Nail Fungus Nails often reflect our general state of health. Nails are produced by living skin cells in the fingers and toes and are composed mainly of keratin, a hardened protein also found in the skin and hair. Fingernails grow faster than toenails and nails also grow faster in the summer than in the winter. Disease, hormone imbalance, and the aging process affect nail growth. A disruption of blood vessels in the nail bed can cause fine, splinter-like vertical lines under the nail plate usually caused by trauma.
Improper nail trimming, tight shoes, and poor stance can cause in-grown toenails.
Tumors and warts can be found in any portion of the nail and can be both cancerous and non-cancerous. Psoriasis shows up as pitting, rippling, or discoloration of the nail with separation of the nail from the from the nail bed. Also, nail biting and repeated picking at the cuticle can lead to an abnormal appearing nail. The nails can reveal much about a person's overall health. Many diseases and serious conditions can be detected by changes in the nails.