What happens if the nail matrix is damaged?
What happens if the nail matrix is damaged?
The nail matrix is a delicate area. Damage to the matrix can result in broken blood vessels, which is usually recognized by a horizontal brown-reddish band under your nail. If the nail matrix is badly damaged, scarring can occur, and even potentially lead to a nail that grows out funky (split in half).
Can you repair nail matrix?
Restoration of normal nail appearance and function is best achieved by acute repair of the nail matrix. Reconstructive techniques may be used to provide a more normal-appearing nail.
Can damaged nail bed be repaired?
More serious injuries may be treated with surgery and/or need splinting. Some nail bed injuries can be fully repaired, and your nail could return to normal. However, some severe injuries may result in a deformed nail.
Can a nail matrix grow back?
In most cases, the nail will grow back from the area under the cuticle (the matrix). A fingernail takes about 4 to 6 months to grow back. A toenail takes about 12 months to grow back. If the nail bed or matrix was damaged, the nail may grow back with a rough or abnormal shape.
What is a lunula nail?
The lunula is the visible portion of the distal nail matrix that extends beyond the proximal nailfold. It is white, half-moon-shaped, appears by week 14 of gestation, has unique histologic features. The lunula has a primary structural role in defining the free edge of the distal nail plate.
What does the Lunula do?
Lunulae are part of your nail matrix. The matrix refers to the tissue just beneath your nail. It contains nerves, lymph, and blood vessels. It also produces the cells that become the hardened nail plate, which is what you see.
What is a lunula on a fingernail?
How do you repair a damaged nail bed?
An injured toenail bed can cause serious problems. For instance, you’re at a greater risk for infection and the nail might fall off. Even worse, if the damage to the toenail bed is severe, the nail may never grow back.
How do you treat damaged fingernails?
Moisturize your nails. Use vegetable oil to either brush your nails or to soak your fingers. This helps your nails fight brittleness and dryness. Apply lotion to your nails and fingers, especially after removing nail polish. Most problems leading to damaged nails are treatable at home.
What causes damaged fingernails?
Conditions ranging from stress to kidney and thyroid disease can cause changes in your nails. One common change is the appearance of vertical or horizontal ridges. Most of the time, ridges in fingernails are harmless. Fingernails are made by living skin cells in your fingers. So a skin condition such as eczema may lead to fingernail ridges.
How do you treat a damaged nail bed?
For subungual hematomas. This can be drained through a small hole in your nail,usually made with a needle. This also relieves pain and pressure.