Between the placa ungueal e o leito ungueal is some elastic tissue called the epitélio do leito – it’s kind of the same non-living tissue as the cutícula, only the cuticle is produced by the eponíquio and the bed epitélio by the nail matriz. It’s as if the nail plate is sandwiched between cuticle and bed epithelium if you like.
When that bed epithelium remains elastic the nail plate can always transport along the nail bed. If for whatever reason the bed epithelium dries out, psoríase, líquen plano, eczema, minor trauma, fungo, whatever – then the nail plate cannot travel along the nail bed and it really just won’t do it.
A good way to think about it is the nail plate is like a glacier – it moves in perpetual motion (células da lâmina ungueal are made 24/7 by the nail matrix) This motion only continues so long as there is no opposing friction underneath it – when friction happens it crumbles and breaks down. The bed epithelium makes sure there is no friction.
Doing anything else other than using a good quality oil and loção, will only create more problems and solve nothing. Recover the unha natural plate first and afterwards you can use any product to enhance it and you will have a client for life!
It makes no difference if the dryness is a new problem or 10 years in the making, as long as the nail matrix still produces nail plate cells and bed epithelium you will recover the nail plate – it may not be perfect, but it will be there – oil and lotion is the key.
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