What is the free edge of the nail?
The Nail Free Edge, also known as the Free Nail Angle, of the nail is the part of the lamina that protrudes from the nail bed; it is therefore a “dead” and painless part of the nail.
What is the definition of free edge?
(cosmetics) The part of a nail, such as a fingernail or toenail, that extends past the flesh of the finger or toe. noun.
Why is the free edge of my nail uneven?
Cause: If you find that the surface of your nail is uneven, this could be an early sign of inflammatory arthritis. Cause: Check this out as soon as possible as it could be a sign of melanoma (skin cancer). Cause: If your nails assume a hollow shape and take on the shape of a spoon, you may have an iron deficiency.
Should nail tips be white or clear?
Normally, your nail tips are white and strong, but they turn clear at times. Though some changes in your nails can be warning signs to other health problems, this little change should not worry you. Just like your skin, your nails need a little extra TLC.
What does it mean when you have no lunula?
Though the connection is not completely understood, an absent lunula can indicate anemia, malnutrition, and depression. Make an appointment with your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms along with an absence of lunula: lightheadedness or dizziness. unusual cravings, such as dirt or clay.
What’s the skin under your nail called?
The hyponychium is the skin just under the free edge of your nail. It’s located just beyond the distal end of your nail bed, near your fingertip. As a barrier from germs and debris, the hyponychium stops external substances from getting under your nail.
Why are there grooves in my nails?
Ridges in the fingernails are often normal signs of aging. Slight vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults. In some cases, they may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes. Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau’s lines, may indicate a serious condition.
Why is my nail slanted?
Nails that curve far inward at the sides are called ingrown nails. This condition may affect the toenails and be due to wearing shoes that are too tight, particularly in the toe box. Ingrown nails may also result from cutting the nails improperly. In some cases, treatment may involve removing part or all of the nail.
Why do the ends of your nails turn white?
The cells of the nail plate are translucent, and the nail bed underneath is full of crisscrossing blood vessels. The translucent nail tips project beyond the blood-red nail bed, and so don’t look pink. We see white when light reflects from the tips.
Why did my lunula disappear?
It happens when the red blood cells that carry iron-rich hemoglobin do not work correctly or when the body does not produce enough red blood cells. This causes an oxygen deficiency that can result in paleness, including paleness that makes the lunulae invisible.
Is it bad to not have a lunula?
Does everyone have a lunula?
Although everyone has a nail matrix, not everyone will see or have a lunula on each nail. Those who do have a lunula may notice that they vary in appearance across each nail.
What causes a toenail to fall off?
Overview. A detached toenail is a common condition, but it can be painful. It’s usually caused by an injury, fungal infection, or psoriasis. However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can also make your toenail fall off. Once your toenail falls off, it can’t reattach itself and keep growing.
What is the structure of the nail?
The nail is a platelike, keratinous, translucent structure that consists of highly specialized epithelial cells. The nail grows from a deep groove in the dermis of the skin. All nail growth occurs at the nail’s base, where the specialized cells that make up the nail’s plate are produced; these cells are pushed forward as new cells form behind them.
What do fingernail lines indicate?
Fingernails can indicate health problems by their appearance. Nail abnormalities often involve shape, texture, color and thickness of the nails. Depression lines in fingernails, also known as beau lines , occur due to malnutrition or an injury to your nail.