contra-actions and aftercare for a pedicure treatment

1. ©Clare Hargreaves-Norris
Contra-Actions and Aftercare
NVQ Level 2 Beauty
Therapy - Pedicure

2. Clare Hargreaves-
Norris
Contra-Actions
Excessive erythema – redness
and warmth to the area. Caused by the
blood capillaries dilating which increases
blood flow to the skin’s surface.
Excessive erythema is due to tissue
damage or an allergic reaction. If it
occurs, avoid any products, pressure or
heat to the area and a cool compress may
help alleviate the problem.

3. Clare Hargreaves-
Norris
Inflammation of the cuticle -
due to cuticles being pushed
back too vigorously. Cold
compress may help, avoid
contact with products.

4. Clare Hargreaves-
Norris
Allergic reaction - redness, swelling or
itching and in severe cases blisters may
develop. These symptoms may not
necessarily appear on the hands, they
often appear at the throat or eye area
where the client has been touching.
Remove product immediately and apply a
cold compress.

5. Clare Hargreaves-
Norris
Cuts - due to over use or
inaccurate use of cuticle
nippers. Advise client to
apply antiseptic.

6. Clare Hargreaves-
Norris
If an allergic reaction occurred whilst
performing a treatment on a client what
would you do?
 Remove the product immediately using water or in the case
of enamels enamel remover.
 Avoid using the product again for quite a while and if you
decide to try the product again perform a small patch test
first.
 Note the details of the reaction on the clients record card.
 If symptoms persist recommend the person seeks medical
advice.
 Remember an allergy can develop overnight; it may be to a
product that has caused no problems previously. It could be
due to pregnancy, illness, stress or medication and the
allergy could disappear just as quickly as it came.

7. ©Clare Hargreaves-Norris
Work in pairs to list as many pieces
of aftercare advice as possible.

8. Clare Hargreaves-
Norris
Aftercare Advice
 Always allow the nail varnish to dry for at least 20 minutes
before the client leaves and recommend the client to be careful
for at least 2 hours. It takes 24 hours for the nail enamel to
thoroughly dry.
 Recommend that the client exfoliates their feet and legs
preferably 2-3 times per week using a body scrub.
 Apply foot lotion regularly.
 Do not use nail varnish remover that contains acetone.
 Always apply base coat prior to enamelling the nail.
 Massage cuticle cream or oil into the cuticles regularly.
 Perform regular foot exercises.
 The client can have a pedicure as often as they like, however to
keep the feet, skin and nails in perfect condition recommend
pedicures every 2-4 weeks.
Continued>>>

9. Clare Hargreaves-
Norris
 Gently push back the cuticles, if needed, after a bath with a
tipped orange stick or the corner of a towel..
 Avoid using any metal tools on the nails.
 Shoes should be comfortable, natural fibres and low heeled to
prevent strain on the arches of the feet and prevent injuries.
 Always dry feet thoroughly after bathing.
 Refreshing foot spray may help to alleviate tired, hot or swollen
feet.
 If the clients feet and ankles are prone to swelling recommend,
daily massage in an upward direction and to elevate the feet
when resting.
 Apply talc or foot powders to absorb moisture.
 Do not cut or pick at areas of dry skin.
 Cut toe nails straight across.
 Use a pumice stone or rasp to keep on top of hard skin.

10. Clare Hargreaves-
Norris
 Gently push back the cuticles, if needed, after a bath with a
tipped orange stick or the corner of a towel..
 Avoid using any metal tools on the nails.
 Shoes should be comfortable, natural fibres and low heeled to
prevent strain on the arches of the feet and prevent injuries.
 Always dry feet thoroughly after bathing.
 Refreshing foot spray may help to alleviate tired, hot or swollen
feet.
 If the clients feet and ankles are prone to swelling recommend,
daily massage in an upward direction and to elevate the feet
when resting.
 Apply talc or foot powders to absorb moisture.
 Do not cut or pick at areas of dry skin.
 Cut toe nails straight across.
 Use a pumice stone or rasp to keep on top of hard skin.