What is the structure of the nail?
Finger and toe nails are corneal plates consisting of keratin. The smooth, transparent nail plate is fused with the underlying nail bed and flows into the free nail edge at the bottom. On the three other sides, the nail plate is bordered by the nail wall. The upper (proximal) nail wall is connected to the nail by the cuticle. The nail matrix is located in a pocket below it. Nail growth originates from it.
How fast do nails grow?
Fingernails manage just 0.5 to 1.2 millimeters per week, with the middle finger always being a little faster than the other fingers. Toenails take even longer to grow, gaining only 0.2 to 0.5 millimeters per week.
Influences on nail growth
Nails as finger protectors
Diseases in the area of nails
There are many health disorders and diseases that can leave their mark on the nails, such as discoloration or deformation. Examples are:
- Nail fungus
- Eczema
- Psoriasis (psoriasis)
- anemia (anemia)
- Shrinking liver (cirrhosis)
- Lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis
- Heart defects
- Poisonings
Symptoms in the area of nails
Possible symptoms of disease in the area of the head hair include:
- Nail discolorations
- Nail deformations
