Whatever makes a hand presentable definitely involves a good fingernail. Most women would readily believe to such for how good could a hand look if it is without a nail? So how do we care for a problem such as an ingrown fingernail? Let’s start with what composes the nail.
Parts of the Finger Nail
Nail plate. This is the hard portion of the nail that is composed of keratin. The fingernail grows an average of an eight of an inch a month and basically grows faster than the toenails and faster in the dominant than the non-dominant hand.
- Nail bed. This is found under the nail plate. Nourishment of the nail comes from the capillaries found in the nail bed and this gives its pinkish color.
- Free edge. This is part of the nail that extends the matrix bed or finger.
- Lunula: This is the visible portion of the matrix bed at the base of the nail. It has a half-moon shape and it is where the nail is formed or where it grows.
- Cuticle: This is a fold of skin at the base of the nail that covers the lunula and protects the nail bed.
Causes of an Ingrown Fingernail
An ingrown nail is a condition wherein the nail edge curves or grows and pushes into or against the skin causing irritation and likely inflammation. Poor peripheral circulation can also increase the incidence of ingrown nails.
Home Remedies for Ingrown Fingernail
