Nails provide a protective covering to the ends of toes and fingers.
Each nail is composed of a root (or matrix) a body and an edge. The root remains within a fold of skin, the body is exposed and the edge is free portion of the underlying skin. The body and the edge make up the hardened nail plate. New cells evolve from the root and from under the body of nail. As these die, they become a part of the hardened nail plate which is rich in calcium and fibrous protein, known as Keratin.
New cells evolve from the root and from under the body of nail. As these die , they become a part of the hardened nail plate which is rich in calcium and fibrous protein, known as Keratin.
The condition of nails is a signal of general health, both psychological and physical. A severe or traumatic illness can cause nail growth to slow down temporarily. Lack of iron can make the nails depressed and spoon shaped.
The best cure is to keep the nails short and apply nourishing lotion at night.