Isla Bennett
Fingernails and toenails are made of protein and fat and are not live tissue. Nails grow about one-tenth of an inch per month and require 3-6 months to completely regrow. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails. Nails are produced by the nail matrix cells that reside in the moon-shaped whitish area (lunula) at the base of the nail. If the nail matrix is not damaged, the nail is typically capable of regrowth. The nail protects the nail bed, the skin at the upper tip of the finger or toe. A torn nail can be painful and unsightly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Regrowth | Nails typically grow back unless the nail matrix is damaged. |
| Nail matrix damage | Permanent damage to the nail matrix is rare. |
| Treatment | A torn-off nail may require medical care to grow back properly. |
| Pain | A detached nail can be painful. |
| Prevention | Proper nail trimming can help prevent nail injuries. |
| Healing time | Nails grow at a rate of 0.1 inches per month and can take 3-6 months to completely regrow. |
| Appearance | A torn nail will eventually be pushed out and replaced with new growth. |
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What You'll Learn
- Fingernails and toenails grow constantly throughout your life
- Nails grow about one-tenth of an inch per month and take 3-6 months to fully regrow
- Nail matrix damage can affect nail growth, but it rarely gets permanently damaged
- Nail injuries may cause bruising, ridges, discolouration, or infections
- Treatment for nail injuries depends on the type and seriousness of the injury
Fingernails and toenails grow constantly throughout your life
The rate of nail growth varies between individuals and is influenced by factors such as age, hormone levels, and overall health. On average, fingernails grow faster than toenails, with rates of 3.47 mm/month and 1.62 mm/month, respectively. The little finger's nail tends to grow slower than other fingernails, and the great toenail tends to grow faster than the other toenails.
The difference in growth rates between fingernails and toenails may be attributed to several factors. One theory suggests that the higher blood flow and increased usage of fingers compared to toes result in more micro-trauma to the fingernail matrix. This micro-trauma stimulates the delivery of nutrients and blood, promoting faster nail growth. Additionally, the texture and thickness of keratin differ between fingernails and toenails, contributing to the variation in growth rates.
If a nail is torn or damaged, it can grow back over time. Similar to hair growth, the missing part of the nail doesn't regrow, but the nail continues to extend from its base. With regular trimming, the nail will eventually even out and regain its original appearance. This process can take longer for toenails, which may take up to a year and a half to fully regrow.
While losing a nail can be concerning, it's important to prioritize proper nail care and overall health to promote healthy nail growth. Maintaining good nail hygiene, trimming nails properly, and seeking medical attention for any persistent issues can help ensure the continuous growth and health of your nails.
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Nails grow about one-tenth of an inch per month and take 3-6 months to fully regrow
Fingernails and toenails are made of protein and fat and are not live tissue. They grow constantly throughout a person's life, even after death. Nails grow at a rate of about one-tenth of an inch per month, or 0.13 inches per month, and take 3-6 months to fully regrow. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, usually at close to half the rate of fingernail growth.
The nail matrix is the part of the body that produces nails. It is located in the moon-shaped whitish area (lunula) at the base of the nail. Certain injuries and illnesses can damage the nail matrix and affect how the nails look or grow. For example, chemotherapy and other medications can cause Beau's lines or slow nail growth, as well as Mees' lines (white bands across the nails) and nail colour changes. Peripheral artery disease can also affect the nail matrix, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet and slowing nail growth. Severe eczema can also interfere with nail growth, causing Beau's lines, pitting, and texture or colour changes.
However, with proper medical care, nails can usually grow back after falling off. It is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged, preventing nail regrowth. If the nail matrix is not damaged, the nail is typically capable of regrowth. A well-rounded diet and good general health promote strong nails.
When a nail is torn or detached, there is little that can be done to replace or repair it. The main concern is damage to adjacent structures. If there is significant damage to areas around the nail, or if there are signs of infection, swelling, increasing pain, or pus, a visit to a physician is necessary. Occasionally, bleeding between the nail and the nail bed can result in a subungual hematoma, which can be relieved by a doctor drilling a tiny hole in the nail plate to relieve the pressure of accumulated blood.
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Nail matrix damage can affect nail growth, but it rarely gets permanently damaged
The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. It is responsible for nail growth, thickness, width, and shape. The nail matrix is an exceptionally delicate structure, and any damage inflicted on it can have various repercussions on the overall health and appearance of the nail.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage your nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Minor damage to your nail matrix can temporarily change your nail's appearance. You might notice a change in how your nail feels to the touch. A severe injury could cause your nail to fall off. After a nail matrix injury, you may observe bruising, ridges, or discolouration.
If there is no evidence of tears or lacerations to the matrix or the nail bed, simply removing any unattached remnants of the nail with a nail clipper, cleaning the nail bed with a soapy washcloth and water, and filing down any sharp ends is all that is necessary. The uncovered nail bed can be covered with petroleum jelly and dressed with a clean bandage. As long as there is no permanent damage to the nail matrix or nail bed, the nail should regrow and appear completely normal.
It is rare for your nail matrix to be permanently damaged, preventing your nail from growing back. However, in the case of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of your nail may not grow back. Proper care and protection of the matrix safeguard against potential damage and promote optimal nail growth.
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Nail injuries may cause bruising, ridges, discolouration, or infections
A torn-off nail will usually grow back with proper medical care. However, nail injuries can lead to various issues, including bruising, ridges, discolouration, and infections.
Bruising
Bruising can occur when blood gets trapped under the nail. A procedure called nail trephination can be performed to drain the trapped blood and relieve pain. This procedure must be done within 48 hours of the injury.
Ridges
Injuries to the nail can cause horizontal ridges or dents, known as Beau's lines. These dents can interrupt nail growth and may be accompanied by white spots on the nails. Treating the underlying cause can help improve the appearance of the nails.
Discolouration
Injuries are a common cause of toenail discolouration. Toenails may turn black due to injury, but other nail colour changes may indicate an underlying condition, such as melanoma. Nail fungus is the most frequent cause of discoloured toenails, and antifungal medication can be used to treat it.
Infections
Nail injuries can lead to nail infections, such as paronychia, which is usually caused by bacteria entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are commonly responsible for these infections. Ingrown nails, especially ingrown toenails, can also lead to infections. Most nail infections can be treated with antibiotics.
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Treatment for nail injuries depends on the type and seriousness of the injury
Minor nail bed injuries, including subungual hematomas, often heal on their own, especially when no other injuries are present. A subungual hematoma looks like a bruise and forms when small blood vessels under the nail bed leak, and blood pools between the nail and the nail bed. This can be drained through a small hole in your nail, usually made with a needle, providing pain relief and helping your new nail grow in correctly.
If your injury is serious, your doctor might take an X-ray to check for broken bones. You may also get anesthesia so your doctor can look at your nail more closely and treat your injury without causing more pain. For nail bed lacerations, stitches may be required. If the cut is serious, your nail might have to be removed. It should grow back. For nail bed avulsions, this injury requires removing your nail. If you also have a finger fracture, it will need to be splinted.
If there is no evidence of tears or lacerations to the matrix or the nail bed, then simply removing any unattached remnants of the nail with a nail clipper and cleaning the nail bed with a soapy washcloth and water to remove foreign material and blood is all that is necessary. Any remaining sharp ends should be filed smoothly so that they will not catch clothing or socks. The uncovered nail bed can be covered with petroleum jelly or neomycin ointment and dressed with a clean bandage.
Home treatment often helps relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent infection. Treatment may involve removing the nail, keeping the area dry to prevent infection, and waiting for a new nail to grow. The infection or skin condition that caused the separated nail will also need to be treated. File any sharp edges smooth, or trim the nail. This will help prevent catching the nail and tearing it more.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a torn-off nail will grow back as long as there is no permanent damage to the nail matrix or nail bed. Nails are produced by the nail matrix cells that reside in the moon-shaped whitish area (lunula) at the base of the nail.
Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month and can take 3-6 months to completely regrow. Toenails grow more slowly, usually at close to half the rate of fingernails.
If there is no evidence of tears or lacerations to the matrix or the nail bed, simply remove any unattached remnants of the nail with a nail clipper, clean the nail bed with a soapy washcloth and water, and file down any remaining sharp ends. Cover the nail bed with petroleum jelly or neomycin ointment and dress it with a clean bandage. If there seems to be significant damage to areas around the nail, visit a physician.
