NIC Nail Technician Written ExamScientific ConceptsMedium
A client complains of persistent dryness and flakiness on the skin around their nail plate, often leading to small, painful tears. The technician observes that the client frequently washes their hands with harsh soaps without moisturizing. This condition is most likely:
- APsoriasis
- BOnychomycosis
- CHerpes Simplex
- DContact Dermatitis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Contact Dermatitis
The symptoms of dryness, flakiness, and small tears around the nail, exacerbated by harsh soaps and lack of moisturizing, are classic signs of irritant contact dermatitis, which is a common skin reaction to chemical irritants.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Psoriasis can affect the skin around nails, but it typically presents with red, scaly patches, not just dryness and flaking from irritants.
- B. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail plate, not typically characterized by skin dryness and flaking around the nail.
- C. Herpes simplex causes cold sores or fever blisters, which are fluid-filled vesicles, not dry, flaky skin.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis (Nails)
An inflammatory skin reaction around the nail caused by exposure to irritants like harsh soaps, chemicals, or excessive water.
- Non-allergic reaction.
- Symptoms: dryness, redness, flaking, cracking.
- Common in professions involving frequent hand washing or chemical exposure.
Memory trick: Dry skin and chemicals? Think Contact Dermatitis.