Nail plate

The nail plate is the visible, hard part of the nail. It consists of many layers of keratinised cells, is formed in the nail matrix and slides forward on the nail bed. At the sides it is held by the nail fold.

What the nail plate reveals

• thickened: onychauxis, onychogryphosis or nail fungus
• white spots: leukonychia
• pitting, oil spots: nail psoriasis
• split, brittle: onychoschizia
• strongly curved: involuted nail

Healthy nails

A healthy nail plate is smooth, slightly shiny and translucent pink. Cut nails straight, file the edges smooth and moisturise the nails regularly – this keeps them flexible.