Nail

These are semi-transparent, plate-like horny structures, covering the dorsal surfaces of the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes.

The proximal edge of the nail is known as the root of the nail. The visible portion of the nail is called the nail plate. It is semi-transparent and looks red due to the abundant vascular supply in the nail bed. The more opaque and rather whitish semi-lunar portion of the nail plate near its root is known as the lunula.

The surface of the skin on which the nail rests is known as the nail bed. The fold of the skin surrounding the lateral and proximal borders of the nail are known as the lateral and posterior nail folds.

Nails may be objects of admiration and beauty; nevertheless, they are homologous to the claws and hooves of lower animals. The material of the true nail develops from the matrix, which is the deeper portion of the proximal or posterior nail fold and the epithelium of the proximal part of the nail bed.

The nail plate and the proximal nail fold are joined by a thin cuticle called the eponychium which makes the exterior groove waterproof. Its rupture by enthusiastic manicuring or dissolving of the eponychium, as in the case of washer men results in disease.

There are definite differences between the skin and mucous membranes. In the latter, stratum corneum, lucidum and granulosum are absent. Stratum Malpighii has less number of layers.

Dermal appendages like hair, sweat and sebaceous glands are absent; on the other hand, mucous glands are present. Pigmentation is minimal. On the lips, transition from skin to mucous membrane is typically seen. The outer vermilion border has more pigment and is somewhat thicker than the inner part. For this reason and also because of the absence of hair follicles, the chances of repigmentation are least in depigmentary disorders.

Lines of Langer denote lines of normal tension of the integument. These patterns are caused by the peculiar arrangement of elastic tissue in the corium which throws the papillary layer into definite folds. The main significance of these lines is surgical. Incisions along these lines close smoothly, while those across these lines tend to gape and cause wide scars. The pattern of these lines is fairly uniform in all persons.

Ingrown Toenails

Fungal Nail

Cuticle massage

Nail-loving nutrients

Nail files

Nail varnish remover

Cuticle cream

Cuticle pushers

Nail brushes

Buffers for nail

Nail clippers

Nail masks