The nail has a rather complex structure, and the matrix is one of its parts. We will tell more about the description, structure and causes of damage to this anatomical zone.
What it is?
In order to determine where the area of the nail matrix is located, you need to understand how the nail works. So, it consists of several main parts and has edges.
The lower edge of the nail plate is covered with a special skin roller called a cuticle. This element is formed by several skin layers, which are represented by epithelial cells. These cellular elements are gradually replaced by new ones. This contributes to the fact that the skin of the cuticle is constantly updated.
An important part of any nail plate is the root. To see this anatomical zone does not work out completely, since it is covered by nearby tissues. However, only a small portion of it can be considered. It looks like a white stripe resembling a crescent moon. This anatomical zone is called a lunula.
If the nail is healthy, then the color of this part is white. If the lunula changes its tone, then this indicates the presence of pathological conditions in the body. It is worth noting that this part of the nail is also quite vulnerable and can easily be damaged.
An important part of the nail is the matrix. The thickness of the nail plate also depends on how thick it is. That is why some people have very strong nails, while others complain about the constant lamination of the nail plates.
The initial thickness of the matrix is determined by many factors. For example, heredity affects this parameter. If the nail matrix is thin from birth, then subsequently problems with severe brittle nails may appear.In this case, to cope with the scourge will be quite difficult. The use of medicinal varnishes can, of course, help, but still it will not be possible to completely get rid of brittleness.
The nail matrix is a very tender area. Its main cellular elements are special cells - onychoblasts. They gradually transform and participate in the formation of the nail plate. The appearance of nails also depends on the health of onychoblasts. If these cells function well, then the nails grow well, less often break, and look great.
An important substance that determines the chemical composition of the nail is keratin. Many people think that this biological component is found only in the hair, however, it is not. Keratin is an important protein that is involved in the construction of the nail plate. The molecular structure of this component is quite complex.
This element is involved in the construction of keratin fibers. It is their individual structure that determines the strength of the nail plate. Keratin refers to fibrillar components, which are quite resistant to various influences. Some scientists note that in its strength it is only inferior to chitin - a substance that is involved in building the outer covers of many insects.
To build even one keratin molecule, a sufficient amount of the amino acid cysteine is necessary. The sulfur molecules contained in it interact with each other through chemical bonds, which leads to the fact that keratin has its special properties.
People in whom the matrix has a small thickness should be careful to do a manicure. So, if this procedure is done poorly, this can only increase fragility. Also, an inexperienced master is able to introduce a dangerous infection, which can lead to the appearance of adverse symptoms.
Each nail is well supplied with blood. If such nutrition did not occur, then the nail plate simply could not grow. So, the blood vessels are in the nail bed. This anatomical zone is represented by connective tissue. It provides blood supply to the germ zone, responsible for the growth of the nail plate.
Outside, the nail is covered with several layers of epithelial cells. This structure determines the protection of the nail bed and matrix from various injuries. Also, this part of the nail protects it from the effects of various chemicals that can have a negative effect.
On the side of each nail are very important areas - the sinuses. They should be carefully processed during a manicure or pedicure. With improper treatment, an infection can be brought into the sinuses, which can lead to the appearance of pus in this area. In addition, various foreign particles can enter the sinuses if hygienic care of the arms and legs is not good enough.
Damage reasons
The causes of dysfunction of the matrix may be different. So, mechanical damage to this anatomical zone can provoke a stop in the growth of the nail. If severe damage to keratin fibers has occurred, then significant plate deformations may develop. A similar type of injury is found in some athletes who have damaged their nails during training and exercise. For example, frequent injuries of the nail matrix occur in people who are professionally involved in volleyball, gymnastics or basketball.
Damage to the nail matrix is usually due to a strong hit of the ball in this anatomical area. If the impact force is large, then this can lead to bleeding, as the nail bed will be injured with the blood vessels located in it. It is worth noting that if, due to traumatic injury, the integrity of the nail bed was impaired, then blood loss can be quite significant.If there is even a slight bleeding, it is better to seek medical help.
The nail matrix can be damaged even with poor-quality pedicure. If the processing of the nail plate is not carried out correctly, then in this case, an awkward movement can cause injury. Some pedicure specialists, working with cuticles, can also damage the area of the nail matrix. This can lead to the fact that in the future the nail will not grow properly or even become more brittle.
Household injuries can also cause injury to the nail matrix. For example, pinching a finger with a door. Also, various cuts of the fingers can lead to damage to this anatomical zone. In this case, urgent assistance is required, otherwise the development of negative consequences cannot be avoided in the future.
Diseases are another cause of matrix problems. One of the common pathologies is a fungal infection. Usually, the nail plates of the toes are affected by the fungus. The fungus appears on the edge of the nail, and then gradually “grows” to the matrix. If a fungal infection develops rapidly and leads to damage, then this contributes to the fact that the nail plates significantly change their appearance.
Treatment features
Therapy of a damaged nail matrix is largely determined by the cause that led to this. So, if the cause was an injury, then timely medical attention is extremely important. If the nail is badly damaged, then the damaged nail plate must be carefully removed. This procedure is performed by a traumatologist or surgeon through special medical instruments that have been previously sterilized.
After the completely destroyed nail is removed, a bandage is applied to the site of damage. Also, funds are prescribed that will protect the site of damage from infection and contribute to the restoration of the nail plate. In some cases, even the appointment of antibacterial agents is required. The use of such drugs will help reduce the risk of purulent complications.
Matrix treatment is usually carried out quite a long time. In order to restore this anatomical zone, sometimes it will take several months. Therefore, for such a treatment should be patient.
If a fungal infection leads to damage to the matrix, then the appointment of antifungal agents is required. In the chronic form, the fungus is poorly treated with special medicinal varnishes, systemic drugs are already prescribed here.
For problems with the nail matrix and other nail pathologies, see the video below.
