Nail

Structure Nail Theory

Nail
Growth

Nail
Diseases,
Disorders,
and
Conditions
Onychology
The study of nails.
 Nail Structure
1. Free Edge Extends past the
skin.
2. Nail Body Visible nail area.
3. Nail Wall Skin on both sides
of nail.
4. Lunula Whitened half-moon
5. Eponychium Lies at the
base of the nail, live skin.
6. Mantle Holds root and
matrix.
 Nail Structure
7. Nail Matrix Generates cells that
make the nail.
8. Nail Root Attached to matrix
9. Cuticle Overlapping skin
around the nail
10. Nail Bed Skin that nail sits on
11. Nail Grooves Tracks that nail
slides on
12. Perionychium Skin around nail
13. Hyponychium Underneath the
free edge
Hyponychium
Nail Body
Nail Groove

Nail Bed

Lunula
Eponychium
Matrix
Nail Root
 Free Edge

Nail Bed
Eponychium
Matrix
Nail Root
 Nail Growth
Keratin Glue-like protein
that hardens to make the nail.
Rate of Growth
4 to 6 month to grow new nail
Approx. 1/8 per month
Faster in summer
Toenails grow faster
 Injuries
Result: shape distortions or discoloration
Nail lost due to trauma.
Nail lost through disease.
Types of Nail Implements
Nippers Nail Clippers

Cuticle Pusher Emery Board

or orangewood stick
 Nail Diseases, Disorders and
Conditions
Onychosis Any nail disease
Etiology Cause of nail disease, disorder
or condition.
Hand and Nail Examination Check for
problems
Six signs of infection Pain, swelling,
redness, local fever, throbbing and pus
 Symptoms
Coldness Lack of circulation
Heat Infection
Dry Texture Lack of moisture
Redness Infection
Color of Nail Bed Bruise
Condition of Free Edge Nail biter
Tenderness/stiffness Arthritis
Nail Plate Thickness - Filing
 Nail Irregularities
Refer to a
physician!!
Do not diagnose!!
 Onychomycosis
Tinea Unguium /
Ringworm
Cause fungus
Thick, turns colors,
deformed
See physician
No services may be
performed!!!
 Tinea Manus
Hand Ringworm
Fungus
Blisters & flakes
See physician
No services may be
performed!!
 Tinea Pedis
Athletes Foot / Foot
Ringworm
Fungus
Itching & red blisters
See Physician
No services may be
performed!!
 Paronychia
Inflammation
Bacterial Infection
Shows signs of infection
May grow out irregular
See physician
No service may be
performed!!
 Onychoptosis
Shedding of Nails
Disease
Sensitive, nail loss
Will re-grow
Needs to be protected
No service may be
performed!!
 Onychia
Inflammation of Matrix
Bacterial Infection
Signs of infection
Nail may not grow back
If it does grow, may be
deformed
Needs to be protected
No services may be
performed!!
 Onychatrophia
Wasting away of the nail
Injury
Shrinkage, separation
May improve in 3 6
months
No services may be
performed!!
 Onycholysis
Loosening of Nail
Systemic
Partially loose nail,
becomes detached
See physician
No services may be
performed!!
 Blue nails
Systemic
Blue Nails
Blue in color, poor
circulation
Manicure with
caution!
 Corrugations
Ridges across nail
Injury/systemic
Ridges
Buff lightly
Ridges may disappear
while growing out.
Lightly buff, apply base
coat
 Kolionychia
Spoon Nails
Systemic
Concave, unusual
shape, unlikely to
disappear
File carefully, polish to
protect
 Furrows
Vertical Lines
Injury
Buff lightly, may grow
out, may be permanent
Lightly buff and apply
base coat
 Onychogryposis
Claw Nails
Systemic
Thick, curved, claw-
like
Physician may
remove
Difficult to clean and
cut.
Clean under free
edge.
Extreme Case of
Onychogryposis
 Onychocryptosis
Ingrown Nails
Environmental
Signs of infection: No
Service
Refer to physician
If not infected: Soften
skin, trim nail
DO NOT CUT OUT
INGROWN NAIL!!
 Onychauxis
Hypotrophy
Injury
Thickness, easily
recognizable
Lightly buff
 Agnails
Hang Nail
Dry Cuticle
Skin breaks at corner
of nail, trim
May heal in 2 to 3
days
Trim Hangnail and
Moisturize
 Bruised Nails
Purple Nails
Trauma
Discoloration under nail,
normal growth will
continue
No pressure on nail
plate.
 Leuconychia
White spots
Injury or liver disease
Small separation from
nail bed, grows out
with nail.
Perform nail service
as usual.
 Pterygium
Overgrown cuticles
Sticky cuticle
Excess cuticle that splits
and eventually tears.
Soften, massage
cuticles and push back
Unless skin is broken,
then no service.
Extreme Case of Pterygium
 Onychophagy
Bitten Nails
Habit
Easily recognizable,
will re-grow if biting
stops
Perform nail service
weekly
 Onychorrhexis
Split Nails
Injury (improper filing
or harsh chemical
contact)
Easily recognizable,
file with emery board
carefully, may be
permanent
Soften nails, use hot
oil manicure