What is a Nail Bed?

17 Jun What is a Nail Bed?

Get to Know Your Nail Bed

How well do you know the parts of your nails? In this post, we take a look at your nail bed, which holds your nails in place, protects your toenails from damage or infection and is often the first place to signal that there’s a foot problem.

What Exactly Is the Nail Bed?

The nail bed is the formation of cells that lies just under the nail plate. The nail plate is the main part of your toenail. The nail bed is also called the quick. If you’ve ever heard the expression “biting your nails to the quick,” now you know exactly what it means.

Why Is It Important?

You may not give your nail bed much thought, but when it comes to foot health, it’s an important ally that can point you to signs of health conditions or trauma to your feet.

For instance:

• White spots on the nail bed are often a sign of illness.
• Red, swollen nail beds are one sign of a diabetic foot infection.
• Splitting of the nail bed from the nail plate is a symptom of psoriasis.
• Black spots on the nail bed are a sign of bacterial or viral infection.

Toe Nail Anatomy

Does Fungal Nail Start in the Nail Bed?

Fungal nail is caused by a virus. It actually starts when the human papillomavirus enters the skin through a crack or a cut. It then spreads to the nails and the nail bed.

That’s why it’s important to protect your feet from places where the fungus might be lurking. When you go to pools or public shower areas, always bring your own flip-flops. Wash them when you get home. Don’t share towels, nail cutters or nail files with anyone. If you develop an infection, a foot care specialist can prescribe the right medications to clear it up quickly.

Does Ingrown Nail Start in the Nail Bed?

This painful condition starts in the perionychium, which is the area around the side of the nail. Sometimes, this area of skin grows over the edges of the nail. When that happens, the nail grows sideways into the skin rather than straight ahead. An ingrown nail painful, but it’s easy to remedy if you see a podiatrist.

How Can I Keep My Nail Bed Healthy?

• Don’t bite or tear at your nails or toenails. This can cause cracks that allow bacteria to enter.
• Avoid strong nail polish remover. it can leave nails and the nail bed dry and brittle.
• Use cuticle oil to moisturize your toenails. It will keep the nail bed soft and healthy.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage and discolor your nail bed.
• Keep the skin of your feet moisturized.
• Consult a foot care specialist if you develop a foot condition.

Keep All Your Toenail Parts Healthy

If you’re experiencing heel pain, toenail troubles or other foot problems, don’t wait until the symptoms get worse.

At Shuman Podiatry & Sports Medicine, we provide a warm, caring atmosphere where you and your feet can count on outstanding care. Call us to schedule an appointment. You’ll be on your way to happy, healthy toes and feet.