I have noticed that older ladies, say 60+, have a lot thicker nails that are sometimes challenging to cut even with professional equipment! Also, sometimes this is accompanied by a thickening of the nail bed underneath which attaches itself to the nail plate as it grows. I never cut the nail bed as this can cause all manner of problems, least of which is bleeding.
Causas del engrosamiento de las uñas en las mujeres mayores
What causes thickening of the nail plate and bed in this age group? For both healthy toes and fingers, the thickness of the nail plate is determined solely by the length of the nail matrix where the nail plate cells are created. The matrix does not suddenly grow longer, so the nail plate under most circumstances won’t suddenly begin to grow thicker. Several things can cause the plate to appear thickened.
Factores del engrosamiento de la lámina ungueal y del lecho ungueal
For example, if the layers of the nail plate begin to separate, the plate will appear to thicken. An example is a roll of toilet paper. The roll will appear to thicken when it becomes wet, not because there is more paper on the roll, but because the layers are slightly farther apart. Thickening can happen when the nail plate is infected by fungal organisms. Fungi eat keratin, which causes the plate to loosen and come apart.
Separación de las Capas de las Uñas: Una ilusión de engrosamiento
Daños menores o irritación constante de la lecho ungueal puede causar para producir algunas células ungueales. En circunstancias normales, todas las células ungueales de la placa proceden de la zona de la matriz, en la base de la placa ungueal. Sin embargo, esto puede cambiar si la uña se lesiona. En algunas circunstancias, el lecho ungueal puede aportar células ungueales adicionales a la base de la placa ungueal, probablemente como medida de protección.
Infecciones fúngicas: Culpables del engrosamiento de la lámina ungueal
Una cosa más que debe entenderse. Es poco probable que el lecho ungueal permanezca unido a la placa, pero el hiponiquio puede estar firmemente adherida y ser arrastrada hacia el exterior con la placa ungueal a medida que crece. Esto puede ocurrir tanto en los dedos de los pies como en los de las manos. El hiponiquio es un sello que protege el lecho ungueal de las infecciones. Cuando la uña se lesiona, a veces este tejido queda adherido a la parte inferior de la lámina ungueal, se estira a medida que crece, lo que puede llegar a ser doloroso. Tiene razón, sangraría si se cortara.
Hiponiquio: La conexión tisular con el crecimiento de la placa ungueal
In medical terms, when living skin is abnormally stretched like this, it is called “pterygium”. This word is sometimes misused by nail professionals when applied to normal tissue. Pterygium is an abnormal growth of living skin and can occur on several parts of the body, including the nails. What causes this abnormal growth? When it occurs under the free edge, it is often caused by injury, which is another reason why it is unwise to cut this tissue. Doing so will only worsen the condition and can lead to infections.
Pterigión: Crecimiento anormal de la piel y lesiones ungueales
Even though the plate can appear to thicken due to fungal infections, infected nail plates are being broken down and are coming apart to create an illusion that the nail plate has grown thicker. These infections often cause the plate to crumble or come apart more easily. Infection, disease, injury, irritation, or allergic reactions can cause the fingernails to form pterygium.
La verdad sobre el engrosamiento de la lámina ungueal
On the toes, the growth of pterygium is often a result of injury or diseases. The injury doesn’t have to be severe, but it won’t be caused by minor injury. Some believe injury can also contribute to nail plate thickening, e.g., constant or repeated injury or irritation to the toes, but that is questionable based on how the nail plate grows. It would be best to refer them to a podiatrist or their own medical doctor.
Pterigión en los dedos de los pies: Causas más allá de las lesiones
Even so, I’d also recommend talking to these clients about their footwear so they can identify any irritation or injury to that area since this can also lead to onycholysis. If the condition becomes painful or infected, they should be referred to a medical professional.
En busca de ayuda profesional: Cuándo consultar a un podólogo
En conclusión, comprender las razones engrosamiento de las placas ungueales and beds in older women is crucial for proper care. Whether it’s the separation of nail layers, fungal infections, or abnormal skin growth like pterygium, taking precautions and seeking professional help when needed can help maintain healthy nails and prevent complications. Stay informed and prioritize nail health as a part of overall well-being.
Prevenir los problemas de las uñas: El calzado y la onicolisis
Remember, thickened nails in older women can pose challenges when it comes to cutting them. It’s important to be cautious and avoid cutting the nail bed, which can lead to various problems, including bleeding. Instead, let’s delve into the factors that contribute to nail plate and bed thickening.
Cuando las capas de la lámina ungueal empiezan a separarse, se crea una ilusión de engrosamiento, similar a la de un rollo de papel higiénico mojado que parece más grueso debido a la mayor separación entre las capas. Además, las infecciones fúngicas pueden hacer que la lámina ungueal se afloje y se separe, dando lugar a un aspecto engrosado.
Además, un daño menor o una irritación constante del lecho ungueal pueden inducirlo a producir más células ungueales, contribuyendo potencialmente al engrosamiento. Aunque las células ungueales suelen originarse en la zona de la matriz, en la base de la lámina ungueal, las lesiones pueden alterar este proceso, y el lecho ungueal produce más células como mecanismo de protección.
It’s worth noting that although the nail bed doesn’t usually remain attached to the nail plate, the hyponychium, a protective seal for the nail bed can be dragged outward as the nail plate grows, especially in cases of injury. It’s crucial to avoid cutting this tissue to prevent further complications and bleeding.
“Pterygium” refers to abnormal growth of living skin, which can occur on various body parts, including the nails. Nail professionals sometimes misapply this term to normal tissue. When pterygium occurs under the free edge of the nail, it’s often a result of injury. Cutting this tissue can worsen the condition and lead to infections, making it important to exercise caution.
Aunque las infecciones fúngicas pueden dar la ilusión de engrosamiento, en realidad rompen y separan las placas ungueales infectadas, en lugar de provocar un verdadero engrosamiento. La formación de pterigión puede atribuirse a diversos factores, como infecciones, enfermedades, lesiones, irritaciones o reacciones alérgicas.
On the toes, pterygium growth often stems from injuries or underlying conditions, but it’s important to note that minor injuries are unlikely to contribute significantly to nail plate thickening. In such cases, it is advisable to refer individuals to a podiatrist or a medical doctor for proper evaluation and guidance.
Anime a sus clientes a que evalúen su calzado en busca de posibles fuentes de irritación o lesiones en los dedos, ya que esto también puede provocar una afección denominada onicólisis. Si las uñas engrosadas se vuelven dolorosas o se infectan, es crucial buscar asistencia médica profesional con prontitud.
Si se conocen las causas y se toman las precauciones adecuadas, las personas pueden mantener unas uñas sanas y mitigar las posibles complicaciones. Dar prioridad a la salud de las uñas y buscar ayuda profesional cuando sea necesario son pasos esenciales hacia el bienestar general.
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