White crescent shape under the fingernail... I can't see it, is there a problem?

White semi-circular shape under the fingernail... Can't see it, is there a problem? © Provided by Health Chosun

 

Usually, a crescent or semi-circular white area can be seen at the very bottom of the fingernail. This area is called the "nail lunula," and there is a common belief that the larger this area, the healthier the nails are. Is this true?

Nails have different functions depending on the area. First, the pinkish part of the nail helps with sensing touch and gripping objects. The root of the nail contains the matrix, which produces the new nail to grow. The skin layer surrounding the nail supports the nail.

The part that appears as a white semicircle is a kind of 'unfinished nail.' Nails are composed of keratin, which is known to be the hardest protein in our body. After the stem cells in the root divide and are pushed outward, they undergo a hardening process, forming the nails we see. The nail matrix still contains undivided stem cells.

 

 

 

The presence or absence of the nail lunula does not indicate the health status of the nails. The pinkish area of the nail is where the nail and the underlying flesh are closely attached, revealing the pink color of the flesh. The area with the lunula appears relatively whiter because the attachment between the nail and the flesh is less tight than in other areas. Why is the root of the nail not tightly attached to the flesh? If we look for a reason, it is to allow the nail to grow more easily. However, the absence of the lunula does not mean that the nails grow more slowly, so the function of the lunula in nail health is not very significant.

Moreover, the lunula of the fingernail can appear and disappear, or sometimes be absent and then reappear. This is because the rate of nail growth constantly varies, and the size of the lunula also changes. There are also differences according to race. There are reports that lunulae are observed more frequently in people of color.

However, if the size or color of the nail lunula suddenly changes, it may be due to a disease. Nails also receive nutrients from the body and grow accordingly. Therefore, diseases that disrupt hormones or autoimmune diseases can affect their size or color. If the lunula suddenly enlarges rapidly, hyperthyroidism may be suspected; if the entire nail, including the lunula, turns yellowish, lymphedema is suspected. If it turns red, rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, or heart failure may be suspected.

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The health can also be checked by the crescent color of the fingernails.

They say that the marital status has nothing to do with health.

Haha, I can't help but look at your nails.