Isla Bennett
Fingernails and toenails are made up of layers of dead cells that have been pushed forward from the nail matrix—the factory where new nails are formed—and hardened into a nail plate. The nail matrix is located beneath the cuticle at the base of the nail. As long as the nail matrix is healthy, nails will grow back after being damaged or lost. This regenerative process happens slowly, at a rate of about 0.1 mm per day, and requires patience. To support nail regrowth, it is recommended to keep nails strong by applying nail oil and wearing nail polish, and to address any underlying issues such as nail infections or injuries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail growth | Nails grow back but it is a slow process that requires patience and can take about 6 months or longer for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail |
| Nail matrix | The nail matrix is the "factory" where new fingernails and toenails are formed |
| Nail bed | A healthy nail bed is important for healthy nail growth. Nail injuries, excessive pressure, or repetitive stress can damage the nail bed and lead to shortened nails. |
| Nail plate | The nail plate is made up of dead cells that started their journey in the matrix beneath the cuticle and were gradually pushed forward until they hardened |
| Nail injuries | Injuries to the nail matrix can cause bruising, ridges, or discoloration. The nail may fall off but it usually grows back with proper medical care. |
| Nail infections | Fungal nail infections can cause separation between the nail and the nail bed, leading to shortened nail beds. |
| Nail care | Applying nail oil, regularly wearing nail polish, and massaging the nail bed can help keep nails strong and promote regrowth. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Nail matrix injuries and fingernail regrowth
Fingernails and toenails are formed in the nail matrix, which consists of the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix contributes to about 90% of nail growth, while the sterile matrix keeps the nail attached to the underlying skin.
Injuries to the nail matrix can be caused by pinching or crushing the finger, dropping something heavy on the toe, or even from a blow to the nail. Illnesses, such as a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia, can also affect the nail matrix, causing horizontal ridges in the nails. Certain medications, such as chemotherapy, can also cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges) or slow nail growth.
After a nail matrix injury, you may experience bruising, ridges, or discolouration. In some cases, the nail may fall off. However, with proper treatment, the nail matrix can heal, and healthy nails can grow back. It is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged, but in cases of severe damage, some or all of the nail may not regrow.
To promote healing and relieve pain after a nail injury, it is important to keep the area dry and clean. Cover the nail with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage, replacing it when it gets wet. Watch for signs of infection, such as increasing heat, redness, pain, swelling, or pus. If there is blood trapped under the nail, a procedure called nail trephination can be performed to drain it and provide pain relief. This procedure also helps the new nail grow in correctly.
It typically takes about two months for fingernails to regrow completely and up to four months for toenails. During this time, it is essential to keep the nails trimmed and avoid biting them to prevent further trauma.
How to Prevent Flesh Growing Under Nails
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Toenail regrowth timeline
Toenails grow back slowly, and the timeline for regrowth can vary depending on the reason for their loss, the patient's overall health, and other factors.
First few weeks: A thin, protective layer begins to form over the nail bed.
2–3 months: Early signs of new nail growth become visible.
6–8 weeks to 6 months: Toenail regrowth tends to be visible.
12–18 months: A complete, healthy nail can take over a year to return.
It's important to note that the regrowth period is a slow process, and focusing on proper foot care and overall health will help ensure your new nail grows back strong and healthy. Toenail regrowth provides an opportunity to develop good foot care habits that will benefit you long after your nail has regrown.
How Nails of Children Grow Straight
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Home treatments for nail regrowth
Fingernails and toenails are made of protein and fat and are not live tissue. They grow at an average rate of about 3.47 mm per month and require 3-6 months to completely regrow. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails.
- Keeping the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail has regrown.
- Filing down sharp edges or trimming off the detached part of a large tear to prevent further tearing.
- Removing artificial nails if they separate from the nail bed, as they can tear the nail bed.
- Keeping nails short to prevent damage and injury.
- Maintaining a well-rounded, balanced diet with plenty of protein, water, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.
- Applying nail oil and vigorously massaging it into the nail matrix (the part that makes the nail) to promote blood flow.
- Taking biotin supplements to strengthen nails.
It's important to note that some nail issues may be caused by underlying medical conditions such as psoriasis or diabetes. If home treatments are ineffective, it may be necessary to consult a dermatologist for further advice and treatment.
Why Does My Toenail Grow Wavy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preventing nail bed infections
Nail infections, or paronychia, occur when bacteria get under the skin around the nail. It is caused by a disruption in the protective barrier of the nail folds, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter and cause inflammation and infection. The most common bacteria that cause paronychia are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
To prevent nail bed infections, it is important to keep the nail bed clean and dry. If the nail bed is injured, it should be covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail bed is firm or the nail has grown back. It is important to watch for signs of infection, such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus. If any of these symptoms occur, the affected area should be cleaned and covered with a new bandage.
For those who work with chemicals or detergents, or have frequently wet hands, it is recommended to wear waterproof gloves that do not irritate the skin. This will help protect your hands and prevent infection.
Additionally, it is important to avoid biting or chewing your nails, as this is a common cause of paronychia. If you have diabetes or difficulty fighting infections, seek treatment right away.
In summary, keeping the nail bed clean and dry, covering any injuries, wearing protective gloves when necessary, and avoiding nail biting are key ways to prevent nail bed infections.
Thumb Nails Won't Grow? Here's Why
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nail plate and nail bed separation
Onycholysis is a common nail disorder in which the nail plate separates from the nail bed. It typically results in a well-defined area of white opaque nail. However, the colour may vary and can be yellowish or even blue-green in some cases. The border between the pink portion of the nail and the white edge of the lifted detached nail is usually irregular but sharply defined. The detached nail is usually opaque compared to the normal nail, which appears transparent and pink.
Onycholysis can be caused by several factors, including injury, underlying illness, medications, and genetics. It is often seen in people with long fingernails, as the nail can act as a lever, prying the nail away from the skin. Repetitive toe-stubbing and wearing ill-fitting shoes can also lead to onycholysis.
Fungal infections are a common cause of onycholysis. These infections occur when fungi invade the space between the nail and the nail bed, usually through cracks or cuts in the finger or toe. Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails, and symptoms include cracked, yellow, discoloured, streaked, thickened, or spotted nails.
Skin conditions, such as psoriasis, and reactions to chemicals like nail polish, hardeners, and adhesives used for fake nails, can also cause onycholysis. Certain medications, including chemotherapy, antibiotics, and those that cause light sensitivity, can lead to onycholysis.
Treatment for onycholysis often involves medication, trimming away the separated nail, and cleaning the nail bed. It is important to keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown back. Oral antifungal medications or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to treat fungal infections.
Toe Nail Layers: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, fingernails grow back. The nail matrix is where your body makes new nails, and as long as the matrix is not severely injured, it will continue to produce new nail cells. Nails grow at a rate of about 0.1 mm per day or 1/10 inch per month.
If your nail falls off, keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown back. Watch for signs of infection such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
Applying nail oil and regularly wearing nail polish will help keep your nails strong as they grow out. Keeping a nail file and clippers around can also help prevent nail biting or picking.
