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Hair and nail relationship.
Robert Baran1, Rodney P R Dawber, Eckart Haneke
1Nail Disease Centre, 42 rue des Serbes, 06400 Cannes, France. baran.r@club-internet.fr
Skinmed
|January 18, 2005
Summary
Human hair and nails share similar origins and structures, often being affected by the same diseases. Research shows elements accumulate on nail surfaces, even after washing.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- Hair and nails are epithelial structures originating from the epidermis, composed of keratin.
- The nail unit shares anatomical similarities with a longitudinally sectioned hair follicle.
- Both hair and nail structures can be jointly affected by congenital, hereditary, and acquired diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the shared characteristics of hair and nails.
- To explore their common involvement in various pathological conditions.
- To investigate the elemental composition of human hair and nails.
Main Methods:
- Comparative anatomical and developmental review of hair and nail structures.
- Literature review of diseases affecting hair and nails.
- Multielemental characterization of human hair and nail samples.
Main Results:
- Hair and nails are predominantly keratinous epithelial structures derived from the epidermis.
- Congenital anomalies, hereditary conditions, alopecia areata, lichen planus, iatrogenic causes, and fungal infections can affect both.
- Multielemental analysis revealed enrichment of elements on nail surfaces, persisting after washing.
Conclusions:
- Hair and nails exhibit significant similarities in origin, structure, and disease susceptibility.
- The shared epithelial derivation underlies their joint involvement in numerous dermatological conditions.
- Nail surfaces demonstrate elemental enrichment, suggesting potential diagnostic or monitoring applications.