The Long & Short About Nails - Nail Health
Dr. Eugene Conte • July 5, 2017
Nails in good condition can be very attractive. They also reflect an individual’s personal habits both good and bad. Aside from their cosmetic appeal, nails serve many important functions. They help us pick up and manipulate objects and support the tissues of the fingers and toes. Most importantly, nails often reflect our general state of health.
Nail’s More than Meets the Eye
Nails are produced by living cells in the fingers and toes. They are composed primarily of what is known as keratin, a hardened protein also found in skin and hair.
The nail itself consists of several different parts, including:
- Nail Plate: The visible part of the nail on fingers and toes.
- Nail Bed: The skin beneath the nail.
- Matrix: The area under the cuticle, the hidden part of the nail unit where growth takes place.
- Lunula: This is part of the matrix and is the whitish, half-moon shape at the base of nail, usually most pronounced on the thumb.
- Cuticle: The tissue that overlaps the nail plate and rims the base of the nail.
- Nail Folds: The folds of the skin that frame and support the nail on three sides.
Nails, like hair, grow from the matrix. As older cells grow out, they are replaced by new ones that are compacted and take a hardened form. The average growth rate for nails is 0.1mm each day, individual growth rates depend on age, time of the year, activity level, and heredity. Fingernails grow faster than toenails. Nails also grow more rapidly in the summer than in the winter. Nails on a person’s dominant hand (right vs. left) grow faster, and nails grow more quickly than women’s, except possibly during pregnancy and old age. Nail growth is affected by disease, hormone imbalance, and the aging process.
Common Nail Disorders:
Due to their exposed location, nails take a lot of abuse. Nail disorders comprise 10% of all skin conditions.
It is beyond the scope of this article to discuss some of the more common nail problems such as trauma, white spots, splinter hemorrhages, ingrown nails, fungal , bacterial infections, tumors warts and psoriasis.
Nails are a Window on Health
The nails can reveal much about a person’s overall health. Many systemic diseases and serious conditions can be detected by changes in the nails. Most doctors will check the nails carefully during a physical examination. The most common health conditions I see as a Dermatologist and their effect on the nails are listed below:
- Liver Disease: May cause white nails.
- Kidney Disease: Half of the nail is pink and half of the nail is white.
- Heart Conditions: The nail bed is very red.
- Lung Diseases: Yellowing and thickening of the nail and slowed growth rate.
- Anemia: The nail bed appears very pale in color.
- Diabetes: A slight blush at the base of the nail.
Nail Care
Since many nail disorders result from poor nail care, developing good nail habits early will help keep them healthy. Remember the following tips:
- Keep nails clean and dry. This helps keep bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under the nail.
- If toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak them in ward salt water (one teaspoon to a pint of water) for five to ten minutes and apply a 10% Urea cream that is available at drug stores without a prescription. Trim the nails as usual.
- Do not remove the cuticle. It will allow infection to develop.
- Use a “fine” textured file to keep nails shaped and free of snags.
- Avoid biting fingernails.
- Avoid “digging-out” ingrown toenails, especially if they are already infected and sore. Seek treatment.
- Report any nail irregularities to your Dermatologist. Nail changes, swelling, and pain could signal a serious problem. A vertical black or brown streak, especially if new, should be reported to your Dermatologist. This is especially important in an adult with a single nail streak and /or pigment in the cuticle area (Hutchinson’s sign). This can also be due to a benign mole, hemorrhage from trauma, or a fungal infection. Nail disease can be the “great masquerader “don’t be fooled. Have any changes evaluated by a Dermatologist.
At Pine Belt Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, we believe education is key to protecting and maintaining healthy skin. July is significant for skin health, featuring both UV Safety Awareness Month and World Skin Health Day on July 8 . These occasions highlight the importance of sun protection and raise awareness of common concerns, such as hyperpigmentation and melasma . Understanding how ultraviolet (UV) exposure affects your skin helps prevent long-term damage and supports a healthier, more even complexion. Why UV Protection Matters The sun emits ultraviolet rays that can damage skin even on cloudy days. While many associate UV exposure with sunburn, its effects are broader. Repeated UV exposure accelerates skin aging, increases skin cancer risk, and contributes to pigmentation disorders. Common effects of excessive UV exposure include: • Sunburn and skin irritation • Premature aging, including fine lines and wrinkles • Dark spots and uneven skin tone • Increased risk of skin cancer • Worsening of hyperpigmentation and melasma Daily sun protection is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy skin and reduce preventable damage. What Is Hyperpigmentation? Hyperpigmentation is a common condition where areas of skin become darker than the surrounding tissue due to excess melanin production. Multiple factors can contribute to hyperpigmentation, including: • Sun exposure • Acne scars and inflammation • Hormonal changes • Skin injuries or irritation • Certain medications While hyperpigmentation is mostly harmless, many seek treatment to improve skin tone as well as restore confidence. Understanding Melasma Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that shows up as brown or gray-brown patches, typically on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Melasma is frequently associated with: • Hormone changes during pregnancy • Birth control medications • Hormone replacement therapy • Genetic predisposition • Sun exposure Although melasma is not dangerous, it can be difficult to treat because UV exposure frequently triggers or worsens it. Even minimal sun exposure can increase pigment production and make discoloration more noticeable. Protecting Your Skin from UV Damage Whether you are concerned about skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, or melasma, daily sun protection is essential. Dermatologists suggest: • Using sun lotion with SPF 30 or higher every day • Reapplying sunscreen every two hours when outdoors • Wearing wide-brimmed hats and protective clothing • Seeking shade during peak sunlight hours • Wearing UV-protective sunglasses • Avoiding tanning beds Consistent sun protection helps prevent new pigmentation issues. World Skin Health Day: A Reminder to Prioritize Skin Care Observed annually on July 8, World Skin Health Day encourages preventive steps to maintain healthy skin. This is a reminder to perform regular self-exams, schedule dermatology visits, and address concerns early. If you notice persistent dark spots, changes in pigmentation, or new skin lesions, seek an expert assessment to determine the cause and identify treatment options. Supporting Healthy Skin Year-Round UV Safety Awareness Month and World Skin Health Day remind us that protecting your skin is an investment in long-term health. Practicing sun safety and understanding conditions like hyperpigmentation and melasma help preserve your skin’s health, appearance, and function. At Pine Belt Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, our team provides personalized evaluations and treatments for pigmentation concerns, sun-damaged skin, and overall skin health. Plan a visit and learn how we can help you achieve healthier, more confident skin.
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