Fingernails and Toenails: Facts and General Information

Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 2022/04/11
Category Topic: Finger and Toenails (Publications Database)

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Subtopics

Synopsis: Information and facts on fingernails and toenails, including nail fungus and nail color health indicators.

Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called keratin. This protein is also found in the hooves and horns of different animals. Fingernails and toenails consist primary of the nail plate, the nail matrix and the nail bed below it, and the grooves surrounding it.

Fingernails take 3 to 6 months to regrow completely, while toenails require around 12 to 18 months to grow back fully.

Introduction

Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called keratin. This protein is also found in the hooves and horns of different animals. Fingernails and toenails consist primary of the nail plate, the nail matrix and the nail bed below it, and the grooves surrounding it.

Main Document

Healthy nails should be a pink color - with the healthy nail plate being pink, and the nail white as it grows off the nail bed. Fingernail color and condition changes are rarely the first clue of serious illness. In most instances, people will show other signs, or symptoms of disease, before nail changes become evident.

Structure of Finger and Toenails

Continued below image.
Labeled illustration of a human fingernail showing top and cutaway diagram views from Anatomy and Physiology, Connexions Web site. http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6
Labeled illustration of a human fingernail showing top and cutaway diagram views from Anatomy and Physiology, Connexions Web site. http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6
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Nail Conditions

Major illness can cause a deep transverse groove to form across the nails. A change in fingernail color, thinning, thickening, brittleness, splitting, grooves, Mees' lines and nail ridges, small white spots, receded lunula, clubbing (convex), flatness, spooning (concave) can indicate illness in other areas of the body, nutrient deficiencies, drug reaction or poisoning, or merely local injury. Both Fingernails and toenails can also become thickened (onychogryposis), loosened (onycholysis), infected with fungus (onychomycosis) or degenerate (onychodystrophy)

Fingernail and Toenail Facts

Nails never stop growing, and they must be cut from time to time, however, using nail trimming tools used by different people can transmit nail infections. Use standard hygiene and sanitation procedures to avoid this transmission, in some cases, gel and cream cuticle removers can be used instead of cuticle scissors.

See our Amazing Human Body article for more facts and trivia regarding finger and toenails.

Caring for Your Nails

Latest Publications

- The fungus that causes athlete's foot and other skin and toenail infections may have lost its ability to sexually reproduce as it adapted to grow on its human hosts.

- The nail color of fingernails and toenails can reveal certain severe health conditions. For instance, white nails may be indicative of kidney or liver disorders or anemia.

- Bunion deformity was found in 36% of the study population and occurred more frequently in women and older individuals.

Complete List of Publications

Subtopics

Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World (DW). (Rev. 2022, April 11). Fingernails and Toenails: Facts and General Information. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 16, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/dermatology/nails/

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