Isla Bennett
Losing a nail can be painful and worrying, but in most cases, it will grow back with proper care. Nails have good regeneration capacity, but they grow slowly. Fingernails may grow one-tenth of a millimeter each day, so a completely lost fingernail usually takes around 4 to 6 months to regrow. Toenails grow even more slowly, taking about 12 to 18 months to fully regrow. The new nail may have grooves, ridges, or be misshapen, and this could be permanent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail regeneration | Nails have good regeneration capacity but grow slowly |
| Fingernail growth rate | Fingernails may grow one-tenth of a millimeter each day, so completely removed fingernails usually grow within 4-6 months |
| Toenail growth rate | Toenails may grow at about half or one-third the rate of fingernails, so completely removed toenails may grow within 12-18 months |
| Toenail loss causes | Trauma, such as dropping something heavy on the toenail, stubbing the toe, or tight footwear |
| Nail matrix | The "factory" where your body makes new nails; certain injuries and illnesses can damage the nail matrix and affect nail growth |
| Nail bed healing time | About 7 to 10 days |
| Nail growth factors | Age, vitamins and minerals, season, gender, and underlying health conditions |
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What You'll Learn
Nails have good regeneration capacity but grow slowly
Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which forms the cells that make up the tissue in nails. Nails form under the skin and push old cells outwards as they grow. This means that the nails we see are dead cells, and that is why we feel nothing when we cut them.
Nails have good regenerative capacity and will grow back after an injury. However, this process can be slow, and it may take up to six months for fingernails to grow back and 12-18 months for toenails. The rate of growth depends on several factors, including age, gender, and season. For example, children's and teenagers' nails grow faster than adults', and nails grow faster in the summer than in the winter.
The nail matrix, or "factory" where the body makes nails, can be damaged by injuries, illnesses, and skin conditions. This can affect how your nails grow and their appearance. For instance, peripheral artery disease reduces blood flow to the nail matrix, slowing nail growth. Similarly, severe eczema can affect the nail matrix, causing Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), pitting, and changes in texture and colour. In the case of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of the nail may not grow back.
To support nail growth, it is recommended to consume vitamins and minerals such as biotin, folic acid, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin C, and zinc.
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Fingernails may grow back in 4-6 months
Fingernails are made of a protein called keratin, which forms the cells that make up the tissue in nails. Nails form under the skin and push old cells out as they grow. This is why nails grow back even after they fall off due to an injury or an illness.
The nail matrix, or the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails, is responsible for nail growth. Certain injuries and illnesses can damage your nail matrix and affect how your nails grow. However, with proper medical care, your nail will usually grow back. It is rare for your nail matrix to be permanently damaged.
After losing a fingernail, it may take about 4 to 6 months for a new nail to grow to its full size. Toenails, on the other hand, may take up to 12 to 18 months to grow back completely. The rate of nail growth may be slower in older people due to reduced blood flow to the hands and feet.
To promote nail growth, you can include vitamins and minerals in your diet that are beneficial for nails, such as biotin, folic acid or vitamin B9, vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin C, and zinc.
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Toenails may take 12-18 months to grow back
Toenails, like fingernails, have a good regeneration capacity and will grow back after being completely removed. However, toenails grow back much more slowly than fingernails, taking up to 18 months to fully regrow.
Toenail regrowth can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, depending on various factors. Firstly, toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, possibly due to reduced blood flow to the toes. Secondly, aging and diseases can further decrease blood flow to the feet, slowing nail growth even more. Additionally, nails tend to grow more slowly in colder climates.
Certain skin conditions and diseases can also affect toenail growth. For example, severe eczema can interfere with nail growth, resulting in Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), pitting, and texture or colour changes. Nail psoriasis can cause similar issues, with up to 80% of people with psoriasis developing nail involvement. Peripheral artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, can also slow nail growth.
To promote healthy toenail regrowth, it is important to care for the nail bed and prevent infection. Keep the wound dry and covered, cleaning and dressing it daily. Apply antibiotic ointment and take prescribed medication to prevent and treat infections. Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes, and opt for breathable cotton socks instead. You can also take biotin supplements to promote cell growth and improve nail health.
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Nail matrix damage can cause permanent nail loss
Nails have a good regeneration capacity, and they usually grow back after being removed or falling off due to injury. However, severe damage to the nail matrix, the "factory" where new nails are made, can cause permanent nail loss.
The nail matrix is located just below the nail fold, which protects it from injuries. When new cells produced in the matrix move forward, they harden, leading to the formation of the nail. This process replaces the old nail plate with a new one. The matrix also supplies nutrients and regenerates the nail bed.
While it is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged, it is a delicate structure that is susceptible to injury. Mechanical damage, such as pinching or crushing the finger, or dropping something heavy on the toe, can injure the nail matrix. Improperly performed nail care procedures can also damage the matrix. After such injuries, you may observe bruising, ridges, or discolouration on the nail, and it may even fall off.
In the case of permanent damage to the nail matrix, the nail cannot regenerate. The only option is to take external measures to improve the aesthetics and appearance of the nail using nail styling products. However, it is important to consult a specialist before opting for cosmetic treatments to understand the actual condition of the nail plate and explore possible options.
If the damage to the matrix is not permanent, proper nail growth after treatment or a procedure is possible. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed to facilitate healing. Once the nail matrix heals, the nail will usually start to grow back, although it may take several weeks for the new nail to become visible.
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Nail infections can distort nail regrowth
Fingernails and toenails have good regeneration capacities, but they grow slowly. Fingernails may grow at a rate of one-tenth of a millimeter each day, so a completely removed fingernail usually regenerates within six months. Toenails, on the other hand, grow at about one-half or one-third the rate of fingernails, resulting in a regrowth period of up to 18 months.
However, nail infections can distort nail regrowth. The most common nail infections are bacterial and fungal. Fungal nail infections, for instance, can cause the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle, making it easy to break. This can lead to the entire nail breaking off, causing pain and swelling in the surrounding skin. Fungal infections can also cause nail separation, known as onycholysis, resulting in nail thickening and yellowing, along with white spots and streaks.
Paronychia is another nail infection that can impact nail regrowth. It is a nail inflammation that may result from trauma, irritation, or bacterial/fungal infection. If left untreated, the nail can grow abnormally, developing ridges or waves. It may also become dry and brittle, leading to nail detachment from the nail bed.
Additionally, certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can affect nail growth. Severe eczema can cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), pitting, and texture or colour changes. Nail psoriasis can lead to white lines, pitting, and crumbling of the nail.
To prevent nail infections and promote healthy nail regrowth, it is essential to practice proper nail care and hygiene. This includes regularly trimming nails, protecting them from damage, and maintaining hand and foot hygiene.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, your nail will grow back, but it may take some time. The rate of growth depends on whether you lost a fingernail or a toenail. Fingernails grow at a rate of about one-tenth of a millimeter or one-tenth of an inch per day, so a lost fingernail should grow back within 4 to 6 months. Toenails grow about one-half or one-third the rate of fingernails, so a lost toenail may take up to 12 to 18 months to grow back.
If you lose your whole nail, it's important to take care of the exposed nail bed. It will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal. During this time, keep the area clean and dry, and gently wash the wound with unscented soap. Elevate your hand or foot to reduce throbbing. You should also take any prescribed medications, such as antibiotics and painkillers.
There are several reasons why your nail may have fallen off. Trauma to the nail, such as dropping something heavy on it or stubbing your toe, can cause the nail to fall off. Certain illnesses, such as a heart attack, COVID-19, pneumonia, or peripheral artery disease, can also interrupt nail growth and cause nails to fall off. Additionally, skin conditions like severe eczema or psoriasis can affect nail growth and lead to nail loss.
