Sophia Delgado
The pink part of your nails is called the nail bed. It is the part of your nail that is pressed against your skin. If you cut your nails too short or bite them, the skin will reattach to the nail plate over time. This can make your nail bed shorter. However, if you stop cutting or biting your nails, your nail bed will slowly heal and reattach to the nail, restoring its original width and length. This process can take a while. In addition, if you push back your cuticles as part of your nail care routine, you can maximize the amount of nail that is visible, making your nails look longer and more slender.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail colour | Typically pink with a white half-moon shape at the base |
| Causes of discolouration | Trauma or disease |
| Treatment for discolouration | Trim, file, and/or paint nails |
| Prevention of discolouration | Avoid biting nails, keep nails trimmed short, avoid chemicals or products that can irritate nails |
| Nail growth | Nails grow from the cuticles, not the ends |
| Nail health | Nails can reflect changes in overall health |
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What You'll Learn
The pink part of your nails can grow back
The pink part of your nails, also known as the nail bed, can grow back. Nail beds can shorten from nail-biting, trauma, or injury. For example, pushing the edge of a book under your nail can shorten your nail bed. However, with time and care, your nail bed can recover and grow back to a normal width and length.
If you have shortened your nail bed, it is important to stop biting your nails and cutting them too short. You should also be gentle when cleaning under your nails, as using too much force can lift your nail bed. Additionally, you should avoid using tools like cuticle sticks and nail brushes, as these can break the skin underneath your nails and cause infections.
It can take a long time for nail beds to grow back, so patience is key. While your nail bed is growing back, you can trim, file, and paint your nails if you don't like the way they look. You can also get a French manicure with a pink base to disguise the appearance of a short nail bed.
In some cases, discolouration of the nail bed can be due to trauma or disease, or onycholysis (nail separation). If you are concerned about the appearance of your nail bed, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
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Nail biting and its impact on nail health
Nail biting, also called onychophagia, is a common habit, with up to 30% of the population doing it. It usually starts in childhood, but it can continue through adulthood. While it may seem harmless, nail biting can have several negative impacts on nail health and may indicate underlying psychological or emotional problems.
For one, nail biting can cause nail trauma and damage the nail bed, resulting in shorter and stumpy-looking nails. Repeated nail biting can also make the skin around the nails sore and damage the tissue that helps nails grow, leading to abnormal-looking nails. Additionally, biting nails can lift the nail bed and cause onycholysis, or nail separation, which can be caused by injuries to the nail or the area where nails start to grow (nail matrix). Onycholysis can also be caused by fungal infections, iron deficiency, hyperthyroidism, or nail psoriasis.
Chronic nail biting can also increase the risk of infection as harmful bacteria and viruses are transferred from the mouth to the fingers and face. This can lead to stomach or intestinal infections and other health issues. Furthermore, nail biting can be socially stigmatizing and restrict social behaviors that involve the use of hands, such as writing or drawing.
To improve nail health, it is important to address the nail-biting habit. This may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), or habit-reversal training. Gradual approaches can also be effective, such as focusing on stopping biting one set of nails first and then moving on to others. Keeping nails trimmed short, using bitter-tasting nail polish, and finding alternative habits like playing with a stress ball or fidget toy can also help deter nail biting.
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How to treat nail separation (onycholysis)
Onycholysis, or nail separation, is a common nail disorder in which the nail plate separates from the nail bed. It usually isn't painful, but it can be contagious if caused by a fungal infection. It is important to pay attention to your nails and consult a healthcare provider if you notice any nail separation or other symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, or a fast heartbeat.
- Identify the underlying cause: Nail separation can be caused by various factors, including injury, trauma, skin disease, nail infections, tumours, or systemic events. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment.
- General measures: Keep the affected nail short and trimmed to prevent further damage. Avoid activities that may traumatise the nail, such as washing dishes or playing sports, and wear gloves for protection. Also, avoid potential irritants such as nail products, solvents, and detergents.
- Medical treatments: Depending on the underlying cause, specific treatments may include antifungal medications for fungal infections, oral or topical medications for nail psoriasis, or changing or ceasing certain medications.
- Prevent secondary infection: Use antimicrobial soaks, such as dilute vinegar or essential oils like tea tree or orange, to minimise the risk of secondary infection.
- Manage underlying conditions: If nail separation is related to an underlying condition, such as psoriasis, hyperthyroidism, or type 1 diabetes, managing these conditions can help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of nail detachment.
It is important to note that the detached portion of the nail will not reattach, but proper treatment can ensure that new nail growth remains attached to the nail bed. If you experience any concerns or persistent symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice and treatment options.
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The white half-moon shape at the base of the nail is called the lunula
The human body can reveal a lot about a person's health, and nails are no exception. Anatomically, nails are horn-like envelopes covering the tips of fingers and toes in humans and some other mammals.
Lunulae are typically whitish in colour and take up a small portion of the bottom of the nail. However, in some cases, the lunula may turn blue, indicating cyanosis, a condition resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood. Additionally, red lunulae, or red discolouration of the moons, can indicate various health conditions that may significantly affect one's health.
The size and shape of nail beds are largely determined by genetics. However, nail care practices can also impact the appearance of the lunula. For example, pushing back the cuticles can maximise the amount of nail visible, making the nails look longer and more slender.
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Changes in nail colour and their health implications
The colour of our nails can speak volumes about our inner health. While the normal colour of a nail is skin-coloured with a pinkish undertone, any significant deviation from this hue can indicate an underlying health issue.
For instance, if the nails are partly or entirely white with a pink band at the top of the nail bed, this is called Terry's nails and may signify a serious health anomaly. Pale or white nails may indicate anaemia or liver disease. Yellow nails can indicate a fungal infection or psoriasis. Bluish nails may indicate poor circulation or respiratory issues. Greenish-black discolouration can be a sign of bacterial infection. Red nails could mean possible heart disease, kidney issues, or conditions like psoriasis and lupus. Vertical black stripes from the cuticle to the tip can indicate subungal melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.
Changes in nail texture can also be indicative of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. For example, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, or magnesium deficiencies can cause vertical ridges on the nail beds, while vitamins A and C deficiencies can cause nails to crumble or break easily. If nails grow detached from the nail bed, this could be connected to hyperthyroidism or fungal infection.
In addition to colour and texture, the shape of the nails can also indicate health issues. For instance, fingernails can start growing upwards, taking the shape of a spoon, which is known as koilonychia and can be a sign of anaemia or cardiovascular disease. More unusual shapes include nail clubbing, which could indicate a range of serious diseases including heart, liver, or AIDS.
While some nail colour changes may indicate a simple deficiency, others can be more serious. If you notice any unusual changes in your nail colour, texture, or shape, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist for an assessment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it will grow out, but it may take a while. The length of the nail bed is genetically predetermined, but if you've cut your nails too short, the skin will reattach to the nail plate over time if left alone.
The pink part of your nails may be shorter due to genetics, or because you've cut them too short in the past.
If you're a nail biter or keep your nails extremely short, the best thing to do is to stop biting them and to stop cutting them so short. You can also try getting a French manicure with acrylics, or using nail oil to strengthen your nails.
Onycholysis can be caused by injuries to the nail or the area where nails start to grow (nail matrix), fungal infections, chemotherapy, certain medications, or nail psoriasis.
If onycholysis is caused by an injury, the detached part of the nail will eventually grow out and can be removed with nail clippers or nail scissors. If it's caused by a fungal infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral or topical antifungal medication.
