Dermatological Client Interview — What to Ask and How to Document It [2026]

A dermatological client interview is not just a courtesy or an extra formality -- it is your professional duty and an effective protection against legal liability. Conducting an interview before every treatment and documenting the results protects both the client (helping avoid complications) and you (serving as evidence that you acted professionally and in accordance with best practice). Find out what to ask, how to document it, and when to refer a client to a dermatologist.

Why the Interview Is an Obligation, Not an Option

The legal basis is EU Regulation 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (Art. 21 on consumer safety) and the general principle of professional diligence under the Civil Code. As a person providing cosmetic services, you are liable for harm caused to a client as a result of a treatment performed without taking her health status into account -- even if you were unaware of a contraindication because you did not ask.

In practice: if a client experiences an allergic reaction to acrylic and it turns out she had a prior sensitivity to methacrylates, and you did not conduct an interview -- your position in a legal dispute is very weak. If, on the other hand, you have a signed card with the client's answers confirming she did not report any allergy -- you have evidence of due diligence.

Documented interview + client signature = evidence of an informed service.

What to Ask -- the Full Checklist

A dermatological interview for a nail salon should cover the following areas:

Current skin and nail conditions:

• Psoriasis -- especially nail psoriasis (psoriasis unguium); treatments may aggravate symptoms or be contraindicated during active flares.
• Contact or atopic eczema -- increased risk of reactions to acrylic resins and HEMA.
• Dermatitis -- requires modification of the treatment or postponement until remission.
• Nail fungus (onychomycosis) -- absolute contraindication to most treatments; referral to a dermatologist is required.
• Viral warts around the nails -- risk of spreading during treatment.

Medications affecting skin and nails:

• Immunosuppressants -- delayed healing, greater infection risk.
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants) -- bleeding risk with e-file manicure or cuticle work.
• Retinoids (e.g. isotretinoin, acitretin) -- absolute contraindication to peels; skin is hypersensitive to damage.
• Chemotherapy/radiotherapy -- nails become brittle, change colour or detach (onycholysis); requires an individual approach or postponement.

Allergies:

• Allergy to methacrylates/acrylates -- absolute contraindication to UV gels and acrylic.
• Latex allergy -- latex-free equipment required.
• Nickel allergy -- caution with metal tools and some pigments.
• PPD (para-phenylenediamine) allergy -- may cross-react with some dyes.
• Fragrance allergy -- choose fragrance-free products.
• Previous reactions to beauty treatments -- ask specifically: gel, acrylic, hybrid, peels.

General health and special circumstances:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding -- some substances (e.g. formaldehyde, some essential oils) are contraindicated; always inform the client about product ingredients.
• Diabetes -- slower healing, higher infection risk with any skin injury; avoid aggressive cuticle work.
• Immune system disorders -- any skin damage creates an infection risk.

How to Document and When to Refer to a Dermatologist

The client card should have a separate dermatological interview section with fields for all of the above topics. Importantly: you update the interview at every visit -- the client's health may change. A brief question is sufficient: "Has anything changed in your health or medications since your last visit?"

The client signs the card at the first visit and confirms the update at subsequent visits (this can be handled with a dated checkbox). Keep cards for a minimum of 5 years.

Absolute contraindications (do not perform the treatment, refer to a doctor):

• Active fungal infection of the nails or skin of the hands
• Suspicious changes in nail colour, structure or shape (possible subungual melanoma)
• Open wounds or skin inflammation in the treatment area
• Confirmed allergy to ingredients of the products being used

Relative contraindications (modify the treatment or obtain doctor's approval):

• Psoriasis in remission -- gentle manicure without e-file is possible
• Pregnancy -- exclude formaldehyde-containing products, ensure maximum workstation ventilation
• Diabetes -- avoid micro-injuries, do not cut nails too aggressively

When to refer to a dermatologist: always when fungal infection is suspected (yellow, thickened, brittle nails), when there are unexplained streaky or patchy changes under the nail (which may indicate a tumour), with nail discolouration of no clear cause, and with recurring inflammation of the nail folds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to conduct an interview at every visit, or only at the first one?

You conduct the full interview at the first visit, but at every subsequent visit you update it with a brief question about changes in health and medications. A client's health can change, and medications may have been newly prescribed -- for example, an anticoagulant prescribed by a cardiologist has a direct impact on the safety of a manicure.

What should I do if a client refuses to sign the card?

You have the right to refuse the treatment. Without a signature you cannot prove that the client was informed about the risks and accepted them. In practice you can note on the card: "Client refused to sign" with the date and your signature -- that is also evidence.

Can I perform a treatment on a pregnant woman?

Yes, with modifications. Avoid products containing formaldehyde (hardeners), ensure maximum workstation ventilation, and choose products with the simplest possible INCI composition. Inform the client in writing about the ingredients of the products used and obtain her informed consent. If in doubt -- ask for the approval of her attending physician.

A client says she has a fungal infection and asks whether I can apply gel polish. What do I do?

You refuse to perform the treatment in the area affected by the fungal infection and refer her to a dermatologist. Nail fungus requires topical or systemic treatment; applying gel or gel polish to an infected nail prevents treatment and can spread the infection. This is an absolute contraindication.

How long should I keep client cards?

A minimum of 5 years from the last visit. This follows from the general civil law limitation periods for claims. If you store data electronically, you must ensure its security in accordance with GDPR and have a data retention policy in place.