What is a contra-indication?  It is something that can stop or restrict a treatment being carried out.

There are many types of contra-indications you will find some listed below.  As you look through my pages most contra-indications will be the same for most treatments e.g. Make-up etc.  But it is always advisable to read through them all.   

When treating a client, if they show signs of any contra-indication, tactfully refer them to their G.P. for treatment/advice.   Never tell your client what contra-indication they may have, even if you are sure you know what it is, you may be wrong!  If you are ever unsure about a contra-indication then do not treat the client, ask them for a G.P. consent letter.  This way you are always covering yourself.

Today we always have to be very careful when dealing with contra-indications, it is a controversial subject and you never want to leave yourself wide open for further implications.  Not only that but we also have to consider other clients, always make sure that your place of work, implements, yourself etc are very clean to avoid any cross infection.

*Note.  There are treatments that can be worked around.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS: (A guide only)

Name Description Cause G.P Consent Treatment
Scabies Tiny red papules, irregular in lines on the hands, particularly between the fingers.  Possible scratch marks on limbs or trunk of body. "Itch Mite" The female burrows into the epidermis and lays eggs, when hatching causes extreme itching.                                  G.P referral would be recommended. No treatment would be carried out as would cause cross infection.  Spread by close contact of infested persons.
Tinea Unguium 

(Ringworm of the nail)

 Nail plate becomes discoloured and opaque along with a rough horny appearance.  Spreads from the free edge to the matrix. Fungal infection - can be of animal or human origin. G.P referral would be recommended. No treatment would be carried out as would cause cross infection.  Spread by direct contact.
Tina Pedis

(Athlete's foot)

 The skin between the third, fourth and fifth toes become sodden and irritating and peel off. Fungal infection. G.P referral would be recommended. No treatment as would cause cross infection.
Verruca Vulgaris

Also warts

 Small solid lump arising from the skins surface. Viral infection. G.P consent would be required if open and weeping. Can cover with micropore and work around the area.  Open and weeping highly contagious, cross infection.
Recent scar tissue Varied Unknown G.P consent would be required.  Not to treat the area within six months. Unable to treat unless in an area able to work around.  Otherwise would not aid the natural healing process, open the wound and could be painful.
Paronychia Red, inflamed and sometimes swollen Bacterial infection Consent required, cross infection if open and weeping. If server on all fingers unable to treat, otherwise cover and miss out areas.
Bruising Discolouration of the skin or nails Unknown Consent would be required to confirm damage if unsure. If small amount of bruising and the area is avoidable then a treatment can commence.  May hinder the healing process, be painful or hiding something more serious.
Undiagnosed lumps and bumps   Unknown Consent would be required. No treatment if unable to move around the treatable area.  Wouldn't aid the natural healing process, could also be painful.  It could also something more serious!
Recent broken bones, fractures and sprains   Unknown Consent would be required No treatment to be done within six months.  Hinder the natural healing process, painful.  If possible miss out the area.
Swelling Could also be accompanied with bruising Unknown Consent would be required If able to work around the area, e.g.  miss out the massage, cuticle work etc.  Could be hiding something more serious, also painful.
Loss of sensation Unable to feel pain or pressure could be diabetes  Consent would be required Could perform a treatment, but be very careful with cuticle work.
Moles Brown - light or dark circular nodule   Consent would be required if open and weeping. Could cover and work around the area, but not if open and weeping, cross infection.
Allergic to products       Omit products allergic to if possible or use alternative if there are some.  
Eczema Red rash, itchiness, scaling skin, blisters, skin may weep or crack. Varied, cosmetics, soap, detergents, rubber etc Consent would be required if open and weeping.  Cross infection If closed and not weeping, can treat, it may also aid and relieve skin condition.  Also moisturises the area.
Psoriasis Round or oval dull red papules.  Covered in silvery scales.   Consent required if severe, cross infection if open and weeping. Treat only if not open and weeping.  Could aid and relieve skin condition.
Onycholisis 

(Nail separation)

 Nail plate gradually loosening from t he nail bed without coming away Internal disorders, psoriasis, eczema or rough treatment of nails Consent would be required if open and weeping.  Cross infection. Can leave out affected areas if not open or weeping.
Severely bitten nails No free edge to nail plate.  Could be red, swollen and infected   Consent would be required if open and weeping.  Cross infection. Could aid condition, promote growth.  Advise client on nail care and regime.