If a fungal or bacterial infection develops under an enhancement, the cosmetologist should:

If signs of a fungal or bacterial infection develop under or around a nail enhancement (discoloration, odor, swelling, pain), the cosmetologist should not apply new product over it; instead the client should be referred to a physician, and the cosmetologist should handle tools and surfaces with proper sanitation. Covering an infection can trap and worsen it, and diagnosing/treating it is outside scope. Recognizing infection under enhancements and responding by referring (not concealing) is an important safety-and-scope point in the nail content.