Hair and Nail Relationship: A Comparative Study
January 2005
in “
Skinmed
”
TLDR Hair and nails are similar keratin structures with different shapes and growth, affected by the same diseases and environmental factors.
The document from 2005 examines the similarities and differences between hair and nails, noting that both are keratinous epithelial structures but differ in shape and growth patterns. It outlines that both can be affected by genetic anomalies and diseases like alopecia areata and lichen planus, and mentions specific conditions that impact both, such as ectodermal dysplasias and trichothiodystrophy. The review also discusses how medications like ß-blockers and anticoagulants can cause hair loss and nail abnormalities, and how fungal infections can lead to permanent hair and nail dystrophy. Additionally, it reports on a study using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to analyze element concentrations in hair and nails, finding significant correlations that are useful for environmental and occupational health assessments.
