Definition
By the nail one understands the horn plates formed by the epidermis at the foot and finger end members. The fingernail protects the end phalanges from external influences and increases the sensitive tactile sensation at the fingertips through its abutment.
Structure
Several structures belong to the structure of the fingernail: The nail plate, embedded in the nail pocket, forms the outermost layer and consists of several layers of dead cells of the epidermis and the protein keratin, which gives the fingernail its hard characteristic. The nail plate lies firmly on the nail bed, which is firmly fused with the periosteum underneath. Unlike the nail plate, it contains numerous nerves and blood vessels.
The skin folds on the sides of the fingernail, the nail wall, forms a splint for the growing fingernail and stabilizes it. The lower part of the nail is formed by the nail matrix, or nail root, which is responsible for the constant new formation of the nail. The white crescent, the lunula, is the visible part of the nail root. The cuticle above protects the root from bacteria and infections. The fingernail grows on average 0.5-1.2mm/week, but can vary individually.
Nail changes and diseases
Fingernail diseases can be congenital, acquired or cosmetic. An ingrown fingernail is caused by a wrong shortening of the fingernail, which presses itself into the lateral skin folds and can cause strong pain. Transverse grooves on the fingernail are often caused by injuries to the matrix, but can also have more complex causes.
It would be safe to clarify these with a physician. Longitudinal grooves are often age-related and rather harmless. A nail bed inflammation is caused by bacteria or fungus (nail fungus).
It is accompanied by redness in the affected area, throbbing pain and sometimes swelling. Changes in the fingernail can also indicate numerous peripheral complaints of the body. For example, a strongly arched, slightly pale blue colored structure of the nail, watch glass nail, an indication of reduced oxygen supply in congenital heart defects or chronic lung diseases.
