Medline Plus, an online medical encyclopedia associated with the U.S. National Library of Medicine, reports that the purpose of fingernails and toenails is to protect the sensitive tissue at the end of the fingers and toes. The American Podiatric...
Nails are composed of layers of protein called keratin. The nail grows outward from the base of the nail or nail matrix which is under the cuticle. The nail plate is the actual fingernail or toenail. The nail bed is the skin under the nail plate....
Ingrown nails can occur anywhere on the body. But when the nails develop on the thumb, they can be very painful and difficult to tolerate while continuing through your daily routine. Depending on the severity of the ingrown nail, you may be able...
If your nails are brittle, soft and break before they get long, they may be lacking moisture, says Herbert Luscombe, M.D., professor emeritus of dermatology at Jefferson Medical College. Most cases of brittle nails can be solved using home...
The fingernails can often show specific changes that signify specific conditions. Kidney disease is associated with multiple distinctive nail problems, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. A buildup of nitrogen waste products...
Your nails are hard plates formed mainly from keratin, a protein that also exists in your hair. The primary function of your nails is to protect the sensitive areas of your fingers and toes. Finger- and toenails are most often clear. A white...
Fingernails and toenails are living skin cells. Nails protect and support tips of the fingers and toes, and they help humans scratch an itch, tie a knot and pick up small objects. Nail growth is affected by illness or poor health.
Taking care of your feet isn't always as simple as trimming your nails weekly and getting the occasional pedicure. If you suffer from toenail problems, your toes may be painful or unsightly. In some cases, infected toenails may become serious and...
Fingernails and toenails are composed of translucent keratin proteins and various sulfur-containing fibrous proteins, which also form the chemical basis of hair and skin. Healthy nails are consistent in shape and uniform in color. Abnormal color,...
The toenails and fingernails, made up of layers of hardened protein referred to as keratin, protect the underlying tissues of the toes and fingers. According to the MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, nail health can...
An ingrown toenail occurs when your nail grows into the skin of the nail bed, usually on the side. It can be a very painful condition and can easily become infected. One remedy for an ingrown toenail is to soak the affected foot in a bath...
Fingernails are made of protein layers called keratin and provide protection for the fingertips. According to the Mayo Clinic, nails that have become split, brittle or discolored can be a sign of health problems, so a visit to your doctor is...
The fingernails protect the ends of the fingers and function as tools that assist in fine motor functions such as picking up minute objects. Like other body parts, fingernails are vulnerable to diseases that may affect nail structure and function....
The appearance of your fingernails can reflect the state of your health. Nail conditions, including split nails, have a variety of causes. Onychoschizia is the medical term for split nails, a condition more common in women than in men. Although...
An abundance of half-truths purport to be the sole cause of thin, brittle, peeling nails. The health of your nails can tell you a lot about the health of your body whenever you notice pronounced changes in nail color, shape and surface texture....
Nails are constantly painted with nail polish to make them more attractive to the naked eye. However, nails that change color can also be the result of a more serious underlying ailment. Causes of nail discoloration have specific treatments.
Nails are important for protecting and supporting the tissues in your fingers. They can be a sign of your health, a precursor to diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. Brittle, yellow nails may be a sign of aging, since nails can thicken and...
Biting your nails makes your nails look unsightly, but it can cause an infection. When you bite your nails, you break the skin on your fingers, which may allow bacteria to enter the body. If you are unable to stop biting your nails on your own,...
Your nails can be a good indicator of your health, and they are important for protecting and supporting the tissues in your fingers. Short, brittle nails are a common complaint, but there are things you can do to achieve healthy nails. Typically...
According to Kids Health, hair and nails are actually a type of modified skin, which is the largest organ in the human body. Nails help protect the ends of toes and fingers, while hair can help keep a person warm because of its insulating...
Your finger and toe nails are more important to your overall health than you may realize. They're a living part of you that can get infected and cause pain if not properly taken care of. If you choose to get manicures, pedicures and/or artificial...
Your nail health is a reflection of your diet. The strength and appearance of your nails is directly impacted by the vitamins, minerals and proteins that you consume. This is why it is essential that you strive to eat a diet rich in vegetables,...
Nutritional deficiencies can cause a multitude of symptoms, including changes in the health and appearance of your fingernails. Cracks in your fingernails may occur due to environmental conditions or can appear in response to an inadequate...
Unhealthy hair that leads to hair loss and nails that are brittle, dull and weak are symptomatic of nutritional deficiencies. Hair loss and occasional nail breakage is normal. You can lose up to 100 strands of hair a day. In some instances, hair...
Doctors often examine the nails when diagnosing patients. The presence of certain nail conditions, such as white lines in the nails, can give doctors an idea of what may be happening inside the body. Nail abnormalities may also indicate the...
The health of your fingernails and toenails indicates your overall health. Nails, which are made up of layers of a hardened protein called keratin, function to protect and support the tissue of the fingers and toes. Many diseases, including lung,...
Your fingernails and toenails serve an important function and can be a reflection of the overall health and wellness of your body. Although most nail problems are minor, some signs such as nail thickness, horizontal white lines or concave nails...
Your nails are an outward show of your inner health, and they may display malnutrition or signs of disease, such as heart disease or diabetes. Nails are important as they protect and support the tissues in your fingers. Dry nails can indicate a...
Peeling nails can result from a number of different causes including stress, allergies, and illnesses such as skin conditions and yeast infections. If you experience peeling nails, consult your primary care physician to rule out any underlying...
Nails disorders include ingrown toenails, fungi, etc. Get expert tips and advice on nail treatments in this video.
An ingrown toenail is a form of nail disease where the nail cuts into the nail bed, get expert tips and advice on treatments for an ingrown nail in this medical video.
Biotin is a water soluble B-complex vitamin important for synthesizing fatty and amino acids and maintaining blood sugar. Try these tips for buying biotin enriched foods in this healthy shopping video.
