The nail bed is several layers of tissue that serve to connect the germinal epidermis and the nail. The end of the phalanx of each finger is completely covered by capillary and nerve endings, which are very thin and vulnerable.
The nail begins to grow thanks to epithelial tissue.
Every woman dreams of long and beautiful nails. In the modern world, it is fashionable to have sharp and elongated nails covered with a variety of varnishes. But not everyone can boast of such a manicure and nail length. But this is not a reason to give up. There are quite a large number of ways to get your nails in order, growing them to the required length, while the nail plate itself will be strong and shiny.
The beauty and grace of women's hands have captivated the male part of the population at all times. The tenderness and sophistication of ladies' fingers are glorified by writers and painted by artists, giving rise to a natural desire to touch the thin hands of their chosen ones, to give kisses and jewelry. The modern age is no exception. Nowadays, women are still trying to comprehend the art of hand care.
It’s not difficult to add elegance to your fragile fingers if nature has given its perfection to your hands. It's no secret that the beauty of women's hands often depends on the length of the nail bed. And therefore, women often try to improve the structure of their nail plate in various ways. Nowadays, there are many procedures that will help to obtain the effect of an elongated nail plate, visually stretching the area of the nail from the base to the lunula, the so-called “smile” of the nail. Let's look at several ways to achieve this effect.
The structure of nails and their growth
Nails are keratinized plates, the function of which is to protect the delicate tissue underneath from mechanical, chemical, thermal and other influences.
The structure diagram is shown in the figure, where:
- A – nail plate.
- B – nail hole.
- C is the root.
- D – sinus (sinus) of the nail.
- E – matrix.
- F – nail bed.
- G – hyponychium.
- H – free edge.
The lateral edges of the nail are surrounded by ridges of skin, and the root part is covered by a posterior ridge of skin that passes into the cuticle.
Nail growth occurs due to the formation of keratin, which, as it grows and is pushed out, becomes denser, becomes smooth and flat. This process is influenced by nutrition, body condition and even the time of year. On average, growth occurs by 0.6-1.6 mm per week.
Is it possible to grow a nail?
If the nail detachment is small, caused by fungal, bacterial, or allergic damage, it can be grown back quickly. But for this it is recommended to adhere to all doctor’s prescriptions. It is enough to choose a cream with the desired effects, then complete removal of the plate will not be necessary.
Cutting out the nail is indicated for those patients in whom it has separated from the plate by half or more.
When a dermatologist recommends a nail extraction procedure, many patients worry whether the nail will grow back. If you follow all the rules of prevention after the procedure, a new nail will grow. But this time he becomes healthy, since the damaging factor no longer acts.
If the root cause has not been established, nail detachment occurs again. But this time, conservative methods may not help. The plate will need to be removed down to the base. Therefore, it is important to visit a doctor in a timely manner and conduct laboratory and instrumental tests to identify the source of the lesion.
Ingrown nail
Incorrect trimming during manicure can lead to the appearance of such a disease on the fingernails. The sharp edge of the nail plate pierces the skin of the finger, in which inflammatory processes are already occurring. The disease is characterized by tissue redness, swelling, severe pain, and suppuration. The cause of ingrowth can be:
- fungal infection;
- injuries received.
To cope with the disease, you will need:
- carefully remove the ingrown piece of the plate;
- take warm baths using antiseptic drugs;
- wash your hands regularly with soap;
- exclude injuries;
- perform manicure correctly;
- cure fungal disease;
- in advanced forms of the disease, surgically remove part of the plate.
Description of the pathology
Detachment of the nail occurs only at the edge of the plate. It can occur on one of the fingers without spreading to adjacent phalanges. The reason for this is the following phenomena:
- mechanical damage caused by blows, finger bruises;
- fungal infection - spores and mycelium of the fungus spread from the base, gradually penetrating deeper into the bed;
- allergic reactions caused by contact with a cosmetic product, manicure with the application of an artificial nail.
The nail gradually swells. It becomes vulnerable to the action of infectious agents. Not only fungus, but also bacteria can penetrate there. For example, staphylococci, streptococci. In response to this, the effect of local immunity is enhanced. A large number of lymphocytes are produced, which leads to a strong inflammatory response, accompanied by pain, swelling, and redness.
To diagnose the condition, contact a dermatologist, who examines the patient, prescribes a smear, checking for the presence or absence of infection.
If a bacterial lesion forms, in addition to the main symptoms, pus is released. This is a product of the vital activity of pathogenic microflora. Treatment of all conditions is primarily local, with systemic medications required in extreme cases.
Reasons for reducing the nail bed
Over time, the nail grows to the skin underneath it. However, bad habits or other factors can interfere with this fusion and contribute to a decrease in the distance of the nail bed. These include the following bad habits:
- Gnawing, biting and biting nails with teeth.
- Tearing off, breaking off, twisting nails with your hands or on other objects.
- Scratch, rub, scratch with your nails.
- Clean dirt under the nails with the wedge-shaped edge of a nail file, a pusher or any other tool. Any sharp objects “tear” the skin from the nail, reducing the bed.
You should clean your nails with a small brush, gently moving underneath them.
Manicure for nail growth
Small nails of a non-classical shape (square, rectangular) are unlikely to add femininity to your hands. But they can be made more attractive. To do this, you can try to lengthen the nail plate. Simple procedures will make her more attractive.
So, let's start with a manicure. First of all, you need to have good tools, cuticle liquid with fruit acids, a cream that prevents skin growth, special nail oil, essential oils for nail baths.
First, apply gel or liquid with fruit acids to the cuticle. After a minute or two, remove the skin. It is better to do this using orange wood sticks.
Then pour warm water into the container, add a couple of drops of tea tree oil or orange. Keep your fingers in this bath for 3-4 minutes. Then push back the cuticle and cut off the excess skin with tweezers. Rub cream into the skin to slow down cuticle growth. Give your nails the desired shape using nail scissors and a nail file. Cover the nail plates with a strengthening base in two layers. It is desirable that such a base contains calcium and vitamins. This care will promote nail growth. Just don’t think that you can solve the problem of lengthening your nail plate in a week.
Options for lengthening the nail bed
You can give it a beautiful shape using home care and cosmetic procedures, special manicures, and surgical methods. Doctors are consulted in case of ingrown nails or finger injuries, since it is not possible to lengthen the nail bed on your own. If there are no such problems, then you can achieve a good result on your own.
Beauty salons also offer spa treatments to reshape and strengthen nails.
A special type of manicure that allows you to create the effect of a long bed is performed by applying an opaque varnish of a color close to natural. After this, a new “smile line” is drawn above the existing one with a different contrasting color at the top of the edge, thereby visually lengthening the nail. The advantage of this manicure is naturalness and neatness.
Another way to lengthen your nail bed? A good option would be to use a bright varnish through which the outlines do not show through.
Deterioration in the appearance of nails
Sudden deterioration in the appearance of nails can manifest itself in different ways. More often their growth slows down. In addition, they become too brittle and brittle. The phenomenon of delamination and splitting of the plate is not uncommon. All this indicates problems in the body. If you take timely measures, you can restore the condition of the nail plates, returning them to a healthy appearance with an even, smooth structure, matte pink color, and pale pink lunula.
Why is this happening?
If the nail plates become brittle and brittle and grow slowly, then the main cause of this condition is a metabolic disorder. Such changes may result from:
- lack of iron, vitamins B, A;
- deterioration of the thyroid gland or kidneys;
- poor blood supply.
When the nail peels or splits, the cause is energy depletion of the digestive system. This is also observed with poor blood circulation. Other causes of delamination:
- malfunction of the nervous system;
- problems with the genitals;
- regular application of varnish, removal of the coating with a liquid containing acetone;
- dry air, gap between the temperature of the street and the house;
- circumcision with pliers or scissors;
- using household cleaning products without gloves.
What to pay attention to
The first thing that fingernail diagnostics advises you to pay attention to is your diet. If you are deficient in vitamins, you should include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your menu. When cleaning the house or washing dishes, be sure to wear gloves, and after contact with aggressive agents, wipe your nails with apple cider vinegar. Hands should be given a break from polish at least once every 2 weeks. For filing, it is better not to use a metal plate, because it severely damages the nail plate.
Nail extensions
Extending artificial tips will help you hide the imperfections of your natural nail plate, hiding it under a layer of modeling material. In this case, the shape of the nail and the outline of its free edge may look different. It cannot be said that by extending artificial tips, you can count on lengthening a short nail plate. Rather, under a layer of modeling gel or acrylic, the imperfections of the nail bed will simply be invisible. Correctly modeled extended nails will transform the hands of their owner, and regular implementation of this procedure affects the natural nail over time, correcting some of its shortcomings. However, do not forget that under an artificial gel or acrylic coating, the tips become weak and fragile, so the nails need periodic restoration after extensions.
In the fight for beauty, all means are good. By combining cuticle and nail care with smart visual techniques and tricks, you can increase your nail bed by several millimeters. Just don’t count on a very quick result: the change in the natural structure of the nail plate will only be noticeable after a few months . In the final video, the wonderful master expert Natalya Golokh will share useful tips on how to correctly and painlessly push back the cuticle so as not to injure the nail. Improve your skills, and the little secrets of nail art will help you create the perfect manicure!
Therapy methods
Pathology is often eliminated using conservative methods. It is important to promptly stop further nail detachment in order to preserve the base. Data on treatment methods are presented in the table.
| Treatment method | Description | Drugs |
| Correction of the gastrointestinal tract | They use medications that saturate the body with useful substances. It enhances metabolism, the condition of hair, nails, bones | Vitamins, minerals |
| Trimming a section of the nail | The method is acceptable after injury. Additionally, a disinfectant is used to prevent infection. | Chlorhexidine, Furacilin |
| Surgical procedure | A large area of the nail is removed, and the entire plate can be removed. Then treated with antibiotics | Erythromycin, Tetracycline |
| Antimycotic agents | Elimination of spores and mycelium of fungi. You can use a complex action product that additionally reduces inflammation | Candide, mycozoral, Mycoseptin, Triderm |
| Antibacterial ointments | Act bactericidal and bacteriostatic, preventing the risk of relapse of infection | Tetracycline, Streptomycin Levomekol, Baneocin |
If drug therapy is started in a timely manner, complications should not arise. It is important to preserve the base of the nail. Then the prognosis will be favorable, the plate will again become integral and adhere to the soft tissues.
Characteristics of antibacterial ointments
The drugs are used only in cases of proven bacterial infection. Otherwise, resistance of microorganisms may develop. The medicine is applied in a thin layer, you can bandage it.
- Tetracycline ointment
. It is based on tetracycline. The drug destroys gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Some strains have resistance to the active substance. The medicine is indicated to eliminate purulent infection, furunculosis, infectious eczema. The only contraindication is children under 11 years of age.
- Erythromycin ointment
. The product is based on Erythromycin. This is an antibiotic from the macrolide group, which has activity against gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative rods. The cream is indicated for chronic diseases and infectious wounds.
- Levomekol
. A combined product consisting of 2 antiseptics. Eliminates pus and necrotic masses, quickly destroys infection. Contraindicated in children under 1 year of age with individual intolerance.
It is important to remember that all antibacterial drugs can only be used for a short course, no more than 7-10 days. Otherwise, superinfection and bacterial resistance may develop. Sometimes doctors suggest removing the nail plate with additional application of an antibiotic after the procedure.
Antimycotics that destroy fungus
Systemic antimycotic agents have a detrimental effect on the liver, destroying some hepatocytes. Therefore, doctors prescribe only local drugs to prevent the development of a large number of side effects. Using the following types of ointments and creams.
- Candide
. Clotrimazole-based ointment with antifungal action. It is carried out due to the destruction of the membrane and the destruction of the internal contents of the cell. The drug is indicated for fungal skin infections, mycoses, and lichen. There are few side effects, only allergic reactions are possible.
- Mycozoral
. It is based on ketoconazole. This is a synthetic substance that has a fungicidal effect. It is used for dermatomycosis, athlete's foot, lichen, seborrheic dermatitis. Rarely causes allergies. Contraindicated in cases of violation of the integrity of the skin.
- Triderm
. A combination drug based on betamethasone, gentamicin, clotrimazole. The antimycotic ensures the destruction of fungi. Hormones suppress inflammatory reactions, reduce pain, swelling, and redness. An antibiotic clears up the infection.
Antifungal medications can be used over a longer course than antibiotics. But their use can also lead to addiction. Therefore, it is recommended to apply drugs only as prescribed by a doctor, for a limited course.
Cuticle treatment
This is the first place to start. Even this one operation will lead to the expansion of the nail bed. There are a large number of cosmetics to soften the cuticle: oils, creams, remover gels. You need to apply one of them to the cuticle, wait 1-2 minutes, then move it with an orange stick and remove unnecessary skin.
Orange sticks help avoid injury to the skin and nail plate.
It happens that at the initial stage the cuticle begins to grow and become shaggy. This is a transitional period that is worth enduring. Over time it will become thinner and softer.
Before lengthening your nails at home, you can take a warm bath with sea salt.
Play of color - perfection of form
The method with visual illusions has long been no secret for women. An incredibly simple and modern means for visually lengthening the shape of a nail is the use of a special color scheme and texture of the material, namely a single-color varnish and a matte glossy shade. A convenient, budget-friendly and simple solution for any occasion, be it everyday or festive manicure, from minimalist style to strict and elegant classics. The visual effect of this option lengthens any shape of the nail plate, as it hides the natural lunula and other possible imperfections of the nails from prying eyes.
Another simple and affordable method for the visible effect of enlarging the nail bed is a French manicure. This option is suitable for both supporters of artificial innovations and lovers of a natural approach. The French nail design does not go out of fashion trends and firmly occupies its leading position, both in the classic version and in other modified versions (colored French, millennium French, twist French). The purpose of this design is one - to give any nail shape a refined, traced lunula standard, thereby improving the length of the nail plate.
An important advantage is the fact that it will not be difficult to cope with such a manicure either at home or with the help of a salon specialist. To begin with, an opaque matte base is applied to cover the entire nail plate. On top of the first layer of varnish, the shape of the lunula that best suits you is clearly drawn. We complete the French look by applying a transparent coating along the entire nail. Manicure is ready!
Pushing back the cuticle
By constantly pushing back the cuticle with an orange stick or pusher, you will visually increase the length of the nail bed. To make this procedure painless and pleasant, prepare a warm salt bath for your hands by adding a few drops of aromatic oil to the water. Now, using gentle movements, push the softened cuticle away from the surface of the nail. Girls who prefer edged manicure. can easily cut skin using scissors or nippers. Now the regrown cuticle, which occupies part of the nail plate, has freed up space, making the bed more elongated. By conducting such sessions systematically, over time you will increase the area from the base to the smile line.
Regularity of caring procedures
It is worth removing the cuticle as it grows, as well as shaping your nails with a nail file. The use of creams, oils, salt baths and other caring procedures should be performed daily, saturating, nourishing, moisturizing, making the nail plate elegant and elongated.
To monitor how your nail bed is lengthening, photograph the progress and changes every one to two weeks. This will give you confidence in your actions, because it is difficult to notice daily changes of up to 1 millimeter per week, although this is precisely the goal of care.
Shaping
Trimming nails with scissors is highly undesirable. You should only use a nail file to give your nails an elongated shape. This is the correct method. There is an opinion that metal files are harmful, so it is recommended to use glass and ceramic ones.
The shape itself can be any, but for short nails at the initial stage, an oval shape is better - it is closer to natural and will promote greater fusion of the skin and nail, that is, the effect that needs to be achieved. Only dry nails should be filed. Therefore, do not start doing this immediately after water procedures.
Visual trick with French manicure
How to lengthen the nail bed by a few millimeters using a special coating? To do this, you need to do a classic French manicure using thick biogel or gel polish. First, apply a layer of opaque coating in a natural shade to the entire surface of the nail, which will hide the natural smile line. Then, stepping back a few millimeters from the border of the free edge of the nail plate, a clear white crescent is drawn. Such a spectacular and natural manicure is a classic technique of many masters who, using such a trick, lengthen the nails, giving them perfect features.
Caring for the nail plate when lengthening the bed
Since we are talking about how to lengthen the nail bed, an important point is to protect it from drying out. In addition, nails need to be saturated with vitamins and given strength. Firming oils and creams are suitable for this. A drop of the product is applied to the nails and rubbed into each nail with soft circular movements for 30-60 seconds. You can use both professional products and simple oils:
– apricot;
– olive;
– peach;
– rose hips;
– bergamot;
- cocoa.
Ampoules from the pharmacy with vitamin A and E and lemon juice are perfect for this. Constant use will lead to the creation of a dense structure of the nail plate, accelerated growth and a healthy appearance.
Regular neat manicure
Constant shifting of the cuticle and cleaning off the pterygium leads to the fact that the skin over the nail becomes neater, sticks less and “crawls” towards the phalanx to its physiological position.
You can speed up this process by regularly caring for the cuticle: it loves oils and specialized waxes, and when used, it retains a beautiful moisturized appearance, does not form hangnails and does not tend to take over the territory of the nail, which optically lengthens it.
If you do your own manicure, look at what Nails will not forgive you for: 5 taboos of home manicure
How to care for your nails at home
Proper care of the nail plate will allow the free edge to grow faster, sealing it and preventing splitting.
- Make it a habit to do your manicure correctly. First, steam the skin, push back and remove the cuticle. After this, file your nails with a glass (!) file. Next, the surface is dried, after which a single-color or multi-colored coating is applied.
- Constantly moisturize the skin around the nail. To do this, use a special product or one of the natural oils (olive, castor, sea buckthorn, vegetable, grape, almond, etc.). Do not allow the cuticle to crack, do not tear it off, carefully cut off the burrs.
- Perform wet cleaning only with rubber gloves. This applies to washing floors and dishes. Otherwise, household preparations will have a detrimental effect on the nails and skin of the hands in particular.
- An effective option for accelerating nail growth is paraffin therapy or the use of cosmetic wax. To carry out the procedure, melt the composition in a water bath, evenly cover your fingertips and wait until dry.
- Make hand baths at home. As a base, you can take a decoction of any medicinal plant(s). Geranium, birch bark and buds, sage, rosemary, linden and chamomile inflorescences are suitable. Add a few drops of essential oil.
- Those with very weak and thin nails need to use iodine. Soak a cotton swab in the preparation and cover the nail plate without touching the cuticle. Leave until completely absorbed and the characteristic shade disappears. It is better to carry out the procedure at night.
- If you cannot grow your nails, purchase a multivitamin complex at the pharmacy designed specifically for this purpose. In addition, enrich your daily diet with calcium (lean meat, eggs, cottage cheese, milk, beans).
It's easy to lengthen your nail plate if you use some tricks. Make a manicure with vertical application of multi-colored varnish or tint the surface with a dark shade. Massage your fingers regularly, use natural oils and baths. Lengthen the bed by pushing the cuticle towards the base of the finger.
how to care for cuticles at home
What to do to lengthen your nails and nail bed?
Many people want a long and not particularly wide nail bed. After all, when only a wide and short bed is available, you have to resort to many methods of nail extension. To experience the pleasure of wearing such flawless nails yourself, you need to spend 2-3 months and do not forget to do the following procedures:
- Every day, set aside time to rub your nail 2-3 times. You need to start from the place where the nail plate grows, slowly reaching the end. Rub vigorously, but do not achieve a strong burning sensation on the plate;
- Massage the nail plates and the skin around them;
- Manicure should be neat;
- After each hand washing, be sure to dry your hands only with strong movements. The procedure should be carried out with movements from the hands to the end of the nails. In this case, you only need to wipe the nail plates dry. The towel should only be cotton;
- After each procedure of washing hands and nails, rub in a small amount of cream to help moisturize the skin of your hands and do not allow the skin around the nails to dry or peel.
Massage should be done daily, while you can take time to relax and watch your favorite show. You should definitely have nourishing oils with you that will help your nails always remain healthy and strong. Some of the suitable oils include grape seed oil, almond oil, and flaxseed oil. The massage procedure must be carried out on each finger separately, in a circular manner, starting from the end of the nail plate to the hand, paying special attention to the nails and cuticle. In this case, the nails are rubbed until the plate and skin around the nails become slightly red. After everything, you can take a contrast shower to increase blood circulation in your hands.
Traumatic damage to the nail plate on the hands
Very often, problems with fingernails arise as a result of injury. In this case, pain, pulsation appears, chips of the nail plate, and blue discoloration are observed. In case of minor injuries, treat the injury site with antiseptic drugs - hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and apply ice to eliminate the hematoma. Serious injuries require a visit to the clinic. Traumatic problems cause:
- mechanical impact on the plate;
- chemical, thermal burns;
- chronic injuries caused by professional activities.
