COLLEGE STATION They are more than just fashion accessories.
They do more than just serve as impromptu screwdrivers or make weird noises on a chalkboard.
Finger- and toenails actually serve useful purposes for the body, said Dr. Carol Rice, Texas Cooperative Extension health specialist. “Nails help to support the skin underneath our fingers and toes,” she said, not to mention some other practical uses. “Can you imagine picking a coin up off the ground or a table without the use of your nails?”
Skin cells in the fingers and toes produce nails, she said. “Nails are primarily composed of a substance called keratin a hardened protein also found in the skin and hair.”
According to Janet Pollard, Extension health associate, nails are composed of:
– Nail plate: the visible part;
– Nail bed: the skin underneath the nail plate;
– Cuticle: the skin at the lower edge of the nail;
– Nail folds: folds of skin that surround the nail on three sides;
– Matrix: the area underneath the cuticle where nail growth occurs; and
– Lunula: the pale, half-moon-shape at the base of each nail.
The American Academy of Dermatology provided these nail facts:
– On average, nails grow about 0.1 mm (or about .004 inch) per day; fingernails tend to grow a little faster than toenails. However, individual growth rates depend on age, activity level, time of year and heredity.
– In general, nails tend to grow faster in summer than they do in winter.
– Men’s nails usually grow faster than women’s nails. Exceptions are during pregnancy and old age.
– Nails on the dominant hand either right or left tend to grow faster.
– Disease, hormone imbalance and aging can affect nail growth.
Just like any other part of the body, the best nails are healthy ones. In order to keep nails healthy, Rice and Pollard suggested these tips:
– Keep nails clean and dry to help prevent infections.
– If toenails are thick and hard to cut, soak them in a warm salt water solution (one teaspoon salt to one pint water) for five or 10 minutes before trimming.
– For stronger nails, cut them straight across (use sharp nail scissors or clippers) and round them slightly at the tip. Filing nails to a point will make them weaker.
– To remove snags or rough spots on the edge of a nail, use the smoother side of the nail file.
But even with the best of care, occasionally nails could develop a condition that requires medical attention. When that happens, Rice said, seek professional help from your regular physician or from a dermatologist, who specializes in skin and nail care, or a podiatrist, who specializes in care of the feet.
Among these conditions that sometimes affect nails are:
– Fungal nails: Infections of the nails that are characterized by thickening or softening and discoloration. “Fungal infections of the nails can be difficult to treat and often cause permanent damage to the nails,” Pollard said.
To help prevent fungal infections of the nails, she said, keep feet clean, cool and dry; wear leather shoes or sandals so feet can breath; wear cotton socks to absorb sweat; wear shower shoes in public pools or showers; use powder on your feet or in your shoes; and allow shoes to dry for at least 24 hours between wearing.
If a fungal nail infection develops, Pollard said, consult a professional medical provider if swelling or redness increases or pus develops; or if two weeks of home treatment fails to bring about improvement.
– Ingrown toenails: “If you touch the tip of your toe and it makes you flinch, you may have an ingrown toenail,” Rice said. “Ingrown toenails are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the surrounding skin.” To prevent this from happening, she advised, trim toenails straight across; and wear shoes that are roomy and are not too tapered or shallow at the toe.
Should an ingrown toenail develop, Rice said, try soaking the foot in warm water and then using a small piece of cotton to gently cushion the affected nail and lift it slightly so it won’t cut into the skin. “Repeat this process each day until the nail has grown out and can be trimmed,” she said. “Soaking the foot in warm water for 15 minutes, three or four times a day, will also help relieve swelling or tenderness while the toenail grows out.
But if this home treatment doesn’t provide relief, she said, call the doctor, dermatologist or podiatrist, especially if pain, swelling or redness increase; if heat or red streaks extend from the sore area; if pus develops; if you have a fever of 100 degrees or more with no other cause; and if you have diabetes or circulatory problems.
For more information on nails and nail care, visit the Web at:
– http://www.aad.org/ American Academy of Dermatology;
– http://www.apma.org/ American Podiatric Medical Association.
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