Where does nail plate oil come from if the nail bed lacks glands?

Question:

If there are no sebaceous glands in the nail bed, where does the oil that lubricates the nail plate come from?

Answer:

There are no sebaceous glands in the nail bed. The nail bed comprises epidermal and dermal layers but lacks sebaceous glands.

The oil that lubricates the nail plate comes primarily from the sebaceous glands in the surrounding skin, particularly in the proximal nail fold and lateral nail folds. Additionally, the eccrine sweat glands in the skin contribute moisture, which helps maintain nail flexibility.

Another key source of lubrication is sebum from the fingertips, which naturally transfers to the nail surface through contact with the surrounding skin. This helps keep the nail plate from becoming overly dry and brittle.