Nail Health 101
Part 1 of a 2 Part Series
The Long and Short of Nails
Nails, like your hair, grow from the matrix.
As older cells grow out, they are
replaced by newer ones, they are compacted and take on a hardened form. The
average growth rate for nails is 0.1mm each day. Individual growing rates
depend on age, time of year, activity level, and mostly your hereditary.
Believe it or not, fingernails grow faster than toenails.
Fingernails grow more rapidly in the summer than the winter.
Nails on a person's dominant hand grow faster and men's nails grow more quickly
than women's, except during pregnancy and old age.
Nail growth is also affected by disease, hormone imbalance, and the aging
process.
Nails often reflect our general state of health.
Parts of the Nail
Nail Plate: The visible part of the nail on fingers and toes
Nail Bed: The skin beneath the nail plate
Matrix: The area under the cuticle, the hidden part of the nail where the growth actually takes place.
Lunula: This is the part of the matrix and is the whitish half-moon shape at the base of the nail. It is mostly pronounced on the thumb.
Cuticle: Tissue that overlaps the plate and rims the base of the nail.
Nail Folds: The folds of the skin that frame and support the nails on three sides.
Common Nail Disorders
Your nails take a lot of abuse due to their exposed location. Nail disorders compromise about 10 percent of all skin conditions.
Most of us have at one time or another have closed fingers
in doors, suffered from ingrown toe nails, or endured minor nail infections due
to one reason or another.
Most minor nail injuries heal on their own, although, they might be unsightly for a while due to
the slow nail growth rate.
More serious injuries or disorders may require professional treatment. This does not mean your local friendly nail tech. Please see a qualified licensed doctor to diagnose you.
The persistence of white or black lines, dents or ridges in your nails should be reported to your dermatologist.
Other Common Nail
Disorders : ( not limited to)
White spots
Splinter Hemorrhages
Ingrown Nails
Fungal Infections
Bacterial Infections
Tumors and Warts
Psoriasis
With love,
Maria
* The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not reflect those of other. Please be respectful. *
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