Fingernails and toenails are composed of skin cells, with the nails growing from specialized epithelial cells in the region of the nail’s half-moon shaped base, called the nail matrix. The cells become keratinized and harden into strong natural proteins as they grow over the nail bed.
The pink colour of the nails is due to the blood vessels in the tissue beneath the nail. Ordinarily, nails grow about one millimetre each week (about two inches a year).
Nails protect the sensitive ends of fingers and toes and enhance our ability to pick up items or perform tasks such as turning a page in a book. However, in dry, cold weather or with overuse nails can become brittle and crack, as can supporting structures like cuticles.
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Nails can be moisturized in much the same ways as you moisture your skin when it is dry. The ideal products for nails are emollient ointments like ceramides, lanolin and petroleum jelly compounds. Applied after handwashing, these topicals act a barrier and they lock-in moisture, but you will need to re-apply often. If cuticles are damaged, try cuticle cream or oil.
Taking care of fingernails and toenails will help prevent cracking and drying. Also remember that both nail polish and nail polish remover are drying, so if a problem exists they should be avoided.
When working with the hands, protecting your nails is key. For example, wear gloves when washing dishes or doing housework, and protect your hands when doing outdoor chores. Also avoid perfumed products since the perfume has the ability to cause allergic reactions that increase skin sensitivity.
There are many health conditions that can affect the nails. About half of people with psoriasis have nail involvement, specifically pitting or thickening. If the nails are involved, about five to 10 per cent of these people with psoriasis will also have joint involvement.
Fungal infections of the nail or onychomycosis, especially of the toenails, result in white or brownish lesions of the nails coupled with some thickening as well. These infections can be treated with antifungal agents.
When a nail infection is caused by Pseudomonas, excessive exposure to water can turn the nails a greenish colour. Antibiotic treatment resolves this problem. Lymphedema, which is fluid retention due to an impaired lymph system, results in yellow nails. In this case, treatment of the underlying cause is essential. With rheumatoid arthritis the nails can separate from the nail bed, a condition called onycholysis, and a yellowish discolouration can appear at the ends of the nails, which may also be thickened. With iron deficiencies, koilonychia or spoon-shaped nails can be seen.
There are many oral treatments for damaged nails, although it is unclear if any are effective because any oral treatment can be destroyed by digestive acids. The ones most often promoted include biotin, the vitamin B group and collagen.
Always remember, eat a balanced diet with good fluid intake. This will help your overall health and your nails. And remember this too: cut nails straight across, then file to smooth the rough edges.
