What should a manicurist do if they accidentally cut the skin around the nails?

When a manicurist accidentally cuts the skin around the nails, the appropriate response is to apply antiseptic and bandage the area. This action is crucial because it helps prevent infection that could arise from exposing a fresh cut to bacteria or other contaminants. Antiseptic solutions help clean the wound, reducing the risk of infection, while a bandage protects the cut from further injury and keeps it clean.

Ignoring the injury could lead to complications and discomfort for the client. Leaving the cut exposed to air does not provide adequate protection and increases the risk of infection. Applying nail polish over the cut would further aggravate the injury and can also trap bacteria underneath the polish, leading to potential infection and other complications. Therefore, promptly treating the cut with antiseptic and covering it with a bandage is the best course of action to ensure health and safety during the manicure process.