Odd Nail Beds - Nail Problems Message Board

semantique · 09-26-2006, 09:35 PM

Since birth, my now almost 3 year old son has had odd nail beds.

At birth, the initial nail bed looked diagonal. The pediatricians said to wait and see how it grew. Well, it has been almost 3 years now. His nail beds are no longer diagonal but they are definitely odd.

The big toes seem as if you can see layers. They look as if they have peeled but they aren't actively peeling. They are very weak and thin. If he stubs his toe hard enough,it will take off part of the nail - but it will not bleed. I have to keep these nails cut very short or they will catch on his socks etc.

On some of his other toes, you can clearly see that there isn't a straight line of where the matrix ends. I still cut it as straight across. In those nails if you were to look at how the nail grows outward - one edge my grow out at a 45 degree angle while another part of the same nail grows straight outward. I find myself cutting some of these nails with the clippers perpendicular to his feet.

Any idea as to what kind of condition this may be, or is it just bad genes? His father doens't have the best toe nails but his are definitely even nail beds.

Marti · 09-27-2006, 08:39 AM

The nail plate is comprised of three main layers of cells. The deepest layer is attached to the nail bed and the uppermost layer is the one we can touch. The shape of the matrix (the root) where the nail plate cells are 'born' determines the shape and thickness of the nail plate. The longer the matrix, the longer the nail bed upon which the nail plate is attached, and the thicker the nail plate. If the layers are not attached together and appear as three separate layers, then it is due to the way the cells are developed in the matrix. This can either be genetic or it can be individual to just the child - in which case, he could pass this on to his children.

The split nail is probably due to an enlarged rail upon which the nail plate rides forward. An enlarged rail can virtually split the nail plate into two separate sections and this is usually permanent. If it isn't as yet split into two sections you might try applying a good quality nail and cuticle oil such as Botanical Oil from Sally Beauty Supply. Apply twice daily and massage into the nail plate.