![]() ![]() ![]() Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections because they are confined in a warm, moist, weight bearing environment. The top of the nail or the skin at the base of the nail can also be affected. Additionally, debris (white, green, yellow, or black) may build up under the nail plate and discolor the nail bed. More common in toenails than fingernails, they often cause the end of the nail to separate from the nail bed. Seek treatment for the condition rather than attempting to cut away the nail yourself, as infection may result.įungal Infections – Fungal infections make up approximately 50 percent of all nail disorders and can be difficult to treat. Ingrown nails can be painful and sometimes even lead to infection. Improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or poor posture can cause a corner of the nail to curve downward into the skin. The great toenails are particularly vulnerable. Ingrown Nails – Ingrown toenails are a common nail problem. Splinter hemorrhages resolve spontanterously. However, trauma is the most common cause. Splinter hemorrhages are caused by injury to the nail or by certain drugs and diseases. Splinter Hemorrhages – A disruption of blood vessels in the nail bed can cause fine, splinter-like vertical lines to appear under the naiJ plate. They are not a cause for concern, and will eventually grow out. These small, semi-circular spots result from injury to the base (matrix) of the nail, where nail cells are produced. White Spots – White spots on the nails are very common and usually recur. Additionally, the persistence of white or black lines, dents, or ridges in the nail should be reported to your dermatologist. Symptoms that could signal nail problems include color or shape changes, swelling of the skin around the nails, and pain. More serious injuries or disorders may require professional treatment. Most minor nail injuries heal on their own, although, they might be unsightly for a while due to the nails slow growth rate. Most of us, at one time or another, have closed fingers in doors, suffered from ingrown toenails, or endured minor nail infections. Nail disorders comprise about 10 percent of all skin conditions. Nail growth is affected by disease, hormone imbalance, and the aging process.ĭue to their exposed location, nails take a lot of abuse. left) grow faster, and men’s nails grow more quickly than women’s, except possibly during pregnancy and old age. Nails on a person’s dominant hand (right vs. Nails also grow more rapidly in the summer than in the winter. The average growth rate for nails is 0.1 mm each day individual rates depend on age, time of year, activity level, and heredity. As older cells grow out, they are replaced by newer ones, they are compacted and take on a hardened form. Nail Folds: The folds of the skin that frame and support the nail on three sides. ![]() Lunula: This part of the matrix and is the whitish, half-moon shape at the base of the nail, usually most pronounced on the thumb.Ĭuticle: Tissue that overlaps the plate and rims the base of the nail. Matrix: The area under the cuticle, the hidden part of the nail unit where growth takes place. Nail Bed: The skin beneath the nail plate. Nail Plate: The visible part of the nail on fingers and toes. The nail itself consists of several different parts, including: They are composed primarily of keratin, a hardened protein also found in skin and hair. Nails are produced by living skin cells in the fingers and toes. Most importantly, nails often reflect our general state of health. They help us pick up and manipulate objects and support the tissues of the fingers and toes. Aside from their cosmetic appeal, nails serve many important functions. They also reflect an individual’s personal habits – good or bad. Though, this is quite rare.Nails in good condition can be very attractive. If you notice that they turn black, brown, blue, red, or yellow, consult your doctor, as an underlying health issue (such as diabetes, heart failure, or renal failure) could be at play. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that if you do have visible lunulae, they should be pale white in color. Stern says that it’s typically nothing to stress about (nor anything to call your doctor about) if they’re not visible. While half moons may look like a critical part of a healthy nail, Dr. “They are not missing, they are just not visible because they are under the proximal nail fold,” she reassures us. “When someone can’t visualize their half moon on their thumb nail, it generally means they have relatively small matrixes and are more predisposed to have thin, small nails.”Īdditionally, she points out that just because you can’t see your half-moons doesn’t mean that they don’t exist. “We are born with our nail matrix and the size and shape is what determines nail quality to a large degree,” she explains. ![]()
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