Basic nail and skin anatomy

Basic Nail Anatomy

Nail Plate: This is the hard, visible part of the nail that we usually refer to as the ‘nail’. It is made of several layers of dead cells that are tightly packed together.
Nail Bed: The skin beneath the nail plate. It contains capillaries that give the nail its pink colour.
Cuticle: This is a protective layer of skin at the base of the nail. It prevents bacteria from entering the body.
Lunula: Recognisable as the white half-moon shape at the base of the nail, this is the visible part of the matrix (nail root), where new nail cells are produced.
Nail Folds: The nail folds are the skin that frames and protects the edges of the nail on three sides.

Essential Skin Anatomy

Epidermis: This is the outermost layer of skin which provides a barrier against environmental damage.
Dermis: The second layer of skin, which is much thicker than the epidermis. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and glands.
Sebaceous Glands: These glands secrete oil (sebum) which helps to lubricate the skin and hair.
Sweat Glands: These are responsible for the production of sweat which aids in body temperature regulation.
Hair Follicles: These structures house and guide the hair shaft. They also provide a route for sebum (oil) to reach the skin surface.
Papillary Layer: This is the uppermost layer of the dermis, containing loops of blood vessels. It also houses nerve endings that provide tactile sensation.

Understanding Skin and Nail Growth

Skin typically regenerates every 27 days, whereas nails grow at a much slower rate.
Fingernails grow faster than toenails due to a higher level of blood flow in the fingers.
Nail and skin health are closely linked, with diet, hydration, and overall health playing a crucial role in their condition.