Caleb Foster
Nails are made of a substance called keratin, which is the same protein that makes up our skin and hair. Nails grow from underneath our skin at the nail matrix, which is the root of the nail. New cells form in the matrix and eventually harden and die once they become the nails that we see. Nails are incredibly resilient and can grow back after being damaged by trauma, infection, or other reasons. The rate of regrowth can vary from person to person and depend on various factors, such as age, climate, overall health, and the severity of the injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail growth | Nails are in constant production mode |
| Nail matrix | The "factory" where your body makes new nails; injuries or health conditions can damage the nail matrix |
| Nail bed | The nail bed lies beneath the nail plate and contains blood vessels that nourish the growing nail |
| Germinal matrix | Responsible for most of a nail's growth; causes the nail to get longer |
| Sterile matrix | Aids in anchoring the nail |
| Nail root | Extends from the edge of the nail root or lunula to the tissue known as the hyponychium |
| Nail plate growth | Nails grow approximately 0.1 mm per day (or about 1/10 inch per month) |
| Nail regrowth | Fingernails typically take 4-6 months to regrow, while toenails can take up to 18 months |
| Nail separation | Once a nail separates from the nail bed, it will not reattach; a new nail must grow in its place |
| Nail infections | A fungal infection can cause nails to detach; toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections |
| Factors affecting nail growth | Overall health, age, climate, season, hand dominance, trauma, injury, and blood flow |
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What You'll Learn
Nails grow from the nail matrix, the root of the nail
The nail matrix is a "factory" that produces new nails. It is located beneath the cuticle at the base of the nail and is responsible for nail growth. This area is also known as the germinal matrix, which produces most of the nail plate, and the sterile matrix, which aids in anchoring the nail. The nail matrix continuously generates new cells, pushing older cells forward until they harden into the nail plate. This process of cell division occurs when cells split, take in water, and then reproduce, pushing forward to form the nail.
The nail matrix is a critical structure in nail growth, and injuries or health conditions can affect its function. For example, a severe injury or illness can interrupt nail growth and cause changes in the appearance of the nail, such as horizontal ridges or discolouration. In the case of an injury, the nail may fall off, but with proper medical care, it will usually grow back. Similarly, certain medications and skin conditions can temporarily affect the nail matrix, leading to slow nail growth and changes in texture or colour.
It is important to note that the nail matrix itself is resilient and often remains intact even when the visible nail is lost. This allows for the regrowth of nails after damage or loss. Fingernails typically take 4 to 6 months to regrow completely, while toenails can take up to 18 months due to slower growth rates.
The nail root is closely related to the nail matrix and plays a crucial role in nail growth. About 80% of nail length arises from the nail root, with the remaining 20% contributed by the nail bed, which adds thickness to the nail. The nail bed, also known as the sterile matrix, contains blood vessels, nerves, and melanocytes that produce melanin. As the nail root grows, it extends along the nail bed, adding material to the underside of the nail.
In summary, nails grow from the nail matrix, the root of the nail, through a continuous process of cell division and forward movement. This growth occurs from underneath the skin, with new cells forming in the matrix and advancing forward to create the nail plate. Any disruptions to the nail matrix or nail root can impact nail growth and the appearance of the nail.
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Nails are made of keratin, the same protein as skin and hair
The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. It is located beneath the cuticle at the base of your nail. The nail matrix includes the germinal matrix, which produces most of the nail plate, and the sterile matrix, which aids in anchoring the nail. The nail bed, also referred to as the sterile matrix, lies beneath the nail plate and contains blood vessels that nourish the growing nail.
Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which is also found in skin and hair. Each nail contains roughly 100-150 layers of keratinized cells stacked together. The visible nail plate is made up of dead cells that have hardened and compacted together. These cells originate in the nail matrix and are gradually pushed forward toward the fingertip, where they flatten and harden to form the nail plate.
The process of nail growth is continuous, with new cells constantly being produced in the nail matrix. This is why nails can grow back after being damaged or lost. Fingernails typically take 4-6 months to completely regrow, while toenails can take up to 18 months. The rate of regrowth can vary depending on various factors such as age, climate, overall health, and the reason for nail loss.
It is important to note that if the nail matrix itself is damaged, the regrowth of the nail may be affected, resulting in an abnormal appearance of the new nail. However, with proper medical care, healthy nails can usually grow back even if the nail falls off.
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Nail trauma doesn't always require medical attention
Nail trauma is common, and it can occur when any part of the nail becomes injured, including the nail, nail bed, cuticle, and the skin around the sides of the nail. This can happen when you smash your finger in a door, hit it with a hammer or another heavy object, or cut it with a sharp object. Nail biting and cuticle biting are also common causes of nail trauma.
While nail injuries can be painful and may require medical attention, some milder forms of nail trauma can be treated at home. If you can stop the bleeding quickly and the nail is not cut or torn and is still attached to the nail bed, you may be able to manage the injury yourself. For example, you can remove any jewellery from your hand, and apply soap to help rings slip off swollen fingers.
If the nail matrix itself is damaged, regrowth may be affected, and the new nail may have an abnormal appearance. However, as long as the nail matrix is healthy, fingernails will grow back after injury. The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new nails, and it is located beneath the cuticle at the base of your nail. The matrix continuously generates new cells, pushing older cells forward until they harden into the nail plate.
Fingernails typically take 4-6 months to completely regrow, while toenails can take up to 18 months. During this time, you can live a full and active life without a fingernail or toenail. However, if the nail matrix is permanently damaged, preventing your nail from growing back, you may need to protect your finger or toe during physical activity.
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Nails grow faster in the summer and on dominant hands
Fingernails and toenails are made of keratin—the same protein found in hair and the outer layer of skin. The nail matrix is the "factory" where nails are formed. It is located beneath the cuticle at the base of the nail. As new cells are created, older ones are pushed forward, flatten, harden, and compact together to form the nail plate. This process of continuous production is why nails grow back after being damaged or lost.
Nail growth can vary depending on various factors. For instance, some fingers tend to grow nails faster than others. The middle and fourth fingers tend to grow nails faster than the thumb and the fifth finger. Additionally, nails on the dominant hand might grow faster, possibly due to more frequent use. For instance, a right-handed person might find that their left hand's nails grow faster.
External factors can also influence nail growth. Some research indicates that nails grow faster in the summer, while winter and cold environments tend to slow nail growth. Massage and stimulation have also been linked to faster nail growth. On the other hand, certain illnesses, injuries, and medications can affect the nail matrix and slow nail growth or cause abnormalities. For example, peripheral artery disease reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, impacting the nail matrix and slowing nail growth. Similarly, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can interfere with nail growth, leading to changes in texture and colour.
While nails have impressive regenerative abilities, the process of regrowth after damage or loss can be slow and require patience. Fingernails typically take 4-6 months to completely regrow, while toenails can take up to 18 months due to their slower growth rate.
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Treatments for nail infections include anti-inflammatory drugs
Fingernails and toenails are made of keratin, a protein also found in hair and skin. Nails are constantly produced by the nail matrix, a "factory" of new nail cells located beneath the cuticle at the base of the nail. The nail matrix comprises the germinal matrix, which makes up most of the nail plate, and the sterile matrix, which anchors the nail. The nail bed, which lies beneath the nail plate, contains blood vessels that nourish the growing nail.
Injuries, certain medications, and health conditions can damage the nail matrix and affect nail growth. For example, peripheral artery disease reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, slowing nail growth. Similarly, severe eczema can interfere with nail growth and cause Beau's lines, pitting, and colour changes. Nail infections can also occur when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. This type of infection is called paronychia and is treated with antibiotics. In some cases, healthcare providers may also need to drain pus from an abscess.
Fungal nail infections occur when the nail becomes thick, discoloured, and brittle. Treatment for fungal nail infections involves using antifungal nail medicine or taking antifungal tablets.
Treatments for nail infections include antibiotics and antifungal medications, which are types of anti-inflammatory drugs. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as paronychia, which is caused by bacteria entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. Pus may also need to be drained from an abscess. Antifungal medications are used to treat fungal nail infections, which cause the nail to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. These medications can be applied topically or taken orally in the form of tablets. It is important to use antifungal treatments consistently for several months and to continue treatment until advised to stop by a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for a nail to grow back. Toenails tend to take longer to regrow than fingernails.
If your nail falls off, keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. You can cover the nail with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown back.
Serious illnesses, injuries, and some medications can cause nails to stop growing. Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and subungual melanoma can also affect nail growth.
