Nail health chart

Nail health chart

Fingernails protect the sensitive tips of the fingers from accidental trauma and are formed by the layer of germinal tissue called the nail matrix.

The matrix can be found at the very base of the nail, hidden under the skin fold which lies just below the proximal side of the nail. The nail matrix is part of the nail bed which supports and nourishes the nail plate.

The nail folds hold the nail in position and anchor it to the skin, forming the cuticle. This prevents microbial organisms from entering the nail bed and also keeps moisture out.
Nail discoloration

The normal nail is pale pink in color. The end of the nail that grows off the finger is white because it has no connection with the vascular nail bed which supports the rest of the nail plate. Nails can become discolored because of:

    Smoking tobacco
    The use of dyes such as those used for hair
    Certain medications including some chemotherapy drugs
    Infections of the nail bed
    Injury to the nail bed
    Subungual melanomas
    Silver toxicity, quinacrine toxicity and Wilson’s disease – the nails become bluish
    Several systemic illnesses including liver disease – the nails become white
    Renal failure – the nails become half-and-half