Nail assessment

• Nails - are complex structures located at the distal ends of fingers and toes, serving both protective and functional roles.
• Nail - They are primarily composed of keratin, a tough and fibrous protein that is also found in hair and the outer layer of skin.
• Nail Plate - The visible part of the nail, the nail plate is a hard, keratinized structure that serves as a protective barrier. It is the part of the nail that is commonly polished and groomed.
• Nail Bed - The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate. It is rich in blood vessels and nerves, providing nutrients to the nail plate and contributing to its pinkish color.
• Nail Matrix - Located beneath the cuticle at the base of the nail, the nail matrix is responsible for producing new cells that make up the nail plate. It is the growth center of the nail.
• Lunula - is the whitish, crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail. It is part of the nail matrix and is more visible on some nails than others.
• Cuticle - also known as "Eponychium", is a thin layer of skin at the base of the nail that protects the nail matrix from infection by sealing the space between the nail plate and the skin.
• Hyponychium - is the area of skin just under the free edge of the nail. It acts as a barrier to prevent pathogens from entering the nail bed
• Free Edge - is the part of the nail plate that extends beyond the fingertip. It can be trimmed and shaped for cosmetic purposes.
• Protection - They protect the sensitive tips of fingers and toes from mechanical injury and environmental damage.
• Sensory Enhancement - Nails provide a counterforce to the fingertips, enhancing the sense of touch and aiding in the manipulation of small objects.
• Support - Nails offer structural support to the fingertips, allowing for precise movements and improved grip.
• Indicators of Health - Changes in nail color, texture, or shape can indicate underlying health conditions, such as nutritional deficiencies, infections, or systemic diseases.
• Protection - 1st physiological function of the nail
• Sensory enhancement - 2nd physiological function of the nail
• support - 3rd physiological function of the nail
• indicators of health - 4th physiological function of the nail
• Onyx - The medical term for a nail.
• Unguis - Another term for a nail, used especially in the context of animals.
• Nail Plate - The hard, visible part of the nail made of keratin
• Nail Bed - (Hyponychium) The skin beneath the nail plate
• Nail Matrix - The tissue at the base of the nail that produces new cells for nail growth
• Lunula - The white, crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail, part of the matrix.
• Eponychium - Also known as the cuticle, it's the skin at the base of the nail plate.
• Paronychium - The skin that surrounds the nail on its sides
• Hyponychium - The area of skin just beneath the free edge of the nail
• Free Edge - The part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip.
• Onychia - Inflammation of the nail matrix, often leading to infection.
• Paronychia - Inflammation or infection of the tissue surrounding the nail, usually caused by bacteria or fungi.
• Onycholysis - The detachment of the nail from the nail bed, often due to injury or infection.
• Onychomycosis - A fungal infection of the nails, also known as tinea unguium
• Onychocryptosis - The medical term for an ingrown nail, where the nail grows into the skin.
• Onychodystrophy - Abnormal nail growth or development, often caused by injury or disease.
• Onychogryphosis - Thickening and curving of the nails, sometimes referred to as “ram’s horn nails.
• Leukonychia - White spots or streaks on the nails, often due to minor injury or deficiency.
• Beau's Lines - Horizontal grooves or depressions across the nail plate, often indicating a temporary interruption in nail growth due to illness or stress
• Koilonychia - Spoonshaped nails that may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
• Clubbing - Bulbous enlargement of the fingertips and nails, often associated with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases
• Onychophagia - The habit of nail biting, which can lead to damage and infection
• Subungual Hematoma - A collection of blood under the nail, typically resulting from trauma.