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Nail Bed Hyperkeratosis

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Nail Bed Hyperkeratosis (or subungual hyperkeratosis) is the accumulation of scales under the nail plate, which is then detached and uplifted. The nail bed often appears thickened.

It is usually a reaction to something. In the nail industry, it can be caused by a primer, a bonder, monomer liquid, liquids used in combination with an acrygel, heat spikes, or an undercured product. 

The keratinization that is hyperkeratosis, is a defense reaction. A bit like sandbagging when water starts to flood: The body does all that it can to make sure it can block the irritation causing the reaction the next time around. 

Hyperkeratosis always causes onycholysis. Therefore, it is wise to check the nail plate & behind the free edge when removing artificial nail products. The onychodermal band, although very strong, is also the assistant to our 4th guardian seal – the hyponychium. The keratinized cells will force the hyponychium open when they reach the free edge of the nail plate, which damages the nail bed epithelium, and then becomes a gateway for secondary infections. The bed epithelium will detach from the nail bed. This can result in slower nail plate movement and even more irritation.

With thousands of nerve receptors around the tips of our fingers, pain (caused by pressure between the nail plate and the nail bed) is inevitable when suffering from Nail Bed Hyperkeratosis. Topical pain relief can be very effective, but we have to remember that hyperkeratosis is time-consuming to resolve. Thankfully, there are new products on the market that help almost instantly. It would be smart to only use nail varnish during recovery.

Good quality nail & skin oil is essential, and infection prevention is key. It is easy to confuse nail bed hyperkeratosis with psoriasis, which can look similar but is not associated with the same causes. Remember if you are not sure, always refer your client to an MD! Ignoring Nail Bed Hyperkeratosis only extends the recovery time.

As nail professionals, we get in trouble with it because it doesn’t look pretty. 

Recognizing it, looking for the culprit, and resolving the problem means our clients can enjoy their beautiful nails again (natural or enhancements) sooner!

Unlocking the Secrets to Clearing Nail Bed Hyperkeratosis

Are you struggling with nail bed hyperkeratosis and searching for effective solutions? Look no further! Our latest article provides valuable insights into how to clear up this common nail issue.

Hyperkeratosis, often triggered by solvents, primers, or uncured ingredients in artificial nail products, can be a pesky problem. But fear not, we’ve got you covered. Learn the essential steps to address hyperkeratosis, from cleansing your hands and nails with soap and water to using safe callous softeners and nourishing nail oils. Discover the secret to a speedy recovery, as well as how to identify and eliminate the root cause of this condition. Don’t miss out on this informative guide – click to read our blog on Nail Bed Hyperkeratosis now and take the first step towards healthier nails!

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Thin epithelium tissue on top of the nail bed dermis and under the nail plate, which allows nail plate to glide across, while remaining strongly attached to the underlying nail bed through interlocking ridges and grooves.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_519a81190b04808191db83dcdfbdfcff":"

Onychodermal band<\/div>
Onychodermal Band\n

A smile line showing through the Nail Plate which is caused by Nail Bed Epithelium squeezing past the Hyponychium.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_f00b3885820d8ff0625113ec4f5b0c80":"

Nail professional<\/div>
\n

An individual who is qualified to provide a wide range of nail services.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_ecea8a69eff74ed8becb1220220abe33":"

Hyperkeratosis<\/div>
heel hyperkeratosis\n

Hyperkeratosis is based on the\u00a0Ancient Greek morphemes\u00a0hyper-<\/em>\u00a0+\u00a0kerato-<\/em>\u00a0+\u00a0-osis<\/em>, meaning 'the condition of too much keratin'.
It is the thickening of the\u00a0stratum corneum, as a result of\u00a0inflammation, as a protective response to pressure, or as a result of a genetic condition.<\/p>\n
\n

Some of the types of hyperkeratosis that a nail professional encounters usually are:
-calluses
-corns
-eczema
-warts
-psoriasis<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_30be78fc8aa00cdff15d486c9cb56788":"

Monomer liquid<\/div>
Liquid and Powder\n

Monomer liquid is half of the 2 part nail enhancement system monomer liquid and polymer powder. The monomer when mixed with a matching powder polymer polymerises to create a nail overlay or nail enhancement. This polymerisation process needs heat energy from the ambient temperature to start and the monomer carries the catalyst that controls the speed of the process while the powder carries the initiatior.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_9f16b70f5361b0cd305163ba5f6389c7":"

Bed Epithelium<\/div>
Nail Bed Epithelium\n

This is a thin layer of specialised epithelial tissue that sits on the nail bed and under the nail plate.

At the proximal end it is connected to the nail matrix. At the distal end it forms part of the hyponychium seal.

The onychodermal band is where it squeezes past this seal. It is also involved in the condition: hyperkeratosis which is a reaction to several aggressive factors.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_56b29414962b1272ec97da5eda2eebba":"

Nail Folds<\/div>
guardian nail seals\n

There are four Guardian Seals of the Nail Unit, also known as nail folds.
The first two are lateral nail folds to the left and right of the nail plate are there to hold the nail plate in place.
Nail folds are living skin barriers to protect us from invading pathogens.
The Proximal Nail Fold being the third Guardian Seal is there to protect the nail matrix and the eponychium from invading pathogens.
The Hyponychium is the fourth Guardian Seal.
All four Guardian Seals are important to maintain the integrity of the nail unit and need to be oiled on a regular basis to keep them elastic.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_47ffca807399854a8cf9ed917af26471":"

Nail polish<\/div>
\n

A cosmetic product that coats the nails with a colour or clear film for strength and\/or an aesthetic quality. It is full of solvents that dry by evaporation.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_1246a1b7fb9bed3e4702bd0168f71114":"

Nail plate<\/div>
Nail Plate\n

Hard layers of modified and keratinised skin cells, bonded together, to form a protective plate on the end of each finger and toe, that prevents damage to the underlying bone and allows for manual dexterity.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_a564cce2b06607388109eafeae464227":"

Undercured<\/div>
\n

When an artificial nail covering has achieved less than 90 percent polymerisation and has not reached its intended strength and contains potentially harmful levels of unreacted monomers or oligomers.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_3862ec5812109e89f2ef491358667ded":"

Free edge<\/div>
\n

The free edge refers to the outermost part of the nail plate that extends beyond the fingertip or toe. It is the portion of the nail that is not attached to the nail bed or the surrounding skin. The free edge is typically trimmed and shaped during nail care routines and is susceptible to snapping or breaking off when subjected to excessive force or trauma.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_f40c0a8d177feab9b9fd3ec8ba6ac4fc":"

Psoriasis<\/div>
Psoriasis\n

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic, non-contagious autoimmune disease with periodic manifestations in the form of severe skin lesions and dermatitis.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_c1a36df0013019a12f8f575de70e853d":"

Nail bed<\/div>
Nail Bed\n

An area of the nail unit under the nail plate consisting of Nail Bed Epithelium and Dermis.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_5967cb8b3d81b440a65f0791b8c6ea9f":"

Solvents<\/div>
\n

Solvents (in the context of nail products as water is a solvent) are chemicals such as acetone, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, butyl acetate, toluene. They are able to dissolve certain products or break their bonds. They are commonly used in nail polishes and nail polish removers. They are usually volatile and are the method used to dry nail polish as they keep the product liquid until they are exposed air and will evaporate and leave the pigments and other ingredients (such as plastisers etc) as a nail coating. They are also used in nail plate dehydrators to cleanse and degrease the nail in the preparation for a coating application.<\/p>\n
\n

Pathogens (with the possible exception of fungal spores) are unable to survive in a product with a high level of solvents. This is why it is safe to use nail polish on several clients without spreading any pathogens<\/p>\n
\n

(Also see alcohols)<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_7ce53adf1fc6ff7bf2fbd0ddd34a0a8d":"

Bonder<\/div>
\n

A bonder is a product used in many systems and brands. It is a liquid formulated to enhance adhesion between the nail plate and the overlay. As with any nail product always follow manufacturers instructions.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_5fd3aafdff48eed26fca095c85256a80":"

REACH<\/div>
\n

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals.
It is a\u00a0European Union regulation\u00a0that addresses the production and use of\u00a0chemical substances, and their potential impacts on both human health and the environment. The regulation also established the\u00a0European Chemicals Agency, which manages the technical, scientific, and administrative aspects of REACH.<\/p>\n<\/div>"}}; -->