Fingernails and toenails are functional in that they protect the underlying skin. Fingernails also enhance the sensory perception of your fingertips; Nail Doctors explains that fingernails provide a counterforce to the fingertip. Often, nails of both the hands and feet are decorative. Even without polish or added accessories, well-groomed nails are attractive and convey nonverbal information to those around you.
Background
Nails of the hands and feet are accessory parts of the integumentary system. The main organ of this system is the skin, the largest single organ. Nails, hair and glands are accessory structures to the skin. Nails are tightly packed, keratinized epidermis cells, the same type of cells that form the outer layer of skin.
Formation
The nail begins its growth in the nail bed, the flat surface under each nail that extends under the skin at the nail base. Nails are formed when the roots of the nail form tightly packed, hardened cells called keratin. Layers of them form together and grow toward the ends of fingers and toes at a slow rate, explains Nail Doctors. All growth happens at the root of the nail; the thickening portion of growth occurs from the root to the tip end of the half moon-shaped portion of the lower nail, termed the lunule.
Rate
Nails of both the fingers and toes grow continuously; nail growth has no resting phase. Factors such as age, health condition and nutrition affect the rate of nail growth in each individual. Nail Doctors advise that under optimal conditions, fingernails grow at a rate of "about .004 inches a day or 1/8 of an inch each month." On average, the time required to grow a nail from root to tip is six months. Toenails grow at one-third the rate of fingernails. Nail Doctors explains that nails grow faster in the summer than they do in the winter, with nail growth rate slightly faster on your dominant hand than your non-dominant hand.
Considerations
Factors that can impact proper nail growth include damage to the cuticle or to the skin surrounding the nail. Nail biting is cited by Nail Doctors as one of the most injurious actions to the nails. Avoid picking at cuticles; any infection resulting in the cuticle area can affect the nail root.
Precautions
Your fingernails can be an indicator of particular health conditions. Consult your health care provider if you notice changes in your nails such as a change in nail shape, excessive ridges or change in nail condition.
Member Comments