Question 1

how fast do fingernails grow?

Accepted Answer

6 months: Finger nails are completely replaced about every 6 months.

Question 2

are fingernails a living thing?

Accepted Answer

Keratin: Fingernails, like hair, are composed of a protein called keratin. Though made by specialized living cells in the nail matrix, keratin is a product and as such is not alive.

Question 3

why do my fingernail have lines?

Accepted Answer

Lots of reasons: When you say "lines" it is difficult to say as there are many types of lines.  The most common lines seen are longitudinal (running along the length of the nail).  More specifically, longitudinal melanonychia means dark lines along the nails.  This can be variant of normal, particularly in persons with dark skin.  However, any new line of pigmentation should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Question 4

what do bad fingernails indicate?

Accepted Answer

Derm eval: There are many different conditions that can effect nails. It is best to have your dermatologist evaluate your nails to determine the cause.

Question 5

losing fingernails and discoloring?

Accepted Answer

Anonychia : can be due to a number of causes such as Ichthyosis, Allergic contact dermatitis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Trauma, Lichen planus

Question 6

do latex gloves damage fingernails?

Accepted Answer

If there is allergy: Latex allergy is relatively uncommon (3-5% of the population) but for those affected it can cause different problems. It is possible to see problems with the finger nails, but you'd also expect to see skin changes elsewhere on the hands. It is also possible that with prolonged wear the increased moisture would promote fungal growth. Make sure you don't use artificial nails. They make things worse.

Question 7

what is white crest of a fingernail?

Accepted Answer

Lunula: I believe you are referring to the lunula or "little moon" seen under your fingernail most prominently on your thumb.  It is an area of less developed collagen and has little medical significance although abnormailties may be associated with systemic disease.

Question 8

how can i keep my fingernails healthy?

Accepted Answer

Nail hygiene: The less you do the better --avoid nail polish and nail polish remover as much as possible and definitely avoid "fake" nails ---do not pick at nails or play with cuticles.
There are nail hardeners such as Genadur and oral Biotin may help strengthen nails

Question 9

what causes ridges in yourfingernails?

Accepted Answer

No worries: Vertical nail ridges extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical nail ridges often become more numerous or prominent with age, possibly due to variations in cell turnover within the nail.

If your fingernails change color or you develop horizontal nail ridges, consult your doctor. These changes could indicate an underlying health condition.

Question 10

what causes dark lines under fingernails?

Accepted Answer

Injury: Trauma and some illnesses can do this. Remember that nails are related to hair but grow more slowly so that an injury to them may show up over time. 
I often see this in my oncology patient with certain chemotherapy. They well have lines in the nails.

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How fast do fingernails grow?

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Are fingernails a living thing?

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Why do my fingernail have lines?

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What do bad fingernails indicate?

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Losing fingernails and discoloring?

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Do latex gloves damage fingernails?

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What is white crest of a fingernail?

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How can i keep my fingernails healthy?

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What causes ridges in yourfingernails?

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What causes dark lines under fingernails?

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