Nail injuries

You knew it was coming.  Yesterday I lost my right little toenail not by choice.  There was nothing wrong with it - it was growing like it should and got clipped on a regular basis.  The nail didn't rip my sox - it was doing what it should, looking nice and painted.

So - did you know the nail is a complex structure involving 3 different layers.

1. The nail bed (or matrix or plate) is underneath the nail and is responsible for nail growth and support.
2. The nail itself is the hard substance on the back of the finger or toe.
3. The eponychium (cuticle) and lateral nail folds (raised skin on the sides of the nail) are also part of the nail.

It takes 4-6 months for a fingernail to grow back completely and 12 months for a toenail!  Are you kidding me?? 

One year from yesterday I may have a complete little toenail.  ugh.  This is more serious than I thought - I have sandles to wear in Santa Monica in April and flip flops on a cruise in June.  Not to mention swim team season next summer.