Good day everyone!

Today, the topic of the article is our nails. Tell me, what's wrong with them? However, they play a very important role. Their main function is protective. Moreover, almost all vertebrate animals (or their analogues) have nails. Nail care is necessary not only for women. In addition, nails are a good indicator of various diseases. If you pay attention to them as this kind of indicator, you can prevent the development of illnesses.

If we compare nails as a specific formation in the animal world, then in other animals their analogues are claws and hooves. Accordingly, nails vary in both configuration and size. In humans, the length of the nail on the hands is approximately 1.5 cm and the thickness is 0.75 mm, and on the feet it is 1 mm.

Structure of nails

NAIL, ungnis, accessory formation of the skin, which, like the hooves and claws of animals, is a derivative of the epidermis. Nails are dense quadrangular plates consisting of a special kind of keratinized elements, located on the dietary parts of the dorsal surfaces of the terminal phalanges of the fingers and toes. (medical encyclopedia)

The nail is also called the nail plate. It lies on the nail bed. The nail has a root and a body. The root is the back part of the nail plate, which is located under the rear nail fold. The nail fold is the upper part of the skin fold that extends over the nail plate. This roller also plays a protective role, which is to prevent any foreign bodies or pathogenic bacteria from reaching the root of the nail. The back part of the nail bed, on which the nail root lies, is called the matrix. This is where the nail plate is formed. Therefore, the matrix consists of epithelial cells.

Nails are horny plates (homologue of claws) on the dorsal surface of the ends of the fingers of the upper and lower extremities of most primates. Nails are derivatives of the epidermis

The spinous layer of the epithelium contains special cells called onychoblasts. Due to these same onychoblasts, the nail is formed. This occurs as a result of their transformation into horny nail plates.

What is matrix

The matrix is ​​the living part of the nail, which is located at its very base. Simply put, this is where the nail grows. When new cells grow, old, dead ones are pushed out. This process is clearly visible when we cut our nails, and after a while we saw that they had grown back. This process is very important for the nail plate and requires sufficient nutrition. As a result, the matrix contains many nerves and capillaries. Moreover, it should be noted that the matrix is ​​also very sensitive. It can be easily injured and damaged. This must be taken into account when caring for your nails. Injuries to the matrix can lead to a change in color and even its complete loss; various irregularities and ribs may also appear. If there are no serious consequences, then, in principle. After some time, all these manifestations will pass.

As already mentioned, painful changes in the human body are also reflected on the nails. For example, when experiencing painful influences, the matrix leaves grooves, irregularities and furrows of varying depths on the nails.

Nail bed

A continuation of the matrix is ​​the nail bed. It got its name because the nail plate is located on it. The health of this very plate, as well as its shape and color, depends on the nail bed.

Hole or moon

If you look closely at the bottom of your nail (at the matrix), you will see a white semicircle - a crescent. That's why it's called the Moon. True, it is not located on all fingers, but only on some. Best on the thumbs. But on the little fingers it’s not visible at all.

Nail plate

This is the largest and most visible area of ​​the nail. In general, it is what is commonly called a nail. The nail plate consists of compressed cells. There are no nerve endings or blood vessels here. This is understandable, otherwise we would not be able to trim or care for our nails painlessly. The main color of the plate is pale pink. But under the influence of both external factors. Likewise, the internal color can change from pale to bluish.

The nail plate is represented by three layers. They vary in density and are separated by layers of fat. The outer layer is the hardest. It is on this that tips are built up with gel or acrylic.

Free edge

What protrudes beyond the edge of the finger that we process is called the free edge. This is the most vulnerable area. Having broken it, we usually say: “I broke (broke) my nail.”

Cuticle

And finally, the cuticle. It can be seen as a rim of skin that frames the nail plate. It protects the part of the nail that begins to harden.

Having lost its elasticity, the cuticle grows onto the nail itself. As a result, hangnails form and it can also crack.

What are nails made of?

What is our nail? It is based on a protein called keratin. This protein can be found not only in nails, but also in skin and even hair.

Keratin contains a large amount of sulfur, which is responsible for the density of not only nails, but also hair. Sulfur molecules, forming strong bonds, thereby strengthen the protein, making it quite hard. The amount of this sulfur in the body is often determined by hereditary characteristics. People whose content is high enough also have harder nails.

As already mentioned, between the layers of keratin there are layers of fat and water. These layers give the nail elasticity and shine. By absorbing moisture, the nail most often increases its thickness. If you often work with water or simply keep your hands in water for a long time, your nails may become soft and thick.

In addition to sulfur, in our nails you can find trace elements such as calcium, chromium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.

How does a nail grow?

Nail growth occurs as a result of matrix cell division. Working hard, they secrete the protein keratin. But as we move towards the nail plate, the fluid disappears in the cells and they die. At the same time, the rows of these cells become very dense.

If you compare nail growth with hair growth, you should note that nails grow much slower. It is estimated that fingernails grow by about 1 mm per week, and toe nails by 0.25 mm. The nail plate is completely renewed in almost six months.

However, nail growth can be accelerated due to various hormonal changes. This usually occurs in adolescence, during pregnancy, and in the spring. Nail growth can also be affected by wearing down the nails of those who constantly type on the keyboard, as well as the habit of constantly biting their nails.

At the same time, nail growth may slow down if you adhere to a too strict diet, which is low in fats, proteins and vitamins, and various diseases.

Nails are like a mirror of our diseases

Recognizing diseases by examining nails in Tibetan medicine

If the nails are pink [in color, to the touch], smooth, [in shape], rounded and elongated, these are common signs of the absence of disease.

If your nails look whitish and rough, these are signs of rlung disease.

If the nails are yellowish-burgundy, this indicates the presence of mchris disease.

If the nails turn white in color, this is a sign of [a combination of] rlung disease and depletion of blood [tissue]. If the nails are dark red in color, this is a sign of [heat] rims.

If the nails look blue, it is a sign of spreading bad blood or agitated [blood].

If white spots are visible on pink nails, this is a sign of pus.

If you see black dots on blue [color] nails, this is a sign of the presence of scran'.

If the nails become convex or concave in shape, this is a sign of a mental or heart disorder.

It has long been known that nails are a good indicator of what diseases are occurring in our body.

Longitudinal grooves indicate that the body has chronic inflammation, usually of the paranasal sinuses or teeth, and also that rheumatism is beginning.

Transverse grooves indicate that a person has diseases of internal organs, for example, kidneys, liver, intestines. These grooves are formed due to the fact that there is little zinc in the body. And since zinc is most abundant in products of animal origin, such grooves are often characteristic of vegetarians.

If your nail has various indentations and depressions that give it the appearance of a thimble, then you have psoriasis. When nails have the shape of watch glasses, it means there are lung diseases and even cancer. A spoon-shaped nail indicates iron deficiency. And if the color of the nails changes, then pathological changes in the internal organs are formed. The blue tint of the nails indicates that there is insufficient blood circulation. Yellow nails indicate a diseased liver. If you have diabetes, your nails become not only yellowish, but also lumpy. The same thing happens when nails are infected with fungus.

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The word “manicure” is of Latin origin (“manus” - hand, “cur” - care, care, treatment). Performing manicure work is giving a more beautiful look to your nails and hands. Beautiful, well-groomed nails and hands are the norm for any woman and man.

Before starting a manicure, it is necessary to agree with the client on the most suitable shape of the nails.

When choosing a form, the following individual factors should be taken into account:

Typically, the nails are shaped to match the shape of the cuticles.

There are four main nail shapes: square, round, oval, pointed (almond).

Nails are appendages of the skin. They are formed from horny cells in the form of a dense thickening on the back side of the surface of the terminal phalanges of the fingers.

The nail plate consists of translucent keratinized cells, has a convex shape, is firmly connected to the nail bed, it protects the soft tissue of the fingertip, protects the nail bed from mechanical damage, and is resistant to the effects of weak acids and alkalis. The nail plate is surrounded at the back and sides by nail folds.

A healthy nail plate has a pink color and a shiny surface.

Complete renewal of the nail plate occurs in 105 days. Damage to the nail plate and nail skin can lead to infection under the nail fold and nail disease. Therefore, manicure (pedicure) should be performed carefully and carefully.

In order to carry out a basic diagnosis of diseases, it is necessary to know their manifestations.

Pustular skin diseases caused by staphylococci and streptococci. The occurrence of this disease is promoted by skin contamination, cuts, burns, and scratching.

Pustular diseases are characterized by red rashes (pustules), after some time the nodules suppurate.

In the interdigital folds of the hand and foot, streptococcal diaper rash can develop, characterized by a wet, bright pink skin surface.

Prevention of pustular diseases consists mainly of keeping the skin clean and eliminating the causes of its excessive contamination.

The cause of pustular diseases can also be careless handling of manicure accessories. Trauma and cuts to the cuticle are accompanied by redness of the nail folds, and infection can cause panaritium (purulent discharge from under the nail fold).

In case of a cut or injection, be sure to treat the area with hydrogen peroxide, iodine or an antiseptic, and thoroughly disinfect the instrument.

With scabies, scabies are noticeable, made by the female mite in the surface layer of the skin. The passages are found more often on the hands (between the fingers), as well as on the lateral surfaces of the fingers. They look like thin strips 5-8 mm long with small bubbles. The disease is characterized by severe itching.

Examination of the client's hands before a manicure consists of checking for scabies. At the slightest suspicion, the presence of blisters on the surface of the fingers or between them, or the client’s complaints of itching, you should consult a dermatologist.

Warts- a disease of viral origin, transmitted through contact. The development of the disease is facilitated by skin trauma, dryness, decreased skin pH, as well as hyperhidrosis - increased sweating. The incubation period ranges from several weeks to 2-4 years.

There are several types of warts: simple, flat (juvenile), periungual, subungual.

Warts are flat, painless, spherical, non-inflammatory nodules that rise above the skin level. The surface of the warts is rough, the size of a grain of rice to a pea.

When warts are located on the nail fold, especially in the area of ​​the nail matrix, the nail plate becomes rough, becomes thinner, and transverse or longitudinal grooves form on it.

A wart on the tip of the finger may spread under the nail to the nail bed. In this case, painful sensations appear, the nail plate separates from the bed and becomes dull. You can remove warts using a lapis pencil, liquid nitrogen, and 70% vinegar essence. And also by electrocoagulation or laser. Wart removal is performed by a cosmetologist

Fungal infections of nails (mycoses)- are especially contagious, because they are easily transmitted from one person to another. The fungus can quickly move from one client's nail to another or get on the manicurist's hands. The fungus affects the skin of the hands, feet and nails.

Ringworm of the hands- is one of the dangerous fungal diseases transmitted by contact. The main symptoms are reddish sores, which may be accompanied by mild or severe itching.

Ringworm of the feet- manifests itself in the form of blisters spreading on the plantar side of the foot and between the toes. Sometimes only one foot is affected.

Athlete's nails- most often observed on the big toes and little toes. Yellow spots and stripes appear on the nail plate, the nail thickens, becomes loose and destroyed. Infection occurs in saunas, swimming pools, and when using someone else's shoes. Increased sweating, skin moisture, as well as cracks and dirt contribute to infection.

Trichophytosis of the palms and soles- characterized by thickening and flaking of the skin. Sharply defined spots are noticeable.

Trichophytosis of the nails most often occurs on the fingers. Gray-white spots appear in the thickness of the nail plate, starting from the free edge of the nail. The nail plate thickens, becomes brittle and lumpy.

Microsporia- a fungal disease transmitted by infection from sick people or animals (cats, dogs). It affects the smooth skin of the scalp and, less commonly, the nails. External signs are similar to trichophytosis: Peeling and redness.

Mold- is a type of fungal infection. Mold damage to the nail occurs when moisture accumulates between the nail, which has not received proper sanitary treatment, and the cosmetic products on top. For example, when using false nails, gels and acrylics. Mold can be recognized already at an early stage of nail damage - by a yellowish-green spot that gradually darkens. When the infection persists for a long time, the nail becomes black, soft, and has an unpleasant odor.

Fungal diseases should be treated by specialists.

Prevention of fungal diseases consists of hygienic skin care, individual use of household items (washcloths, towels, shoes), frequent disinfection of bathtubs, floors, and tools. It is advisable to disinfect shoes: apply 70% vinegar essence to a foam sponge, wipe the inside of the shoes and place them together with the sponge in a plastic bag for 48 hours, then ventilate the shoes well.

Ingrown nail— the problem of ingrown toenails in pedicures occurs quite often in practice. According to statistics, the number of diseases is constantly growing.

An ingrown toenail is the ingrowth of the nail plate, usually the big toe, into the soft tissue of the nail fold, causing swelling of the nail fold and chronic pain when walking.

In the area where the nail grows into the soft tissue of the nail fold, wounds form. Sometimes, when pressure is applied to the nail fold or edge of the nail, a large amount of pus is released. The addition of an infection is especially dangerous for people suffering from diabetes and poor circulation in the legs, since infection can lead to the development of gangrene of the finger.

Causes of ingrown toenails. Often the problem of ingrown toenails occurs as a result of improper nail care. When shortening the nail plate, it is recommended to cut off only the free edge of the nail, without touching the corners and without going into the nail sinuses. It is better to cut the corners with a nail file.

The second cause of ingrown toenails is wearing uncomfortable shoes with narrow toes, as the constant squeezing of the toes causes the nail plate to cut into the nail fold.

With flat feet or fungal diseases, the likelihood of an ingrown toenail increases sharply.

Hangnails- These are superficial small tears in the stratum corneum in the area of ​​the nail folds. Hangnails look like elongated pieces of skin. Can be single or multiple.

Hangnails arise from traumatic damage to the skin: deep cutting of the cuticle, the habit of gnawing hangnails, shaking wet hands, from the use of detergents, acids, and alkalis that irritate the skin.

Hangnails are often accompanied by inflammation of the skin of the periungual ridges and can lead to the formation of felon. You cannot cut off hangnails, but you need to carefully cut them off at the base with nail scissors, and then lubricate them with an alcohol solution or Castellani liquid. A bandage with tetracycline ointment or syntomycin emulsion is applied to the inflamed areas.

Changing nail color- the normal pink color of nails can change: turn pale with anemia, turn red with arrhythmia, turn blue with circulatory disorders and heart disease. Yellow coloration of nails appears under the influence of some medications, also after using some cheap varnishes. With fungal diseases, the nails are dull, gray, yellow, and have spots.

Transverse or longitudinal grooves of the nail- This is a consequence of infectious or nervous diseases. As well as the consequences of a nail injury.

Age nails- with age, nails lose transparency and elasticity, become dull, grayish or yellowish in color. Longitudinal ridges and grooves appear on them.

To keep your nails in good condition, it is important to eat right.

Eating foods that contain vitamins, microelements, and minerals necessary for the structure of the nail plate will help strengthen your nails. Wheat bran, containing B vitamins, fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits rich in microelements are also very useful. Walnuts and honey can also compensate for the lack of microelements (but in limited quantities).

An important source of potassium is dried apricots; prunes, bananas, and apples also contain potassium.

The lack of zinc in the body can be compensated by pumpkin seeds (10-20 seeds every other day). Food containing iodine (fish, seaweed) is required in the diet; it should be consumed 2-3 times a week. It is also recommended to eat meat 2 times a week as a source of animal proteins. It is recommended to take calcium tablets with vitamin D 2 times a year for 1 month.

Sea salt baths — give a good effect for strengthening nails. To do this, take 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and dissolve it in a glass of warm water. Nails are immersed for 15 minutes.

You can use heated vegetable oil in a similar way, then rub the remaining oil into the skin of your hands.

In the evening before going to bed, it is useful to generously lubricate your nails with lemon juice.

Such procedures should be regular courses of 10-12 days in a row.

Ready-made forms of nail strengtheners also give good results.

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The structure of the nail and its functions

The biological function of nails is protective.

Nails on the fingers and toes protect the fingers from mechanical stress. Fingernails, when long enough, allow a person to manipulate smaller objects during any work.

Like the hair shaft, the nail plate of the nail is not living tissue. The nail plate does not have nerve endings or blood vessels, and it does not have in its structure a means of delivering nutrients to the cells of an already formed (grown) nail.

The nail consists of a partially visible nail plate and nail root.

Nail plate

Nail plate- this is the visible outer part of the nail, consisting mainly of keratinized protein keratin, between the plates of which lipid layers and water molecules are located. On three sides, the nail plate goes inside the skin, and on the side of the fingertip it has a free growing tip, which in everyday life we ​​call a nail. The nail plate consists of 100-150 layers of keratin, and has a thickness of 0.3 - 0.5 mm.

The nail plate consists of the following elements:

• 62% keratin protein
• 15-16 % water
• 15-16% fat lipids, which hold the layers of keratin together
• 5-6 % sulfur, which is responsible for the strength of the nail plate. If there is a lack of sulfur, the nails will peel.
• microelements: calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, magnesium, iron, barium, manganese, zinc

Nail root

Nail root- this is the back part of the nail plate, which goes under the skin ( proximal cushion). The root of the nail lies at the back of the nail bed and is called - matrix.

Matrix- this is, by analogy with the structure of hair, a kind of bulb. From the matrix, a visible nail plate begins to form and grow. In the matrix, the cells of the future nail are formed from a type of protein - keratin. New cells formed in the matrix push the keratinized cells forward, and as a result, the nail growing.

Lunula- This is the visible part of the matrix, which is crescent-shaped and has a lighter color (almost white) than the main nail. This is actually a transition zone of still living tissue of the nail plate into keratinized tissue.

Cuticle (eponychium)- This is a dense roller of skin cells that surrounds the nail plate at the base of the nail and fits tightly to it. The main function of this area of ​​the nail is to protect the matrix from the penetration of bacteria and foreign bodies.

Nail bed- This is the layer of connective tissue on which the nail plate is formed. It is densely covered with blood vessels, has many nerve endings and is attached to the nail plate through a thin layer of tissue - epithelial tissue of the bed.

Hyponychia- this is the lowest layer of the nail plate, in the form of a layer between the nail plate itself and the nail bed. The hyponychium is formed by the epidermis layer and consists of basal and spinous cells.

How does a nail grow?

Let us trace the life path of one nail cell from its inception stage to its final formation in the nail plate.

New nail cells are formed at the root of the nail - in the matrix.

So, in the process cell division in the matrix, two new cells are formed, called onychoblasts. The onychoblast mother cell, which has divided, remains in the matrix structure, and the identical cell formed from it appears above it, in the second row. Then the process is repeated, and the onychoblast cell remaining in the matrix divides again, forming another row of cells identical to itself. And so on.

The new row of cells formed pushes forward the row of cells formed earlier, and thus the cells move from the matrix towards the tip of the nail plate. The process of formation of new onychoblast cells occurs continuously, and due to this the nail plate grows.

New onychoblast cells, formed from maternal matrix cells, immediately after formation are spherical in shape and white in color. The accumulation of these cells in the root zone of the nail gives white color lunule. As soon as cells are born, they begin to synthesize proteins - keratin. And as the cells move from the matrix towards the tip of the nail, a number of changes occur in them, as a result of which the cell changes its shape, content and color. From a white spherical cell, it turns into a translucent cell, shaped like a gear. The bumps on the cell that give it the shape of a gear are called desmosomes.

Desmosomes- This is a type of intercellular contacts that ensure a strong connection between cells. In the figure: 2 - desmosomes, 1 - keratin intermediate filaments (connections)

As they grow older and move towards the tip of the nail, the cells are almost completely filled with the protein keratin and turn into dead (keratinized) cells of the nail plate, held together by a layer of special fatty tissue - lipids.

The process of nail growth in a person begins in the womb and does not stop throughout his life.

It takes about 8 months for a nail to grow 2.5 centimeters. For comparison, hair grows 10 centimeters during the same time.

What is keratin and what is it formed from?

Keratin- This is one of the types of protein that is synthesized in the human body. Keratin differs from other proteins in the structure of its framework, which gives it special mechanical strength. Like other proteins, keratin is synthesized on the basis of amino acids.

Change in nail color due to disease

Of course, you cannot diagnose yourself by the appearance of your nails, but the painful appearance of your nails can serve as a signal that you need to pay attention to your health.

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Structure and functions of nails

Nails are a unique part of the human body. Their anatomy is quite complex, but by studying it you can learn some interesting facts.

1. The closest “relatives” of the nails on a person’s fingers and toes are his own hair, as well as animal hooves
2. The horny protective plate consists of three parts: the root (other names are matrix, matrix), the body and the free edge. The root is formed by living epidermal cells, and the body and free edge are dead
3. The root part of the nail, hidden under the skin, in the nail fissure. We can not see. But its dimensions are not small, they make up a third of the visible part. The white semicircle visible on the plate near the lower roller is a continuation of the matrix. It is called lunula
4. The body of the nail rests on the nail bed. The average length of this part of the keratinized plate on the hands is 1.5 cm, width – 1 cm, thickness – 0.7 mm. On the feet, the extreme phalanges and, accordingly, the nail plates on the first and the remaining four fingers differ significantly in size, while the thickness of the plate on the big toe is approximately 1 mm
5. The horny plate itself, naturally, is devoid of blood vessels. But there are extremely many of them under it, in the nail bed. It is these vessels that provide nutrition to the nail.
6. Between the plate and the bed there is a thin layer of living cells, hyponychium
7. Rollers are folds of skin located at the bottom and sides of the nail body. They are connected to the horny plate by the cuticle.
8. The matrix consists of living epithelial cells - onychoblasts. They feed very intensively on blood, constantly divide and become horny, forming the protein keratin, which makes up the dead part of the plate
9. The matrix is ​​responsible for how the visible part of the nail looks - its shape, thickness, strength, growth rate, smoothness, etc. Injuries to the nail root directly affect the appearance of the plate
10. The growth rate of the nail on the finger is up to 4 mm per month, on the toe – up to 3 mm during the same time. Interestingly, the growth process occurs faster in women. Also, nails are cut more often in the summer.
11. The body of the nail, although represented by dead cells, is dense, shiny, elastic, and has a pleasant pink tint, if, of course, the person is healthy. This is explained by the fact that between keratin contains sulfur atoms (cysteine), between its parts in the plate there are “gaskets” of fat and water. The pink color of the plate is given by the blood circulating in the blood vessels located underneath it.
12. The free edge of the nail can grow as much as it is strong and elastic, and as much as the person wants. A classic manicure is characterized by a length of 2 to 5 mm. Stiletto nails with an unusual design can be longer. As it grows, the free edge of the nail plate curls and takes the form of a spiral.
13. Manicurists give the free edge of the nail various shapes by filing.

IMPORTANT: There is a separate official science that studies the anatomy and functions of nails, and also diagnoses their condition. It is called "onychology"

The main function of nails is to protect the outer phalanges of the fingers from the negative effects of environmental factors, in particular mechanical, chemical, vibration, temperature, etc. Also, marigolds:

1. Needed to itch
2. Help a person manipulate various objects, giving the fingertips the necessary hardness
3. Help a person tactilely evaluate an object
4. They are a means of self-expression

Yes, thanks to the possibilities of modern nail design, nails for a woman are a decoration comparable to clothing, accessories, and jewelry. The ability to take care of nails is also a valuable quality for a man.

The singer Countess has a record long nails - 91 cm.

Buck looks like the structure of a toenail: diagram

Anatomy of a toenail.

What does the structure of a fingernail look like: diagram

Diagram of the structure of a fingernail.

Anatomical structure of the nail and nail plate: photo

Diagram of the structure of the nail with photo.

Cuticle on the nail - anatomy

From the ridges around the body of the nail, a thin protective film, called the cuticle, seems to grow onto the horny plate itself.

IMPORTANT: The cuticle consists of two types of cells - living and dead. Living cells are located closer to the skin folds, dead cells are located closer to the keratin plate. The dead part of the cuticle is easily damaged and develops hangnails, which quite often leads to inflammation of the living areas of the skin around the nail

The main function of the cuticle is protective. The film is needed to prevent bacteria, dust, and other foreign bodies from getting into the cracks between the nail and the skin.
Onychologists and manicurists are still debating whether it is necessary to remove the cuticle.

Previously, it was believed that a beautiful manicure with this film was simply impossible, and it was mercilessly cut off with scissors or bitten off with tweezers. Today, the majority is inclined to believe that the living part of the cuticle is needed. After softening with special means, the dead material is removed using a router attachment or carefully pushed away with a stick.
It is also recommended to care for the cuticle using:

• baths
• massage
• special oils and creams

Nail structure and manicure

To work in the nail industry, you must, in addition to having the desire and ability, complete courses and receive a certificate.

There are a huge number of manicure and pedicure courses in any city. Regardless of their cost and duration, the first thing future nail designers will have to become familiar with is the anatomy of the nail, its injuries and diseases. They need this block of knowledge to:

• understand what exactly they will have to work with
• protect clients from injuries and damage during manipulation of nails, and protect yourself from the troubles that follow these injuries and damage
• answer numerous questions that clients have

IMPORTANT: By the way, every person who does their own manicure should have knowledge of the structural features of nails. After all, it is ignorance that causes lasting injuries to the plate, matrix, skin, and infection during inept care procedures. Often similar troubles occur in children who get manicures from their parents.

Here are a few questions that manicurists hear especially often:

1. Why are my nails so short? This parameter is determined genetically. The matrix is ​​responsible for the shape of the plate. But the length of the nail plates is also influenced by external factors. For example, parents “disfigure” children’s marigolds when they damage the hyponychium in infancy by cutting them too short. Short nails are also common among those who have a habit of biting them.
2. My nails feel thick. But why do they often break? The fact is that nail plates are very hygroscopic. Having absorbed water, they thicken, but lose elasticity, and, accordingly, break. It is recommended to wear special gloves for frequent contact with water.
3. My nails are growing too slowly. Why? The speed of nail growth, again, is determined by heredity. Also, it depends on hormones. For example, pregnant women quickly acquire long nails. To increase your growth rate, you need to: eat properly and sufficiently; be in the sun; take vitamins; massage your fingers (this promotes more active blood supply to the matrix); be examined for the presence of cardiovascular and endocrine diseases, treat them if necessary
4. The nails are dead. Why does it hurt me to trim or file them? It’s not the nails that hurt, because they don’t have nerves. Pain occurs when the well-innervated hyponychium is injured. This occurs when the nail beds are cut too short. Or, on the contrary, the nails have been long for too long, and the hyponychium has grown over them. To eliminate discomfort, it is recommended to lubricate the inner surface of the nail plate with oil and gently remove the skin that has grown on it using an orange stick.
5. I hurt my nail and it turned black. What will happen now? You can read in detail about nail bruises in the article: link

Pedicure basics and nail structure

The toes are subject to extreme stress due to walking upright and wearing shoes. When doing a pedicure, you need to think not only about aesthetics, but also about the health of your feet.

Here are some rules:

1. It is better to push back the cuticles on the toes rather than cut them off
2. The nails on the four small fingers can be cut short, at the root. On a large one, the length of the free edge should be about 1 mm
3. When shortening the nail on your big toe, which is thick, you need to be very careful so as not to break it. If the nail has grown too much, it is trimmed; if it grows moderately, it is filed down. Shorten the free edge from the corners, not from the middle
4. The corners of the toenails should not be rounded, otherwise they may grow into the skin.

IMPORTANT: If any injury to the nail or skin around it occurs during the pedicure procedure, you must use an antiseptic. There is a high risk of developing an infectious process

Nail structure and diseases

A healthy nail is strong, elastic, smooth, translucent, and has a pleasant color. Fragility, yellowness, dullness, furrows and irregularities indicate a particular disease.
Brittle nails are caused by:

• lack of nutrition (deficiency of proteins and vitamins)
• the destructive effects of water, household chemicals, and other external factors
• prolonged exposure to the sun
• typing, playing musical instruments
• habit of peeling off varnish
• onychomycosis (fungal nail disease)

The nail plate becomes dull and yellow due to:

• smoking
• cardiovascular, endocrine diseases
• taking certain medications
• elderly
• fungus

Irregularities and grooves on the nail plate appear if:

• the root of the nail is injured
• unbalanced human nutrition
• a person has iron deficiency anemia

Layering of nails is explained:

• using household chemicals without gloves
• lack of vitamins
• habit of biting your nails or picking off polish
• allergies
• internal diseases
• nail fungus

About nail fungus and methods of treating it is written here: link

Can a person live without nails?

It happens that a person has to live without nails. The reason for this may be:

1. Heredity. Congenital complete or partial absence of nails is passed on from generation to generation. Arthro-osteo-onychodysplasia is considered a complex congenital pathology, in which a person lacks not only nails, but also patellas, the pelvic bones and radius bones are formed incorrectly
2. Nails come off partially or completely due to disease. Such ailments are psoriasis, lichen, epidermiolysis bullosa, and others.
3. Injuries to the nail plate, in which its nutrition is disrupted and it comes off. In this case, new nails on the hands grow in 4 months, on the big toe - in six months.
4. The nail may also be surgically removed due to fungal disease or infection

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Structure of nails

On the outer side of the toes there are nails - keratinized epidermis in the form of plates that serve as protection for the phalangeal pads. Like hair, these formations are appendages of the skin, similar in appearance to animal claws. A healthy toenail plate is no thicker than 1 mm, and its average length is 1.5 cm. Completely new toenails grow in 4.5 months.

Their structure is similar to a layer cake and looks like this:

• matrix;
• nail bed;
• nail folds;
• nail plate;
• cuticle.

The matrix is ​​the germinal part of the formation, its fertile soil. The existence of the nail plate depends on the state of this zone: how quickly the horny formation will grow, what its thickness, width and length will be - genetically embedded in the matrix. If a serious injury to the foot occurs, the plate is severely deformed, but its matrix is ​​preserved - rest assured: a healthy new toenail will soon grow.

The matrix consists of onychoblasts - epithelial cells, the division of which leads to the growth of the plate. The process of keratinization can be described as follows. Matrix cells at the very depth of the horny formation (basal layer) are converted into a special protein - beta-carotene. This protein is the building material of the nail.

Beta-carotene keratinocytes look like scales and line the nail bed like shingles on a roof. As a result, the plate grows in length. The final, upper layer of formation, due to the structural features of beta-carotene, turns out to be dense and porous.

The matrix ends in a hole - a white crescent at the base of the plate. In this area, blood circulation is weaker due to pressure on the growing nail socket. Therefore, the color of the hole is paler than the rest.

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Illustration copyright Getty Images

Hand washing is the main way to protect yourself from harmful bacteria. But do you care about the cleanliness of your nails - more precisely, the area of ​​​​your fingertips that is under the nails? The columnist explores why this is important.

Everyone knows that hand washing is the best way to combat the spread of bacteria. In many countries, food service workers are required by law to keep their hands clean.

On the other hand, no matter how much we wash our hands, we cannot get rid of all the bacteria.

It is because of the inability to achieve complete sterility that doctors and nurses so often wear gloves when interacting with patients.

A century ago, doctors realized that even after repeated hand washing, bacteria remained on them, which invariably showed up in samples. However, the reason for this persistence was discovered only in the early 1970s.

Researchers have found that hands stay cleaner longer if you cover your fingertips.

However, it is not so much our fingertips that are infested with bacteria, but our nails.

Under these thin keratin plates, similar in composition to the horns of rhinoceros and antelope, you can find a whole collection of bacteria.

Illustration copyright Getty Images Image caption Studies have shown that artificial nails may attract more bacteria than natural ones.

It wasn't until the late 1980s that scientists finally looked under the fingernails and found out who lived there.

The study, conducted by three researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and published in 1988, involved 26 adult volunteers.

They all worked at the university's medical school but had no patient contact.

Researchers have concluded that it is in the subungual space where the most bacteria are hidden.

Hundreds of thousands of bacteria lived on the exposed areas of the volunteers' palms, while approximately the same number could be found under just one nail - under each of the nails!

The same bacteria accumulated under the nails as on the palm, there was just a lot more of them.

Scientists have concluded that the space between the skin and nail is an ideal environment for the reproduction and growth of microorganisms.

The simplest and most effective means to combat the spread of disease are absolutely useless when it comes to our nails

The nail protects them from external influences, and humidity helps them grow.

In their work, the researchers took into account previous observations that it is impossible to achieve sterility of hands by washing.

They ultimately concluded that "the significant amount of bacteria in the subungual space suggests that this area is relatively inaccessible to antimicrobial agents during routine hand washing."

Just think about it: the simplest and most effective means to combat the spread of diseases are absolutely useless when it comes to our nails.

As a result, a number of studies were conducted to study microorganisms living under the nails of employees of medical institutions, not only under natural, but also under artificial and varnished nails.

The number of these studies is small, but their results are in great demand.

Illustration copyright Getty Images Image caption Hundreds of thousands of bacteria can live under each nail

Just a year after the University of Pennsylvania study, the work of a group of nurses who were also interested in this issue was published.

They noticed that many healthcare workers are succumbing to fashion and getting nail extensions, despite the fact that their safety and practicality remain in question.

The researchers' goal was to find out whether more bacteria accumulated under artificial nails (which are usually longer than natural nails and covered with varnish).

To do this, they invited 56 nurses with regular and 56 nurses with artificial nails.

They also wanted to compare how effective hand washing would be in both groups.

This does not necessarily mean that they transmitted more bacteria to patients - just that a larger colony of microorganisms lived under their nails.

However, it was concluded that increased bacterial counts increase the risk of pathogen spread.

In the case of natural nails, the danger could be small chips or cracks as possible places for bacteria to accumulate

However, by that time, scientists had already discovered that artificial nails could interfere with thorough hand washing and aggravate existing problems.

In addition, healthcare workers with artificial nails are more likely to have their gloves torn.

With varnished natural nails, another problem arose. In this case, small chips or cracks could pose a danger as possible places for bacteria to accumulate.

In 1993, nurses at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore examined the nails of 26 adult women.

They all worked in the hospital but did not interact with patients. Everyone had short nails. The assessment was carried out before applying the varnish and four days after.

Illustration copyright Getty Images Image caption Just washing your hands isn't enough - make sure your nails are clean too

As it turned out, varnish on natural nails does not have the same effect on the population of the subungual space as it does in the case of artificial ones.

The researchers concluded that it was important to cut your nails short and keep them clean, but whether they were coated with polish or not was not so important.

A year later, a similar study was conducted, and again the conclusions remained unchanged.

Yes, after four days bacteria accumulated on the varnished nails, but the freshly painted ones were in perfect order in this sense.

Diarrhea kills between two and three million people every year. It is believed that washing hands with soap could save about a million of them.

This is probably true. But under one condition: during this procedure you need to pay special attention to the nails and the space under them.

And in order to definitely protect yourself from infection, it is better to cut them short.

And finally, before you bite your nails, think about what you just read.

In the medical and cosmetology literature, there are quite often publications devoted to nail infections of various types. Most of them cover the problems of onychomycosis as the most common nail infections.

However, not only fungal infections are found in the area of ​​the nail apparatus. The causative agents of nail infections can be representatives of various classes of microorganisms. It is equally important that nails can be carriers and reflections
and common dangerous infections of the human body, such as syphilis, HIV infection and some others.

This article is an attempt to highlight this problem and classify nail infections for professional purposes.
nail cosmetologists to better understand the lesions that these specialists may encounter in their daily work.

So, in the area of ​​the nail apparatus there may be lesions caused by the following pathogens - fungi, bacteria, viruses. Secondary manifestations may occur in the nail area as a consequence of systemic infections in
body. Different types of infections affect different parts of the nail apparatus.

Manicurists and pedicurists often cannot tell the difference between different types of nail infections, which leads to disastrous results, especially if the manicurist takes on the functions of an attending physician and begins to prescribe serious medications on his own. Therefore, it is advisable to briefly characterize the behavior of various types of microorganisms. Then it will be clear why some types attack certain structures of the nail, while other microorganisms cannot attack these structures. In other words, a nail specialist needs to know some elements of microbiology.

Fungal infections can affect both living structures of the nail and keratinized “dead” structures. Most bacterial infections occur in the soft tissue area surrounding the nail plate. Some bacterial infections also affect the nail plate itself. Viral infections only affect soft tissues - the ridges and skin around the nail. A viral infection is not able to affect the nail plates and other keratinized parts of the nail, since these parts normally do not contain living cells.

Fungi

Bacteria

Viruses

Most often, manicurists encounter the commonplace herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus. Viruses are not related to either fungal or bacterial infections, which also applies to this type of herpes such as herpes on the lips. Genital herpes treatment is effective if you know how to treat it.

The infectious agents mentioned can penetrate into the structures of the nail apparatus in a variety of ways, and the manicurist must know the possible routes of penetration.
to ensure the prevention of possible infection. In addition, a manicurist can create the necessary conditions for the prevention of nail infections when performing a hygienic manicure or pedicure.

Let's start with the most common infection - fungal. Fungi can penetrate and affect both the nail plate itself and the soft tissues. The most common localization of mycotic infection is the area of ​​the nail bed and the free edge of the nail. Favorable factors for the penetration of fungal spores are damaged nail structures and abundantly overgrown keratinized skin. Fungi penetrate into the structure of the nail from any contaminated surfaces and objects of the surrounding world, food, from the hands of other people, and through contact with the ground. Having settled among the layers of keratin, the spores begin to grow into it, rapidly destroying the dense structure of this protein. The infection takes on an ascending course, i.e. the lesion grows towards the matrix. Growing through the nail plate, the fungal infection penetrates to the level of the growth zones and the entire nail bed. In turn, the nail bed responds with the formation of excess keratinization (hyperkeratosis), which over time leads to onycholysis - separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. In this case, the nail plate appears thickened. In fact, this thickening is an illusion, as it is the result of multiple keratin delaminations (open book effect) and excessive keratinization of the nail bed. In advanced cases, the infection can penetrate the nail matrix, and then the prognosis of the disease becomes very unfavorable.

A somewhat rarer route of penetration is penetration from the nail folds; most often yeast fungi penetrate this way. First-
Inflammation of the nail folds occurs - they become swollen, red, and the disease is often accompanied by itching and pain. The infection itself can
There is professional or simply frequent contact with carbohydrates (regular sugar), water and soil, as well as diabetes and immunodeficiency. With a belt
the infection spreads to the nail plates, affecting the growth zone of the nail and the hole. In this case, the disease takes a long-term chronic course.
In general, damage to the skin of the fingers is very typical for mycoses. The most dangerous thing when onychomycosis occurs is the fact that most of
They are asymptomatic for a very long time. The first symptoms often appear at a time when the infection has already captured a sufficient part of the
nail apparatus.

As already indicated, molds mainly affect the population of tropical countries. In countries with cold and temperate climates, dermatophyte infections localized to the feet predominate. The technician should know that what is sometimes called mold only resembles mold in appearance, since brown-green spots are observed on the surface of the nails. Almost always, this condition occurs under artificial coatings if the master does not follow the rules of asepsis and antiseptics and violates the technology of preparing a natural nail for laying out artificial materials. Despite all the similarities with ordinary bread mold, dark green spots on the surface of the nails have nothing to do with molds or the world of fungi in general. These spots are the result of a bacterial infection, i.e. precisely the one that is a biological antagonist of mycotic infection. When these stains are detected, technicians often advise clients to use antifungal agents, including antifungal varnishes. Their use in this case is absolutely useless and can even be dangerous. For this reason, specialists should know the limits of their capabilities and not prescribe any therapeutic pharmacological agents. Moreover, the infection that causes green spots to appear is relatively harmless, and its spread can be prevented in a salon setting. The name of the causative agent of this bacterial infection is pseudomonia. These bacteria are characterized by the fact that they can only exist in conditions of deficiency or absence of atmospheric oxygen in the presence of heat and humidity. It is precisely these conditions that are created under dense artificial coatings; nail designers should have a provision that the nail must be made sterile before laying out the acrylate. Immediately after removing the acrylate, pseudomonas die instantly from contact with air. A green spot remains as a result of the deposition of pigment (like chlorophyll) - a waste product
pseudomonium. Previously, there was an opinion that acrylic should not be laid out again on a nail affected by pseudomonia. This is not entirely true. If the master has carried out a number of necessary measures, the acrylic coating can again be laid out on such a nail without fear of further spread of infection. In addition to pseudomonia, which can infect the nail plate itself, there are a number of bacteria that also infect various parts of the nail apparatus.

Unlike fungi, a bacterial infection, as a rule, does not affect the keratinized parts of the nail, but the living soft tissues surrounding the nail plate. The most common is coccal purulent infection. Pyogenic cocci (usually streptococcus) penetrate through injured areas - cuticle, subungual space, hangnails. In any case, a bacterial infection is the result of trauma and violation of hygiene rules. In contrast to the slow and asymptomatic development of a fungal infection, a bacterial infection develops rapidly and violently, accompanied by a number of bright, distinct symptoms, among which severe pain and swelling come first. In the absence of medical attention, a bacterial infection can reach the matrix level in a matter of days or even hours. In this case, as with any damage to the growth structures of the nail, a further prognosis can depend on the competence of the doctor and the timeliness of contacting him. Therefore, professionals who can promptly refer a client to a doctor should be vigilant when detecting signs of incipient acute inflammation. As with fungal diseases, here you should refrain from making medical recommendations to the client.
Sometimes manicurists have to serve clients whose nail folds are not only swollen, but also have small blistering rashes, which are accompanied by redness and itching. When asked about the origin of the inflammatory phenomena, the client answers with complete confidence that it is an allergy. The master calms down and carries out his procedures. However, often this “allergy” hides a rather serious viral infection – herpes simplex. As usual, most people are accustomed to the manifestation of herpes in traditional places - in the lips, other mucous membranes and skin. However, herpes can also appear on the fingers and toes. Having infected a person once, the viral infection can be repeated many times at different times throughout life. Predisposing factors here are colds and the phenomenon of a temporary decrease in immunity. Moreover, having first appeared in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle, the infection can subsequently appear on any part of the body, including in the area of ​​the nail folds.

Often, a specialist observes damage to the nail folds by the human papillomavirus. Popularly, such lesions are called “warts.” They can be located singly or in large numbers throughout the nail fold. As a rule, there is no damage to the nail plates themselves - and this is understandable, since a viral infection can only infect living cells. Since the nail plate is composed of dead squamous matrix cells,
there is no substrate for the development and reproduction of the virus.

The danger for a nail salon is the possibility of transmitting a viral infection from one client to another through hands and tools. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules of sterilization of instruments, especially cutting instruments for manicure and pedicure. In addition to herpetic viral infection, the transmission of other viral infections - HIV and hepatitis C - has now become potentially dangerous.
is false due to the instability of the viruses themselves and is possible only through direct contact with blood, saliva, etc. infected organism, however, extreme care should be taken in sterilizing instruments, trying to use disposable items whenever possible. By observing the rules of strict asepsis and antiseptics, the master is able to prevent the penetration of any infection into the deep structures of the nail during a hygienic manicure and pedicure.

It is necessary to again focus on the priority of safe (untrimmed) manicure as a more modern type of salon nail procedure. At the same time, we should not forget that an overgrown and keratinized cuticle itself can become a site of infection, and sometimes not a single keratolytic drug is able to remove horny masses effectively enough. For this reason, preparations based on AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) have become very popular in salons in developed countries, which act for a long time and have a constant exfoliating effect, preventing keratinized skin masses from accumulating in the area of ​​the nail folds.

Nippers also remain an indispensable tool for overgrown cuticles and the appearance of hangnails. But when using nippers, the master must be fluent in the technique of cutting out the keratinized cuticle without injuring the matrix or touching the living skin.
Methods such as grinding and polishing nails, oddly enough, are also a powerful prevention of nail infections. The most favorable soil for the development of infection (especially fungal) is the old porous stratum corneum of the very surface of the nail or a nail filed with a “rough” file. High-quality polishing of the edge of the nail and its careful leveling after using a “rough” file with a coarse-grained abrasive coating becomes relevant. The better the edge of the nail is polished, the better the keratin layers are compressed, which means there is less chance of infection. Grinding and polishing the surface of the nail should be careful, since it is very easy to injure and saw through the nail plate itself. Therefore, one should be guided by a sense of proportion and expediency when filing nails.

And, of course, applying varnish to your nails is a powerful protection. The varnish film will be a good barrier against the penetration of infection into the nail
structures.

In conclusion, it is worth recalling once again that the high qualifications of a master include, in addition to mastery of the technology of manicure and pedicure procedures, the ability to communicate with clients, including educating them on the problem of preventing nail infections.

Updated: 04/07/2011

Knowledge about microbes seems necessary to us only at school age, in biology lessons. However, for preschool children this information is no less important.. Children often neglect brushing their teeth and washing their hands, but these hygiene rules are extremely important for health. Before telling anything to children, let's remember what germs are.

What are they, bacteria and microbes?

These are small creatures: it is impossible to see them with the naked eye. Examine surrounding objects for the presence of microbes on them under a microscope. Microbes live everywhere. They move with the help of flagella or tails, and in the water they bounce like balls. Animals and people are also carriers of germs: on their hands, unwashed vegetables and fruits, and wool.

Microbes feed on everything that is around. If you see mold on a piece of bread, it means that microbes have settled on it. Microorganisms can be breeding grounds for disease: these are viruses. To recover and get rid of multiplied microbes, a person is forced to take medications. To fight germs, it is imperative to practice good hygiene.

However, keep in mind: a dry and boring story about bacteria is unlikely to impress a child. He will listen to everything, but, most likely, he will continue to neglect his health. Poems, videos, photographs, pictures will help children present information about microbes in a bright and interesting way.

Aids for studying the topic

To ensure that children are impressed by your story, show them pictures, photographs or a video film. These materials are prepared under a microscope. Scientists use a microscope to study the activity of microbes.

Cards: what should a child know about germs?

Pictures and photos show microbes magnified millions of times by a microscope. Poems about hygiene rules can accompany your story. You can download pictures, photos and poems for children on our website.

Types of microbes.

Video

An interesting cartoon or video film, which contains a photo under a microscope, will quickly and clearly show the baby the danger of microbes. Here are some of the good and useful cartoons that you can watch on our website.

Lessons from Aunt Owl

This cartoon is a wonderful fairy tale about microbes and their effect on the human body. The information is presented in an accessible manner, without unnecessary terminology, and is aimed specifically at children of preschool or primary school age. The cartoon is accompanied by simple and at the same time understandable poems, and the main character - Aunt Owl's assistant - examines harmful bacteria under a microscope, where the microbes appear as if they were alive. You can watch the cartoon here:

Why brush your teeth?

This video film explains in detail why you wash your hands and brush your teeth, how a person feels taste, how the digestion process occurs, etc. Boring scientific information is presented in the form of characters who represent microbes, impulses entering the human brain and responsible for taste, etc. Thanks to such a non-standard presentation of the material, the child will be able to literally visually imagine not only what microbes are (this topic is secondary in the cartoon), but also generally understand how the human body works. You can watch the cartoon here:

Mitya and the microbus

The next cartoon, entitled “Mitya and the Microbe,” is more suitable for preschoolers. This video film tells about the boy Mitya, who, like all children, neglected hygiene methods. The cartoon has an interesting plot about beneficial bacteria and microbes fighting among themselves. Microorganisms are presented in the form of small people, which seem to be observed under a microscope. It's a puppet cartoon, but that doesn't make it any less interesting to watch. The characters in it sing funny songs, simple and instructive. You can watch or download the video film here:

Arkady Parovozov

This is a video film made on the basis of computer graphics. It is a story about a girl Masha who ate an unwashed tomato with germs. As a result, she developed a fever and a stomach ache. But a certain Arkady Parovozov, a kind of Superman, comes to the rescue, drives away the germs and returns Masha to good health. This is not to say that the cartoon is drawn perfectly. The figures are rather schematic, and all attention is directed to the poems about microbes, which the author of the video reads off-screen. You can watch the cartoon here:

You are your microbes

This cartoon is more of a scientific video film with explanations, pictures and photos. It will be more interesting to younger students. Photos of microbes and animated films alternate here. There are no songs or poems in the cartoon. When offering it to a child, this factor must be taken into account: the child must be ready to receive it. You can watch the cartoon with photos here:

So, a fairy tale about germs in the form of a film or cartoon is an excellent tool for teaching children.

Hand washing is the first way to protect yourself from a wide variety of nasty bacteria. But how often do you wash under your nails? Looks like it's worth starting.

You probably know that one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs is to wash your hands. Thus, laws protecting public health oblige all food industry workers to keep their hands clean. But, however, no matter how much you wash your hands, it is impossible to get rid of all bacteria.

It is precisely because it is impossible to achieve complete sterility that healthcare workers most often wear gloves when in contact with patients. Scientists discovered that bacteria always remain, even if you wash your hands over and over again, almost a hundred years ago. But the reason for such persistence was discovered only in studies of the early 70s.

First, it turned out that if you cover your fingertips, your palms generally stay cleaner longer. However, it was not the fingertips themselves that were swarming with bacteria, but the nails. Under thin keratin shields, similar in composition to the horns of an antelope or rhinoceros, lies a whole “menagerie” of microbes.

It was only in the late 80s that scientists began to study the space under the nails to find out who actually lives there. In a 1988 study, three researchers from the Department of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania swabbed the palms of 26 adult volunteers—all of whom worked at the university's medical school but had no patient contact.

Scientists have discovered that the subungual space is the main place where bacteria hide. While other parts of the study participants' palms harbored hundreds of thousands of bacteria overall, the same number of bacteria were hiding under each individual nail. The same types of bacteria were hidden under the nails as on the palm, but there were many, many more of them.

Researchers have suggested that the space between the skin and the nail is an ideal environment for the growth and reproduction of small life forms: firstly, it is very humid there, and secondly, this area is reliably protected by the nail from external influences. Combining their observations and the fact that even prolonged cleaning cannot ensure sterility of the palms, the scientists came to the following conclusion: “the significant number of bacteria in the subungual space suggests that this part of the hand may be relatively inaccessible to antibacterial agents during routine hand washing.”

Just think: the space under your nails is impenetrable to the best and easiest way to prevent the spread of disease.

One small but thriving area of ​​research is figuring out what forms of microbes lurk under nurses' fingernails. Not only under real nails, but also under artificial nails and under varnished ones.

So, in 1989, just a year after the work of the University of Pennsylvania scientists, a group of nurses conducted a new study, noting that "although the safety and practicality of artificial nails are still in question, many healthcare workers are succumbing to the fashion and wearing false nails."

The researchers wanted to know whether there was more bacteria on the fingertips of 56 nurses with fake nails than on 56 nurses with real nails, given that fake nails are almost always longer than real nails and are often covered in varnish. They also wanted to know how effective hand washing would be if the nails were artificial.

Nurses with false nails were found to have more bacteria on their fingertips compared to nurses with real nails - both before and after washing their hands. It is not necessarily true that subjects with artificial nails transmitted more bacteria to their patients; The researchers emphasize that only a larger number of bacteria have been proven. However, it is assumed that the more bacteria there are, the greater the risk of transferring pathogens.

The situation is different with real nails covered with varnish. Typically, concerns in this case are associated with the fact that tiny cracks and chips form in the varnish, where bacteria can hide. In 1993, nurses at Johns Hopkins Hospital examined the fingernails of 26 adult women who worked at the hospital but were not involved in patient care. All had short nails, the condition of which was specially assessed both before applying the varnish and four days after.