Nails are flexible plates made up of epidermal cells that are located at the base. They begin their growth in the womb. Many do not follow them, but the nail is a very important formation. Just looking at them, you can determine the disease, which a person is missing. The structure of the nail resembles hair and skin, and is also a claw homologue.
Structure. Functions
There are no blood vessels or nerve endings in the nails. The nail itself is located on the nail bed. On the one hand, it ends with a free edge, and on the other, with a root that is hidden from the human eye. On the sides next to it are rollers, which are made of leather. Near its base is a cuticle. It plays a very important role, as it does not allow pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms to get to the root of the nail. It should be removed, but not completely, since with regrowth it does not allow the nail to lengthen and becomes stiffer. The cuticle must be properly looked after, otherwise it can inflame. At the base of the nail there is also a lunula - this is a white hole, which has the shape of a crescent. According to it, you can determine what is inflamed or hurts in a person. Therefore, if at least one finger is missing, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis. Nails are a very important component of the body, however, not all people know this.
The main function of the nail is to protect against injuries of the delicate fingers. The pads contain many nerve endings that are needed in order to perceive objects and the world around them by touch. The harder the nail, the more safe for the finger, especially during hazardous work.
Also, nails, especially long female ones, can help with self-defense. People from ancient times grew them to protect themselves.
Nail growth
How do nails grow? Many people are interested in this question. For all people, the nail plate grows differently. It is believed that in women the nails become longer much faster than in men. It also depends on health, proper nutrition. Nails need a lot of phosphorus and calcium, which are found in dairy products and fish. Nail can begin to grow faster after taking vitamin and mineral complexes. From this, they also strengthen, become beautiful and shiny. When taking oral contraceptives, increased growth is also noted.
With age, they grow more slowly, and this comes from the aging of the body. With numerous diets and restriction in certain foods, deterioration is also seen. To date, in pharmacies and cosmetic stores, there are many tools that strengthen and promote the growth of nails. Therefore, if a person by nature was not lucky with nails, then do not despair, because now everything can be fixed.
The chemical composition of nails
Horn plates of nails consist of keratin. It is a complex protein and is considered a very strong protein. Between its fibers there are layers of fat and water. The nail also contains amino acids, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and even arsenic.
Nails absorb water very well, and especially healthy oils. Few people know, but they do it much better than skin. Often the components of the nail depend on the manicurist. They are also quite similar to the skin. If it is dry and lifeless, then the nails will be like that, and vice versa.
Nail diseases
The nails on the fingers and toes can be exposed to various diseases of an infectious or other nature. There are many factors that can lead to this. Often in beauty salons, manicurists carry out poor tool handling. Because of this, not only nails, but the whole body can suffer. Also, great harm is done with improper home care. A person can use cheap materials, incorrectly or heavily file a plate. Nails can give a reaction when a cold occurs or due to a lack of nutrients.
The most common disease is a fungus. It is infectious. The nail becomes white or a darkish shade, an unpleasant odor appears. The plate may delaminate or crack. The area around the nail can become painful and swollen. For the treatment of fungus, various ointments are prescribed, which can easily be bought at a pharmacy.
Another disease is melanonychia. It occurs due to hemorrhage when injured. Because of this, the nail begins to hurt greatly, its color turns blue. In severe cases, it can completely fall off, which is a bad sign, because in its absence, bacteria can easily get under the skin and provoke inflammation.
Leukonichia is found in those who save on varnishes and means for removing it. The nail becomes cloudy and opaque. In order to get rid of this, for some time you need to give up various means. After a certain period, the nail will become normal.
How to care for your nails
Nails are not only safety, but also the decoration of any girl. Therefore, they must be properly looked after. Simple rules:
1. It is necessary to protect nails from external factors. In cold weather, you should wear gloves or hide your hands in your pockets, because if the skin suffers from overdried and cold air, the nails will also feel the same. In bright sunshine, it is useful to use special creams that can protect your hands from ultraviolet rays. When washing dishes and floors, gloves must be used, especially for harmful powders and detergents.
2. Baths for nails. They provide nutrition to the skin, nail plate and cuticle. There are many oils that can strengthen nails, promote rapid growth and moisturize the skin.
3. Healthy eating. In order for the nails to be beautiful and shiny, it is necessary to consume more dairy products, as well as greens, fruits and vegetables. It is worth giving up junk food, especially from fatty and carbonated drinks.
4. Manicure. It can be carried out either at home or in a special place. It is useful to file nails, this makes them grow faster.
The benefits and harms of gel polishes
Gel polish today is an incredibly relevant topic. A wide variety of colors, designs, coating resistance, what else do fashionistas need? But he has certain pros and cons that need to be clarified.
There are cases when blistering, hives and swelling appear on the skin when applying gel polish. This causes an allergic reaction. It occurs due to intolerance to certain components or when using cheap firms. If this happens, you must immediately remove the gel polish, otherwise it may harm your health. It is also believed that you can not wear a coating for a long time, because it prevents the nails from breathing. In this case, after removal, the nails become brittle and weak. Another disadvantage is that it is difficult to apply on your own, and in the cabin expensive prices.
The main advantage of wearing gel polish is that with it, nails grow well. How can this be explained? Nails stop breaking, become more durable, which means a certain safety. Therefore, there is a feeling that they are growing rapidly.
What diseases can nails say?
Nails are a mirror of the whole organism. According to them, inflammation and disease can be determined. Loss of holes in the little fingers will mean problems with the intestines or heart. With liver disease, the nails acquire a yellow tint, and when the central nervous system is disturbed, many white spots appear on them. If the hole is absent on the middle finger, this means that the person has problems with veins or pressure. If it is not on the index finger, then there is the likelihood of gynecological ailments.
Determining the nature of the nails
There are 4 types of nails in total: round, square, rectangular and trapezoidal. The owner of the first type is characterized by emotionality and openness, such a person is easy to offend or hurt. Square nails speak of calmness and poise. Such a person is able to easily make decisions. The owner of rectangular nails is distinguished by children's naivety, kindness and diligence in all matters. Trapezoidal nails are found in people with high opinions about themselves, they know exactly what to do, like to dream.
Few people think about the meaning of nails, but human life is impossible without them. Therefore, they should be looked after.