infection or an allergic reaction to manicure,pedicure or nail extensions.

Discoloured Nails
Usually the result of wearing nail polish without a base coat. Also caused by hair dyes. Smokers can also suffer from discoloured nails. In addition, damage to the nail can cause discolouration.

As technicians we are responsible for making the client aware of contra-actions before treatment commences i.e. at consultation. In this way, the client can let us know if a contra-action is possible. This will reduce problems such as lifting and premature loss of extensions. 

Contra-actions specific to manicure

Thinning of natural nail plate
Due to over buffing by client or technician. The client should be educated on how to buff correctly as part of the aftercare procedure. The technician should use the correct amount of strokes, paying attention to the condition of the nail plate.

Cutting of cuticle skin
Due to pushing back cuticles too roughly; always use cuticle massage cream and cuticle remover beforehand. Improper use of the cuticle knife which should be used with water or oil. Tearing at hang nails with nippers instead of cutting. Using a file with too low a grit rating - natural nails should be filed with a grit of 240 or higher.