Basic Nail Care

In recent years, fingernails have been a great canvass of creative expression. It had evolved from a simple nail polish to a full nail art industry. Long before nail art have been an extension of individuality, nails have been a reflection of overall health. For that reason, it is important to take care of them. To appreciate nail care, let’s go over the basic parts of nails and its functions.

Anatomy and Physiology of Nails

Fingernails and toenails are made of strong protective protein called alpha-keratin, this is also known as nail plates, and it is just a portion of the whole nail structure. The structures that define and produce the nail (nail plate) includes the nail matrix, nail bed, nail fold and margins. 

The nail plate is composed of keratinized, squamous cells that loosely attached to the nail matrix (germinal matrix) but strongly attached to the nail bed (sterile matrix). It is a strong flexible material made of several layers of dead, compressed cells. The shape is determined by the form of the underlying bone.

The nail matrix (germinal matrix) is the tissue upon which the nail plate rests and the part that extends beneath the nail root, situated in the nail sinus. The nail matrix contains nerves, lymph and blood vessels. It is the main site of nail production about 90%, while the nail bed (sterile matrix) is the secondary site of nail production. It is the skin tightly adherent under the nail plate and contains vascular connective tissue enveloping the bone of the finger, called periosteum. It is attached by tiny longitudinal grooves known as the matrix crest, when as a person age, the nail plate grows thinner and the ridges become evident.

The lunula, is a half-moon shape white arc, is the visible part of the nail matrix, colour is due to the presence of nail cell nuclei. Cuticle is the tissue distal to the eponychium in contact with the nail. Eponychium is a small band of skin proximal to the nail that cover the nail fold. The cuticle and eponychium form a protective seal. The paronychium is the soft tissue border around the nail. And the hyponychium is the junction of the nail bed and nail plate,that has a mechanical barrier through keratin plug, which has immunological barrier in the form of lymphocytes and leukocytes.

           

Functions

A healthy fingernail protects the fingertip. It contributes to tactile sensation by acting as a counter force to the fingertip pad. Moreover, it also aids in peripheral thermoregulation through glomus bodies in the nail bed and matrix.

Nail Growth

The keratinization starts with new cells near the periosteum, which duplicate and enlarge, then migrate towards the nail plate. Upon meeting resistance at establish nail plate, the, the cell flatten, and elongate, then integrate into the existing nail plate, eventually the cell losses it nuclei. AS older cells become compressed it became translucent, making the pink colour of the capillaries (small blood vessels) below the nail plate visible. Nearly 90% of the nail plate is produced by the nail matrix, as a result a natural convex curvature of the nail plate from proximal to distal.

Nail growth is estimated at 3-4 mm per month. A complete nail plate growth takes approximately 6 months. There are certain factors that affect the rate of nail growth, like longer digits, warm climate, between age 4 to 30 years old, and nail biting.

Basic Nail Care

1. Keep nails short, clean and dry by cutting them every week or two with a sharp nail clipper to prevent risk of trauma, damage and injury. It is hygienic and safe to have a personal nail clippers, one for hands and another specialise clipper for toenails. Always disinfect clippers before and after use with 60-95% Isopropyl alcohol. 

2. In cutting fingernails, cut it in the shape of the tip of finger, somewhat straight across but a little round at the sides, the round shape equally distributes pressure around the surface thus makes the nail stronger. If nail file (emery board) is use to smooth the ends of nails, make sure that the file is new and not dull; gently rub the nail file along the end of the nail to remove rough edges and shape it.

While in cutting toenails, cut it straight across to prevent ingrown toenail. If toenails are thick and difficult to cut, it would help to soak feet in warm salt water, with ratio of 1 teaspoon of salt per a pint of water, for 5 to 10 minutes.

Do not cut or push back the cuticles to avoid damage infection. If cuticles are dry, rough and irritating, do not cut or push it back, moisturize with lotion to soften it.

3. Do not abuse your nails. Do not bite your nails or pick skin around your nails to prevent pain, irritation, wound and infection. Minimize the use of nail-polish remover to twice a month to prevent brittle nails. Avoid acrylic nails as much as possible. Do not pry or poke at things (things that are stronger than nails) with your nails or use it as a tool, example as a lever, to prevent damage and injury.

4. Observe simple preventative measure from injury or infection. Wear shoes that fit properly and not too tight. Change your sock every day. Wear flip-flops in public showers and at the pool to decrease the risk of infections like fungal infections. Avoid unsanitary foot spas to prevent infections.

5.  Keep a healthy balanced diet rich in protein to keep nails strong. If there is any observable with concerning nails like discolouration, swelling, or pain always seek professional help, see a dermatologist.

These are basic health tips for keeping nails healthy. Is there a health issues you want to talk about? Please share your thoughts, do post your comment, enquiry, reaction, suggestion, and/or correction. And do not forget to follow this blog for more interesting information and ideas. Thank you!

As always take care, stay healthy, keep it simple, be real and enjoy!

References

1. Kinkead, E.B., Sehbai, D.S. & Tunney, C.J. (Eds.). (1972). Modern Century Illustrated Encyclopedia (Vols.). Australia: McGraw-hill Far Eastern Publishers

2. Braun-Falco, O., Plewig, G., Wolff, H.H., & BurgDorf, W.H.C. (1996). Dermatology (Second Edition). Italy: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

3. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Tips for healthy nails. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/nail-care/healthy-nails