Most people who have seen a nail fungus – both in the toes and fingers – would usually pay attention on the discolored nails and not the nail bed itself. The latter however may be damaged if the nail fungal infection will not be addressed accordingly. Therefore, it pays to gather information about that part that they call the nail bed.
It is better to know the anatomy and function of the nail prior to discussing the nail bed. Nails – including fingernails and toenails – are extension of the skin and are made of similar materials. The visible part of the nails is composed of keratin which consists of dead skin cells similar to those constantly being discarded by the body. The cells in keratin are closely packed, forming a substance that is tough, flexible and protective.
An Elaboration on the Nail and the Nail Bed
Nail grows from below. The living portion is located just beneath the area called the lunula, the pale half-moon portion at the base. The amount of lunula that is exposed depends on the extent to which the layer of epidermis known as the cuticle has been pushed downward and trimmed.
Nail Bed
Since the nails are constantly exposed, and the area surrounding them is subject to cuts and abrasions, they are frequently infected by fungi and bacteria. When the infection is acute or chronic and accompanied by pus, it is known as paronychia. This kind of infection usually begins around a hangnail. This is especially difficult to control when the hands are routinely subjected to water and detergents. When paronychia spreads from the area of the nail into the finger, it may affect the tendons.
A nail which has been injured in an accident may eventually fall off. If the nail bed has not been seriously damaged, a complete new nail will grow in about six months. But if it does get damage, you may expect the worst things to happen. But before you become afraid of that reality, learn more about questions that are commonly concerning the nail bed.
Relevant Questions Regarding the Nail Bed
The following are four of the most common questions regarding the nail bed. Read on and find out more facts on this crucial part that may be inflicted with a fingernail or toenail fungus infection.
How does nail bed damage occur? Nail damages are usually connected to the injury of the other configurations of the nails which are in the similar area. These comprise of bone breakage or incises on the nail bed, fingertip skin and tendons that help the fingertips to bend. This may also be brought about by breaking of the nerve ends.
What are the sources of nail bed damages? Some of the injuries connected to nail bed include entrapment of fingertips in a door and squeezing or mashing of fingers. Any type of abrupt cut done to the fingertips can result to the damage of the nail bed.
How to analyze nail bed damages? First, a thorough and precise record must be achieved to learn the real source of the damage. An x-ray may be suggested to look further if there are connected bone cracks that need necessary medication. The complete degree of the damage may need to be given local anesthesia to magnify the injury properly. All medical situations concerning the healing process of the injured nail bed must be conferred with your doctor.
How to treat nail bed damages? The main goal of treating nail bed damages is to repair the regular composition of the nail and its neighboring configurations. Basic blood clotting is removed through a tiny opening done on the nail. This is important to alleviate the pressure and ease the soreness, while the uncomplicated incises are fixed to return the parts in the right place.
Fixing the nail bed is necessary to recondition the positioning of several cracks along the fingertips. Bigger portions of bone may require holding down or support to cure the breakage. On the other hand the misplaced parts of the nail bed can be implanted from the same finger or from other figures. Damage tendons may also need support. Surgical restoration may be required by grafting to put off further damage or irregularity of the toenails.
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i have finger nail infected with fungal infection,and it has all of the above symptoms.it has been there for the past 1 year but has not increased,though causes some discomfort at times.i have also taken oral medication prescribed by my consulted dermatologist,but the proper nail has not yet come back.iam desperate for a cure,i need help.