The Pathophysiology Of Finger Nails

Finger nails are made up of keratin protein (the same keratin found in hair), which is formed by amino acids, and produced by living skin cells. The main components that make up a nail consists of; the nail plate which is located at the top of the nail. It is held together by protein fibers. The nail plate needs blood flow, oxygenation, and nutrients to grow. This is why an injured nail sometimes turns bruised or falls off. Oxygen penetrates through the nail plate. The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail plate. The cuticle is non-living tissue towards the base of the nail. It is Skin of the eponychium that has grown over the nail plate. Its purpose is to seal in moisture and to help keep out germs. Lunula is the whitish, half-moon
shape, …show more content…
Psoriasis is not contagious. It is unknown why psoriasis develops in the nails, but it is to be from genetics and environmental factors, which makes it impossible to prevent it from happening. If psoriasis of the nails is severe and not treated it can cause functional and social problems. Signs of psoriasis of the nail include: thickening of skin under the nail, pits or lines across the nail, loosening, crumbling, redness at the bottom of the nail, and/or arthritis of the fingers.
Psoriasis of the nail (pitting of the nail)

Stacy Mack 1-30-16
Human Body
Nails
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There are no home remedies for psoriasis of the nail. There is also no cure.
Treatments that may improve function and appearance are creams or ointments such as, steroid, tazarotene (vitamin A), or calcipotriene. The cream or ointment is applied by being rubbed onto and around the affected nail or nails. Steroids may be prescribed, systemic therapy (medication that goes through the body), or PUVA, which is medication and ultraviolet light exposure. Another treatment is to have a medication injected into the nail bed.
Healthy nails are important because they can tell a person about their overall health. Nails can be a visual sign of disease or