You could say that the nail is little more than a cemetery of cells: the tissue that composes it is formed by cells that die under the skin of the fingers and are continually pushed by new layers that do not stop being produced. On the way to the tip of the finger, the dead cells gain doses of keratin and other proteins, which strengthen the nails and give them the appearance of a blade. Ironically, the nail, a dead tissue, continues to grow after its owner dies! This is because the cell matrix – something like the “nursery” of fingernail cells – uses very little energy to produce them. When the subject passes from this to the better, the energy accumulated in life guarantees production for a few posthumous days.
But what are these “living dead” for? “Nails protect the fingers and toes and play a significant role in finger sensitivity,” says dermatologist Valcinir Bedin, president of the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine. However, they did not always have these functions: our furry and wild ancestors used their nails as claws, an attack and defense mechanism. Over time, they became thinner and started to cover only the top part of the fingers, a transformation that facilitated the manipulation of objects and precision work. Of course, in order not to harm these skills, it is necessary to give that basic nail trim from time to time. Per month, they grow about 3 millimeters on the fingers and 1 millimeter on the toes. But be careful: it’s best to cut them with scissors and not your teeth. “When nail fragments are swallowed, they accumulate in the intestine and can even perforate the appendix”, says Bedin. Other than that, it’s good to keep an eye on any changes in their style, to avoid the problems that we highlight in the illustration on the side.
GROWING AND APPEARING
The nail is born in the germinal matrix, where the mother cells that produce the tissue are. As soon as they leave the matrix, these cells die, are pushed forward and form the lunula, which is whiter because it is composed of new cells. Then the nail gains keratin and other proteins, becoming pink and harder to protect the fingers.
SLAUGHTER CUT
The lack of care when cutting nails can leave tips that sink into the skin, causing wounds known as ingrown toenails. Not infrequently, wounds turn into infections due to lack of proper care – then minor surgery is needed to solve the problem. An alert: ingrown toenails on the feet are often caused by tight shoes
POPULAR MOLD
The most common nail disease is a type of infection caused by fungi: ringworm. It is more frequent on the feet than on the hands, as the fungi proliferate in humid and warm places, an environment with the characteristics of the interior of the shoe. Fungi often use nail keratin as food. Therefore, the sooner the ringworm is treated, the more effective the cure will be.
HEART REFLEX
The finger on the side represents a problem that can occur with heart patients with circulation problems. The reduction of blood in the extremities of the body lowers the oxygen content in the nail, leaving it purple, curved and thinner. The problem only heals if normal circulation is reestablished.
DANGEROUS FUNGUS
This inflammation at the junction of the nail and the skin is called panariceus. It can be caused by trauma to the nail matrix, but it is usually an infection acquired in beauty salons through bacteria or fungi. It usually goes away within a few days, but it’s good to see a doctor if the problem persists.