Nails

Description:

Made of keratinocytes, they protect our fingers and toes and are made of three main parts. The nail root is beneath the epidermis, the nail body is the visible part, and the free edge is the part that grows. Beneath the epidermis is the nail matrix which helps make the nail tough. The sides of the nails are made of eponychium to seal in the nail.

Diseases and Conditions

Paronychia

skin infection near the nails, caused by irritation due to pulling on hangnails or biting fingers.

Nail Pitting

Dents in the fingernails that could signal psoriasis or alopecia areata.

Terry’s Nails

A white coloring of the nails may signal diabetes or a heart condition.

Brittle Nails

Vitamin deficiencies may cause the nails to become thin and prone to splitting.