Isla Bennett
A broken fingernail is a common injury that occurs when a nail gets torn, chipped, split, smashed, or broken off. This can be caused by the nail getting caught on something or experiencing some kind of trauma. Nails grow back, but it can take up to six months for a fingernail to completely regrow. There are several ways to treat a broken nail at home, but serious injuries may require a trip to the doctor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Regrowth | If the nail matrix is not damaged, the nail will grow back |
| Time to grow back | 3-6 months |
| Nail growth rate | 0.13 inches per month or 0.1 millimeters per day |
| Treatment | Minor nail bed injuries can be treated at home. More serious injuries may require X-rays and local anesthesia |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernail regrowth takes 3-6 months
Fingernails grow at a rate of about 0.13 inches or 3.47 millimetres per month. This means that it takes approximately a week for a fingernail to start growing back and three to six months for it to grow back completely. The speed of growth depends on various factors, including age, hormones, and the dominant hand. For instance, nails grow faster during the day and in the summer, and they also grow faster on the dominant hand.
The process of regrowth may be slower if the injury affects the nail bed and the matrix. The nail matrix is the moon-shaped whitish area (lunula) at the base of the nail where the nail cells are produced. Minor damage to the nail matrix will produce minor defects in the nail, while more significant damage can result in a permanently deformed nail.
To promote nail health and prevent breakage, it is recommended to maintain a well-rounded diet and good general health. Additionally, taking biotin supplements can help strengthen nails and improve their overall health.
In the case of a broken fingernail, there are several remedies that can be done at home to repair the nail. For instance, if the nail is chipped below the tip, it can be trimmed and covered with a small piece of tape, glue, or tea bag material to help it grow back evenly. If the nail is chipped on the side, the area should be washed with warm water, patted dry, and then covered with antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
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Nail injuries are common and can be treated at home
If your nail is chipped below the tip, trim the nail and apply a small piece of tape, glue, or tea bag material on top of the chip to help it grow back evenly. If the nail is chipped on the side, wash the area with clean, warm water, gently pat it dry, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage or gauze and medical tape.
If you lose a large portion of your nail or experience heavy bleeding, talk to a healthcare professional. If your finger is too swollen to remove rings, call your doctor immediately.
If you want to reattach the broken part of your nail, you can use fingernail glue. Wash your nail with clean, warm water and dry it with a clean towel. Soak the nail in warm water to soften it. Squeeze a small amount of nail glue onto the area where the nail broke off, and spread the glue to form a thin layer. Gently but firmly press the broken piece of nail onto the area where it broke off for 30 to 60 seconds until it stays attached. Remove any extra glue with a Q-tip or cotton ball. Use a file or buffer to smooth out the nail. Apply a thin layer of protective coating (such as a clear, base coat of nail polish) once the glue has dried.
To prevent nail injuries, it is recommended to wash your hands frequently and keep them dry, avoid biting or picking at your nails, and trim or clip your nails regularly to keep them short.
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Fingernails grow at 0.1mm per day
Fingernails grow at an average rate of about 0.1 mm per day, or approximately 3.5 mm per month. The rate of growth depends on several factors, including which hand it is, finger length, age, hormone levels, and overall health. Nails on the dominant hand and longer fingers tend to grow faster.
The growth rate of fingernails also varies with age and hormone levels. For example, nail growth is said to peak during puberty and decline as hormone levels balance out with age. Pregnancy can also influence nail growth rates, with increased growth during pregnancy and decreased growth during lactation.
Injuries to the nail matrix, the tissue responsible for nail growth, can cause nail deformities and interfere with nail growth. Minor damage to the nail matrix can lead to temporary changes in the nail's appearance, while severe injuries may result in the nail falling off. With proper medical care, nails typically regrow after severe trauma, although it may take several weeks for the new nail to become visible.
In the case of a lost fingernail, it can take approximately four to six months for a new nail to grow back completely. During this time, the nail bed will heal within seven to ten days, and the new nail may have grooves, ridges, or misshapen areas that can be permanent. Toenails take even longer to regrow, with a growth time of about 12 months.
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Keep the exposed nail bed dry and bandaged
If you've broken a fingernail, it's important to keep the exposed nail bed dry and bandaged to prevent infection and promote healing. Here's what you should do:
Firstly, if there is any remaining nail that is still attached to the nail bed, it's best to leave it alone. Trimming or removing the nail yourself can lead to further injury and may cause more pain. If you are uncomfortable trimming the nail yourself, it is best to leave it to a medical professional. If you do need to trim the nail, soak your finger in cold water for 20 minutes first. Then, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and cover the area with a non-stick bandage.
If the nail bed is exposed, it is crucial to keep it dry. A broken fingernail will usually take around 4 to 6 months to grow back, and during this time, you'll want to take extra care to ensure the nail bed remains clean and dry. Wash your hands gently, being careful not to get the injured area wet. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the exposed nail bed and cover it with a fresh adhesive bandage. Change the bandage regularly, especially if it gets wet, to keep the area clean and dry.
It is also important to watch for any signs of infection, such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a medical professional. Additionally, if you have not had a tetanus shot recently, consider getting one to prevent any complications.
While you wait for your fingernail to grow back, consider keeping your nails short to reduce the risk of further injury. Longer nails are more prone to damage, as they can be levered off the nail bed or caught in clothing or other objects. Keeping your nails trimmed can help prevent nail injuries and reduce the severity of any trauma.
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See a doctor if the injury is serious
Fingernail injuries are common and can usually be remedied at home. However, if you experience intense pain or discomfort, bleeding, or an infection, it is important to see a doctor.
If you lose your nail, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal. A new fingernail will take about 3 to 6 months to grow back and replace the lost nail. During this time, it is important to keep your fingertip covered. If the injury is serious, your doctor may take an X-ray to check for broken bones. They may also give you anesthesia so they can examine your nail more closely and treat the injury without causing you further pain.
If the bone is broken or the bruise is very large, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed repaired. If the nail matrix is damaged, the growing nail plate may contain a defect, and the deformity may become permanent. In the case of a serious injury, your doctor may need to place a wire in your finger to keep the bone in place. They may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
If you experience a nail injury, make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date. Additionally, if you have any jewelry on your hands, such as rings or bracelets, remove them immediately. If your finger is too swollen to remove rings, call your doctor right away.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, it takes 3-6 months for a fingernail to completely regrow. Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.1 millimeters per day, or about 0.13 inches per month.
Trim the nail down and apply a small piece of tape, glue, or tea bag material on top of the chip to help it grow back evenly.
Wash the area with clean, warm water, gently pat dry, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage or gauze and medical tape.
If the nail came off due to an injury, keep the exposed nail bed dry and bandaged while waiting for a new nail to start growing to reduce the chance of infection. If the nail came off because of an infection, see a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment.
You can apply a nail hardener to keep your nails strong and help them grow faster. Keeping a well-rounded diet and maintaining good general health can also promote strong nails.
