California Cosmetology Written ExamNail CareEasy
A client arrives for a pedicure and the technician notices the client's toenail is thickened, yellowed, and crumbling at the free edge. What should the technician do?
- AApply antifungal polish and continue with the pedicure
- BRefuse service and refer the client to a physician
- CProceed with the service but avoid filing the affected nail
- DSoak the foot longer to soften the nail before filing
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Refuse service and refer the client to a physician
Thickened, yellowed, crumbling nails are signs of onychomycosis (nail fungus), a contagious infection that is outside a cosmetologist's scope of practice to treat. California regulations require licensees to refuse service and refer the client to a physician.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Cosmetologists cannot diagnose or treat infections with cosmetic products.
- C. Servicing the infected nail risks spreading the fungus to tools and other clients.
- D. Soaking does not resolve infection and may worsen spread through contaminated water.
Onychomycosis
A fungal infection of the nail causing thickening, discoloration, and crumbling of the nail plate; contraindicated for service.
- Contagious and requires medical referral
- Never file, buff, or apply product to infected nail
- Disinfect all tools that contacted the area thoroughly
Memory trick: Fungus = physician's turf, not yours.