Isla Bennett
Nails are produced by the nail matrix cells that reside in the whitish area (lunula) at the base of the nail. As long as there is no permanent damage to the nail matrix or nail bed, the nail should regrow and appear normal. Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month and toenails grow at half that rate. Fingernails can regrow entirely in 3-6 months, while toenails can take 8-18 months. If the nail matrix is damaged, the growing nail plate will contain a defect. In the case of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of the nail may not grow back. If the nail falls off due to injury, it usually grows back with proper medical care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail regrowth | Nails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month and require 3-6 months to completely regrow. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails and can take 8 to 18 months to grow back. |
| Nail matrix | The nail matrix is the "factory" where new nails are made. Damage to the nail matrix can affect nail growth and appearance. It is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged. |
| Nail bed | Damage to the nail bed can cause whitish changes in the nail and permanent deformation. |
| Onycholysis | Onycholysis is a condition where the nail separates from the nail bed. It can be caused by nail injuries, fungi, or yeast infections. Treatment includes keeping nails trimmed, avoiding certain chemicals and nail products, and antifungal medications. |
| Nail injuries | Injuries to the nail or nail matrix can cause bruising, ridges, or discoloration. In some cases, the nail may fall off. |
| Nail infections | Nail infections can occur due to bacteria or fungi. Proper nail care and hygiene are essential to prevent and treat nail infections. |
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What You'll Learn
Nail matrix damage can prevent regrowth
The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. It is responsible for about 90% of your nail growth. The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix is under the base of your nail, and the sterile matrix lies underneath your nail. The matrix is also responsible for supplying nutrients and regenerating the nail bed.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage your nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Mechanical injuries are a common cause of nail matrix damage. This can happen when you pinch or crush your fingertip in a door, or when a heavy object falls on your finger or toe. In some cases, dropping a heavy object on your toe can injure your nail matrix, leading to bruising, ridges, or discoloration. Your nail may even fall off as a result.
Improper nail care procedures can also damage the nail matrix. For example, cuticle picking or using a drill or cuticle pusher with too much pressure can lead to matrix damage. Additionally, fungal infections can occur when fungi get between your nail and nail bed through cracks or cuts in your fingers or toes. These infections cause your nails to become thick and yellow, and they may show white spots and streaks.
In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of your nail may not grow back. However, it is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged, and with proper medical care, your nail will usually grow back. If the damage is minor, your nail matrix will heal with proper care, and your nail will start to grow again within a few weeks.
To prevent nail matrix damage, it is important to practice proper nail care and hand hygiene. Cut your nails properly by trimming them straight across and avoiding cutting them too short. When getting a manicure or pedicure, be gentle or choose a reputable beauty salon. Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent them from catching on objects and pulling further off your nail beds.
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Fingernails regrow in 3-6 months
Fingernails typically take 3 to 6 months to completely regrow. Toenails grow more slowly, requiring up to 12 to 18 months for full regrowth. The growth rate of fingernails is approximately 0.1 mm per day (or about a tenth of an inch per month). Once a nail separates from the nail bed, it will not reattach—a new nail must grow in its place.
The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. Certain injuries and illnesses can damage your nail matrix and affect how your nails look or grow. But with the right treatment, you can often see healthy nails grow again. Even if your nail falls off, it usually grows back with proper medical care. It’s rare for your nail matrix to be permanently damaged, preventing your nail from growing back.
Injuries to a nail or the area where your nails start to grow (nail matrix) can cause onycholysis, or nail separation. You can injure these areas by bumping or hitting your nails, wearing shoes that are too small, or even keeping your nails in water for too long. Regularly going to a nail salon to get manicures can also cause onycholysis. Manicurists use a lot of force to trim, buff, and polish your nails. Even tapping your nails on a hard surface over a long period can cause onycholysis.
While waiting for your nail to regrow, this is a normal healing process. Your body knows exactly what to do, and with a little protection and patience, you’ll likely have a normal-looking fingernail again before you know it. Your health plays a major role in the speed of nail growth. If you’re living with diabetes, you might notice your nails take longer to regrow after damage. This happens because diabetes can restrict blood flow to your extremities, meaning fewer nutrients reach your nail matrix—the birthplace of new nail cells.
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Toenails regrow in 8-18 months
Toenails and fingernails protect your skin, but you might lose a nail due to trauma, fungus, or other reasons. Most nails grow back, although the rate of regrowth varies from person to person. Toenails typically take between 6 months to 2 years to regrow fully, with an average regrowth time of 6 months to 18 months.
The exact rate of toenail growth depends on factors like age, nutrition, and overall health. Young, healthy individuals tend to experience faster nail growth, while older individuals or those with health issues may notice slower regrowth. Toenails grow at a rate of 1.5 to 2 millimetres per month, slower than fingernails, which grow at a rate of 3 to 4 millimetres per month.
Toenail regrowth tends to be slower after an injury or trauma. Trauma is one of the most common reasons for losing a toenail, which could be due to stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Toenails are also susceptible to fungal infections, which can cause the nail to become thick and brittle, eventually leading to the nail falling off. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can affect nail health and slow down the regrowth process.
If you've lost a toenail, there are a few things you can do to help it regrow. As your nail heals, protect the exposed nail bed by keeping it clean, dry, and moisturised. You can also soak your nail in a saltwater solution to prevent infection. There is some evidence that biotin supplements and certain vitamins can stimulate nail growth, so you may want to discuss supplements with your doctor.
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Onycholysis causes nails to separate from the nail bed
Typically, the top layer of a nail does not grow back. The nail grows out, and during this period, it is more fragile. Nails usually take a long time to grow out, with fingernails taking 4 to 6 months to fully regrow, and toenails taking 8 to 18 months.
Onycholysis is a condition where the nail separates from its nail bed. It is often painless but can be irritating. It is somewhat common and has several possible causes. Onycholysis usually only affects one nail.
Injuries and Trauma
Injuries to the nail or nail matrix can cause onycholysis. This can be caused by bumping or hitting nails, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or keeping nails submerged in water for too long. Regular manicures can also cause onycholysis due to the force applied to nails during trimming, buffing, and polishing. Even tapping nails on a hard surface over a long period can cause onycholysis.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections occur when a fungus gets between the nail and nail bed, usually through cracks or cuts in the finger or toe. These infections cause nails to thicken and turn yellow, and they may show white spots and streaks.
Chemicals
Chemicals in nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardener, nail polish remover, and fake nails can cause onycholysis.
Medications
Certain medications can cause onycholysis, including chemotherapy drugs, tetracycline, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), psoralens, oral retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), and drugs made from vitamin A (e.g., retinoids).
Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis causes changes to the structure of nails, which may include onycholysis.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency can cause onycholysis.
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Nail injuries, fungi, and psoriasis can cause onycholysis
Onycholysis, or nail separation, occurs when a nail detaches from its nail bed. While it usually affects only one nail, it can happen to both finger and toenails. Onycholysis can be caused by nail injuries, fungi, and psoriasis.
Nail injuries can cause onycholysis. Injuring the nail matrix, the area where nails start to grow, can lead to onycholysis. Bumping or hitting your nails, wearing shoes that are too tight, or even soaking your nails in water for extended periods can cause such injuries. Regular manicures and the force used by manicurists to trim, buff, and polish nails can also contribute to onycholysis. Additionally, tapping your nails on hard surfaces over time can cause nail separation.
Fungal infections are another common cause of onycholysis. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, such as showers and swimming pools. Any separation between the nail and nail bed provides an opportunity for fungi to migrate and establish an infection. Even microscopic cuts in the skin can allow fungi to enter. Nail fungus causes nails to thicken, discolour, and develop white spots and streaks. It can be challenging to treat, and discontinuing medication prematurely may result in a recurrence that is more challenging to eradicate. Oral and topical antifungal medications are typically prescribed to treat nail fungus.
Nail psoriasis, an autoimmune disease affecting skin cell production, can also lead to onycholysis. It is characterised by skin scaling, discolouration, and nail pitting, thickening, or structural changes. While nail psoriasis and nail fungus share similar symptoms, they have distinct treatments. It is important to determine the correct diagnosis to ensure proper treatment. Nail psoriasis is typically treated with medications such as pills, injections, or topical treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the nail grows out and not in layers. The whole nail needs to grow out for it to be normal.
Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month and can take 3-6 months to completely regrow. Toenails grow at almost half the rate of fingernails and can take 8-18 months to grow back.
Nails usually grow back with proper medical care. However, severe damage to the nail matrix can cause permanent damage and prevent the nail from growing back.
Onycholysis is a condition in which the nail separates from the skin beneath it, also known as nail separation. It is often caused by a nail injury, fungus, or psoriasis.
