Liam Carter
Fingernails and toenails are made of protein and fat and are not live tissue. They grow from the base of your finger, pushing other nail cells forward. Nails have good regeneration capacity, but they grow slowly. Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month, and toenails grow at about half or a third of that rate. Nails are produced by the nail matrix cells that reside in the whitish area (lunula) at the base of the nail. If the nail matrix is not damaged, the nail is typically capable of regrowth. However, severe injuries or illnesses can damage the nail matrix and affect how your nails look or grow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail regeneration | Nails have good regeneration capacity |
| Nail growth rate | Fingernails may grow one-tenth of a millimeter each day, while toenails grow at about half or one-third the rate of fingernails |
| Nail growth time | It can take up to 6 months for fingernails to grow back and up to 18 months for toenails to regrow |
| Factors affecting nail growth | Aging, diseases, climate, physical trauma, overall health, and medication |
| Nail matrix | The nail matrix is the "factory" where new nails are formed; certain injuries and illnesses can damage the nail matrix and affect nail growth |
| Nail bed | The nail bed can become infected without proper treatment; keeping it dry, clean, and covered promotes healing and prevents infection |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails and toenails can grow back after being damaged or lost
The nail matrix is located under the base of your nail, and the nail bed lies beneath the nail plate, containing blood vessels that nourish the growing nail. When the matrix creates new cells, the older ones are pushed forward toward your fingertip, where they flatten, harden, and compact together to form your nail plate. This process happens slowly, with fingernails growing at about one-tenth of a millimetre per day, or about one-tenth of an inch per month.
Injuries, illnesses, and certain medications can affect the nail matrix and slow or interrupt nail growth. For example, a severe injury can cause your nail to fall off, and a nail matrix injury can result in bruising, ridges, or discolouration. Illnesses like COVID-19 or pneumonia can also interrupt nail growth and cause horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines. Chemotherapy and other medications can also affect the nail matrix, leading to Beau's lines or slow nail growth.
However, with proper care and protection, most people will see their fingernails return to a normal or near-normal appearance within a few months. For fingernails, it typically takes 4 to 6 months for regrowth, while toenails can take up to 18 months. During the healing process, it's important to keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown back. Home treatments can help relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent infection.
In most cases, nails will grow back and return to a normal appearance with time and proper care. However, severe damage to the nail matrix can result in permanent nail loss.
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The nail matrix is the factory where your body makes new nails
The nail matrix is a delicate structure that plays a crucial role in nail growth. It is often referred to as the "factory" where new nails are made. Located at the base of the nail, the nail matrix is responsible for creating new nail cells, which are then pushed outward, forming the nail plate that we see as our fingernails or toenails. This process is continuous, with the nail matrix constantly producing new cells, unlike hair follicles, which have periods of rest.
The nail matrix has two main parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix is found under the base of the nail, while the sterile matrix lies underneath the nail plate. The only visible part of the nail matrix is the lunula, the white crescent shape at the base of the nail. However, some people do not have visible lunulas, which is perfectly normal.
The health of the nail matrix is vital for healthy nails. Various factors, including injuries, illnesses, and skin conditions, can damage the nail matrix and affect nail growth and appearance. For example, pinching or crushing your finger or dropping something heavy on your toe can injure the nail matrix, leading to bruising, ridges, or discolouration. In severe cases, the nail may fall off. Similarly, skin conditions like severe eczema or psoriasis can interfere with nail growth, resulting in Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), pitting, and changes in texture or colour.
Certain medications can also temporarily affect the nail matrix. Chemotherapy and specific drugs can cause Beau's lines or slow nail growth and lead to Mees' lines (white bands) and nail colour changes. These changes typically disappear once the medication is stopped. Additionally, peripheral artery disease (PAD) reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, impacting the nail matrix and slowing nail growth.
While it is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged, preventing nail growth, proper medical care is essential for nail health. With the appropriate treatment, healthy nails can often grow back, even if the nail falls off. Maintaining nail hygiene, avoiding trauma to the matrix area, and following a well-balanced diet are crucial for optimal nail growth and the long-term health of the nail.
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Proper care after a nail injury is important to aid regrowth
Nails have good regeneration capacity, but proper care after a nail injury is important to aid regrowth. Fingernails may grow about one-tenth of a millimeter each day, so it can take about six months or longer for a completely removed fingernail to grow back. Toenails grow at about half or one-third the rate of fingernails, so toenails may take up to 18 months to grow back.
After a nail injury, it is important to keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail bed is firm or the nail has grown back. Change the bandage if it gets wet. Watch for signs of infection, such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus. If you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem, seek medical advice, as reduced blood flow and loss of feeling in the feet can lead to serious problems.
If the nail is only partially detached, you can trim off the detached part or leave it alone. Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe. If you trim the detached nail, file any sharp edges smooth to prevent catching the nail and tearing it further. If you leave the detached nail in place, it will eventually fall off when the new nail grows in.
In the case of a nail removal procedure, doctors usually recommend postoperative care. Avoid putting any pressure on the affected foot or hand for 24 hours, then slowly resume regular activities. Elevate the affected foot and wear cotton socks for the first 24 to 48 hours to help decrease pain. Keep the wound clean and dry, and gently wash it with unscented soap.
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Fingernails may grow one-tenth of a millimeter each day
Fingernails can grow back after being damaged or lost. The nail matrix, the "factory" where your body makes new nails, is responsible for nail regeneration. As long as the matrix itself isn't severely injured, it will continue to produce new nail cells.
On average, fingernails grow at a rate of about one-tenth of a millimeter each day, translating to approximately 1/10 inch per month. This growth rate means that it can take about six months or longer for a completely removed fingernail to regrow fully. The regrowth timeline can vary, with some individuals experiencing a regrowth period of four to six months for fingernails.
During the growth process, new cells are created by the nail matrix, causing older cells to be pushed forward toward the fingertip. As they make this journey, they flatten, harden, and compact together to form the nail plate, resulting in the growth of your fingernail.
While fingernails have impressive regenerative capabilities, certain factors can influence their growth. For example, aging and specific diseases may decrease blood flow to the hands and feet, leading to slower nail growth. Additionally, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can affect the nail matrix, causing temporary interruptions in nail growth and resulting in changes to the nail's appearance.
In the case of severe nail matrix damage, there is a possibility that some or all of the nail may not grow back. However, such instances are rare, and with proper medical care, healthy nails can often regenerate.
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Toenails grow at about half the rate of fingernails
Fingernails and toenails have different growth rates. Toenails grow at about half the rate of fingernails, with the latter growing at an average rate of 3.47 mm per month or about 0.1 mm per day. This rate of growth varies depending on the hand, with nails on the dominant hand growing faster. Fingernails also grow faster during the day and in the summer.
On the other hand, toenails grow at an average rate of 1.62 mm per month. Losing a toenail can take up to 18 months to fully grow back, whereas a fingernail can take up to 6 months. Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections, which can cause discolouration and thickening.
The growth rate of nails is influenced by several factors, including age, hormone levels, overall health, and blood circulation. For example, nail growth peaks during puberty and declines as hormone levels stabilise with age. Additionally, certain illnesses, such as COVID-19 or pneumonia, can interrupt nail growth and cause horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines.
Injuries to the nail matrix, located under the base of the nail, can also impact nail growth. This can result in bruising, ridges, or discolouration, and in some cases, the nail may fall off. While nails typically regrow with proper medical care, severe damage to the nail matrix may result in permanent nail loss.
While there are no scientifically proven methods to accelerate nail growth, maintaining overall health and taking supplements like biotin can strengthen nails and prevent breakage, allowing them to grow longer.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, nails have good regeneration capacity, but they grow slowly. A chemical called phenol is applied to the nail bed to stop toenails from growing back.
It can take up to 18 months for a toenail to completely regrow.
It can take up to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back.
You must keep the nail bed clean, dry, and protected. You should also be patient as nails grow slowly.
Nails are removed to relieve pain and prevent problems from recurring. Toenail removal may be recommended if your toenail is thickened and painful.
