What nails are. Composition and structure of nails. What nails consist of.
Structure of nails.
Nails consist of dense horny plates on the rear surface of the ends of fingers and toes. They lie on what is called the nail bed. Their primary function is the protection of the terminal phalanges of the fingers from physical damage.
The front edge of the nail plate should protrude from the end of the finger. The rear and side edges are surrounded by skin folds and go deep into it. The upper part of the skinfold comes onto the nail plate and is called the nail ridge, which serves a protective role, preventing foreign bodies and bacteria from penetrating the nail sprouting zone. The edge ridge is composed of dead cells. These can dry up, and then flake off. This region gives rise to burrs.
There are body and roots of the nail. The root of the nail which is also called called the posterior part of the nail plate is under the rear of the nail roll. Only a small part of the root of the nail emerges from under the nail shaft in the form of whitish crescent-shaped areas. The root of the nail lies on the back of the nail bed and this is called the matrix. The Matrix is a place where there is a formative nail plate and it consists of epithelial cells. In the layer of these cells are onihoblasts - cells which make up the nail which in turn forms into the horny nail plate.
Composition of nails – what nails consist of
The basic material of the nail is keratin .This is a protein and it is also present in the skin. From it is also formed our hair. The density of keratin in hair and nails is due to the fact that this protein has a significant amount of sulphur atoms. Links , formed between molecules, strengthen the protein, making it hard. In many respects, the amount of sulphur, or rather cysteine, amino acids, which includes sulfur, is determined not only by its content in the body, but the hereditary characteristics of each person. For example, some people have a higher concentration of cysteine, which makes the nails hard. In other words if your parents lack this chemical then you are also likely to have a lack also.
Between the layers of keratin are thin layers of fat and water. These layers give the nail plate elasticity and shine. The nail can absorb water, thus increasing its thickness. That's why people who often come into contact with water have soft and thick nails.
In addition the nail contains other trace elements including calcium, chromium, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. Their presence makes the nail healthy. Nails grow more slowly than hair. During an average week fingernails grow up to 1 mm, and the nails of the feet by 0,25 mm. Complete replacement of the nail plate is achieved in approximately half a year.
The nail bed has a good blood supply. Thanks to that blood supply, the nail is getting enough "building material". The nail is formed through the activities of the cells of the matrix. Cells in it work continuously, producing keratin. Coming to the nail plate, the cells lose fluid and die.There then occurs a compression of the cells. There are a few factors which can accelerate the growth of nails including hormonal changes during adolescence, the period before menstruation, pregnancy and in the spring.Other physical activities which lead to the abrasion of nails such as typing or the habit of constantly biting his nails,and hand massage can also contribute to more rapid growth in the nails.
A slowing down in the growth of nails can come about if a person follows an excessively strict diet (low-fat, protein, vitamins) and also through diseases which are accompanied by disruption of blood circulation and the metabolism.
Nails are often seen as good indicators of pathological processes occurring in our body. For example, longitudinal grooves running down the length of the nails indicate the presence of chronic inflammatory diseases (sinuses, teeth) or starting rheumatism. Transverse grooves running from side to side may indicate a disease of internal organs such as the kidney, liveror gastrointestinal tract). The presence of transverse grooves may also indicate that the body does has not contain enough zinc. Because zinc is found mostly in foods of animal origin, the usual sufferers are primarily vegetarians. If there are dents and the nail starts to look like a thimble - it is a signal of psoriasis. Nails in the form of watch glass very often indicates pulmonary disease, bronchitis or cancer. Spoon shaped nails indicate iron deficiency, which should always be treated under medical supervision. Changes in the colour of nails is a useful early warning on the development of problems with the internal organs. In case of insufficient blood circulation nails can become bluish in colour. Yellow colouration of the nail can indicate that the liver is diseased . Knobby yellow nails are indicators of diabetes , mellitus, as well as fungal infections.
In addition, the nails have aesthetic value for our appearance. Without beautiful, healthy, well-groomed and long nails it is difficult for the well finished look for the woman . However , thanks to modern designs for nails, which come in a wide range of beautiful styles including or excluding pictures and colours a user of such nails can carry out lovely forms of self adornment . Of course this can be extended to further include body piercings .
For that to be made possible , the nails should be prepared daily with great care and an ongoing sanitary manicure, which includes mainly the correct cutting and thorough cleaning particularly of the front sections of nail groove. When correctly carried out the procedure creates favorable conditions for the healthy growth of the nail, and there are no conditions for the growth of bacteria or ingrown nails which are unattractive and can bring on other problems in the body.
For cutting nails you use special forceps or scissors. You should only cut with the tips of the tool, and the shorter the individual steps in the cutting, the easier the procedure. Ultimately, the cut surface should be a smooth, uniform line without any protruding edges.
After clipping the nails you should carry out a thorough and careful cleaning of the nail groove and the skin under the free front edge of the nail. After cleaning the nails , any irregularities should be removed using a nail file . Afterwards push the cuticles with a cuticle stick and finish with a cream and polish . Well cared for nails should have a healthy shiny finish .
It is also very important to point out that to avoid fragile and splitting nails and also discolouration, you need as soon as possible to stop smoking and any unhealthy diet you might be following You should also avoid direct contact with synthetic detergents. Always use a protective agent, preferably containing a natural wax which has a great and effective water-proof quality and at the same time does not take away moisture from the nails themselves. If your nails are showing signs of damage or fungal infection this should be treated as soon as possible because until this is carried out, any subsequent decoration and remedial treatment will be a waste of time and money.