What are nails?

Fingernails and toenails are made from skin cells. Structures that are made from skin
cells are called skin appendages. Hairs are also skin appendages. The part that we call
the nail is technically known as the “nail plate.” The nail plate is mostly made of a hard
substance called keratin.Jun 28, 2018

What Are the Different Nail Shapes?

Round Nails
This nail shape is simple and easy to maintain. Manicurists smooth your nails into round and
perfect semi-circles. When you get round nails, there is no need for applying nail extensions as
they are considered the most durable type.

Square Nails
Square nails are usually flat on top and have straight corners. They are a good alternative for
short nails. This shape can be extremely flattering in case you have narrow nail beds and slim
fingers. The maintenance of short square nails is quite easy.
Almond Nails
Lots of women are obsessed with this 90s beauty trend. Almond nails were born in the 90s, but
they are still modern today. The shape is less extreme than the stiletto nail shape. It will be better
if you use nail extensions to keep your nails long and add strength to your almond nails.

Squoval Nails
Squoval Nails are similar to the square and the oval nail shape. They are a great choice for both
long and short nails and fingers. Manicurists file the nails into a square shape, but they round off
the corners in order to get a lighter effect.
Coffin Nails
Did you know the American star Kylie Jenner tends to have her nails done in a coffin shape? It is
no secret coffin nails are a favourite of many Instagram stars. So, if you are into social media,
this is the right nail shape for you. As coffin nails can break easily, it is recommended to get nail
extensions. Learn more about coffin nails here.

Stiletto Nails
Stiletto nails are probably the favourite nail shapes of the celebrities. They work best for long
nails, and you will have to add nail extensions. Stiletto nails are long and very sharp.
Oval Nails
Oval nails are always in trend. They are appropriate for both long and short nails. Although they
look fierce, oval nails are vulnerable. They might break easily, so you have to be careful what
you touch and do with your hands.
Top 10 Most Common Nail Diseases &
Disorders
By promedadmin | February 17, 2022 | 0

Did you know that Podiatrists can tell a lot about your general health just
by assessing your nails? Nails can change in colour, shape and strength
based on your overall health and wellbeing.

Taking care of your nails is not just a regular cut and file but can involve
a more holistic approach. Here are some common nail conditions that we
see regularly:

1. Nail Clubbing
Nail clubbing occurs as the end portion of the nail raises up and rounds
out. This occurs gradually over time. As a result, the tip of the finger or
toe appears swollen and rounded. The bed beneath the nail may not
support the nail as firmly, causing the nail to be looser and to spring
almost like a sponge when pressed.

Nail clubbing can be a sign of:

 Pulmonary Disease
 Cardiac Disease
 Systemic Disorder

2. Hangnails
Hangnails are more common in fingernails than toenails and occur when
the skin along the edge of the nail tears or is otherwise damaged.
Sometimes this causes bleeding and can cause persistent, low-grade
pain. This needs to be addressed to reduce further pain and reduce the
risk of infection.

3. Ingrown Toenail
This is more common in the toenails than the fingernails. An ingrown nail
can occur for many reasons the most common being picking or tearing
the nail or poor cutting technique. This leaves a spike on the side of the
nail which then ingrown into the soft tissue causing infection and pain.
Ingrown toenails can also occur due to some medications and some
medical conditions.

4. Splitting or Peeling nails

Split or peeling nails occur when the nails are too dry and brittle. This can
be caused by a vast array of issues including:

 Immersing and then drying hands frequently

 Waterless handwash
 Nail Polish and acetone-based removers
 Vitamin deficiencies
 Medications
 Medical conditions

5. Nail Psoriasis
Caused by an overactive immune system, psoriasis can affect your nails
and create changes in the colour, thickness, and surface of your nails.
You may notice pitting or depressions in your nails.

6. Yellow Discoloured Nails

More common in the toenails, discolouration that appears to be yellow is
generally the result of an underlying medical condition. There are many
treatments for yellowed nail issues since they are quite common.

Yellow nails can be caused by:

 Leaving nail polish on too long

 Fungal infections
 Diabetes
 Medications
 Weakened Immune System
 Circulation Problems

7. Beau’s Lines
Beau’s lines are linear depressions in the nails that run horizontally and
move up from the base of the nail as it grows outward. You can measure
how long the lines have been there based on how far up the nail they are.

Common underlying disorders for Beau’s lines include:

 Malnutrition
 Liver Disease
 Heart Attack
 Poorly Managed Metabolic Process (like Diabetes)

8. Nail Fungus
Many people have nail fungus at least once in their lifetime. Fungus is
naturally found in our body and requires the optimum environment for it to
become an infection. Fungus loves dark and damp environments for it to
thrive.

Nail Fungi are very resistant and difficult to resolve. Depending on the
amount of nail involvement it can take 6-12 months to resolve. Like
bacteria, there are many different types of fungus and therefore not one
treatment will work for every infection. There are many treatment options
available including topical, oral, and laser therapies. A Podiatrist is
qualified to assess the infection and advise on the appropriate treatment
for your specific infection.

9. Onycholysis
Onycholysis is when the nail separates from the nail bed, raising itself up
away from the toe or finger. This can occur for a variety of reasons:

 Trauma
 High chemical nail polish
 Fungal infection
 Psoriasis
 Medications
 Chemotherapy

10. Nails beds with a blue tinge

Any discolouration of the nail is a hint that something isn’t quite right.
Nails begin to appear bluish when there are issues in the blood or in the
circulatory system. Your ProMed Podiatrist is highly skilled and trained to
not only assess the nail issue but can perform a thorough vascular
assessment to diagnose circulation issues of the foot.

Our highly skilled Podiatrists can provide a holistic assessment of your

nail concerns as well as provide a tailored treatment plan to assist your
nail health but more importantly your overall health and wellbeing.

Many disorders can affect the nails, including deformity and dystrophy , injuries,
infections, and ingrown toenails. Infections can involve any part of the nail and
may or may not change the nail's appearance. Most nail infections are fungal
(onychomycosis), but bacterial and viral infections occur.
Anatomy of the Fingernail
The nail unit is made up of the nail plate (the hard part of the nail made of the
protein keratin) and the surrounding structures. The nail bed is underneath the
nail and attaches the nail to the finger. The nail matrix is located at the base of the
nail and is where nail growth originates. The cuticle connects the top of the nail
plate to the skin behind it. The lunula is the half-moon shape at the base of the
nail. The nail folds are the folds of hard skin at the base and sides of the nail plate
where the nail and the skin meet.

Did You Know...

 Some babies are born without nails, a condition called anonychia.

Causes of Nail Disorders

Some of the causes of nail disorders include the following:

 Infections (such as paronychia, retronychia, warts, and green

nail syndrome)
 Injuries
 Internal diseases (such as certain lung diseases, which can
cause yellow nail syndrome)

 Nail fungus (onychomycosis)

 Structural problems (such as an ingrown toenail)
 Birth deformities (such as pachyonychia congenita)
 Drugs
 Tumors