NIC Nail Technician Written ExamNail Technology ProceduresMedium
A client presents for a pedicure and during the foot analysis, the technician observes several small, dark, pinpoint spots that appear to be embedded in the skin, surrounded by thickened skin, primarily on the sole of the foot. The client reports they are painful when pressure is applied. What condition does this most likely indicate?
- ACorns
- BPlantar Warts (Verruca Plantaris)
- CTinea Pedis
- DCalluses
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Plantar Warts (Verruca Plantaris)
Plantar warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and commonly appear as small, dark, pinpoint spots (capillary thromboses) embedded in thickened skin on the soles of the feet, which are painful under pressure. This is a contraindication for service.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Corns are small, localized areas of hardened skin (hyperkeratosis) with a central core, usually found on toes, caused by friction/pressure, but lack the dark pinpoint spots.
- C. Tinea Pedis (athlete's foot) is a fungal infection, typically presenting with scaling, redness, itching, and sometimes blisters, not pinpoint dark spots.
- D. Calluses are generalized areas of thickened, hardened skin, usually on pressure points, but do not typically have embedded dark pinpoint spots and are generally not painful unless extremely thick or cracked.
Plantar Warts
Benign skin growths on the soles of the feet caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), often appearing as small, dark, pinpoint spots embedded in thickened skin.
- Caused by HPV
- Appear on soles of feet
- Characterized by dark pinpoint spots (capillary thromboses)
- Painful under pressure
- Contagious and a contraindication for service
Memory trick: Plantar Warts are Painful Pinpoint spots on the Plantar surface.