NAILS

Functions to provide protection

to the distal surface of the digits
and can be used for self
protection.
 NAILS
• Horn – like envelop covering the tips of the
fingers and toes
• Parts includes
- Matrix
- Nail plate
- Nail root
- Nailbed
- lunula
 Nails
• The nail is Stratum Corneum containing
hard keratin
• The nail root is covered by skin
• The nail body is the visible part of the nail
• Nearly all of the nail is formed by the nail
matrix, but the nail bed contributes
• The lunula is the part of the nail matrix
visible through the nail body
Fingernails
Toe nails
Nail Abnormalities
Nail Abnormalities
 NAIL ABNORMALITIES
Koilonychia
- Spoon shape, in which the nail
curves upward from the nail
bed.
- Maybe seen in clients with iron
deficiency anemia.
 NAIL ABNORMALITIES
Paronychia
- An inflammation of the tissues surrounding
a nail.
- The tissues appear inflamed and swollen
and tenderness is usually present.
 NAIL ABNORMALITIES
Onychomycosis (nail fungus)
- Symptoms include brittleness,
discoloration, thickening, distortion of nail
shape, crumbling of the nail and loosening
(detaching) of the nail.
 NAIL ABNORMALITIES
Clubbing
- A condition in which the angle between the
nail and the nail bed is 180 degrees or
greater.
- May be caused by a long-term lack of
oxygen.
TEST FOR CLUBBING
 NAIL ABNORMALITIES
Blanch test
- To test the capillary refill, that is peripheral
circulation.
- Normal nail bed capillaries blanch when
pressed, but quickly turn pink on their
usual color when pressure is released.