Half Moons on Nails

The whitish, half-moon area visible at the base of the nail is the lunula. Its shape and pale colour come from nail cells that are not fully mature; these cells will mature and turn translucent as they grow towards the nails' tips.

The size, shape, and brightness of the lunula (Half Moons on Nails) varies from person to person and even from finger to finger - for some reason, lunulas are often most pronounced on thumbs. Should you happen to notice your lunula is not as bright as it once was, do not worry: the lunula often fades with age.