Noah Sinclair
A dead nail will usually grow back, but it may take a while. The rate of regrowth depends on the cause of the nail loss, the severity of the injury, and the person's overall health. Nails grow from the matrix, or root, which is found deep beneath the cuticles. New cells form in the matrix and push out older nail cells, causing the nail to lengthen. Fingernails may grow one-tenth of a millimeter each day, with toenails growing at about half to a third of that rate. As a result, it can take up to 6 months for fingernails to grow back and up to 18 months for toenails to regrow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for a toenail to grow back | 6 months to 2 years |
| Time taken for a fingernail to grow back | 4 to 6 months |
| Factors that affect the speed of regrowth | Age, climate, season, hand dominance, trauma, injury, overall health, hormones, and pregnancy |
| Reasons for losing a nail | Trauma, fungal infection, psoriasis, eczema, medications, peripheral artery disease, skin conditions, and diseases |
| Reasons for toenail turning black | Trauma, infection, ill-fitting footwear, sports, and long second toe |
| Nail matrix | The "factory" where new nails are made; rarely permanently damaged |
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What You'll Learn
- Nail regeneration can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 2 years depending on various factors
- Factors like age, climate, health, and trauma can affect nail growth
- Nails are made of a protein called keratin
- Toenails are susceptible to fungal infections
- Treatments for nail issues include medication, trimming, and surgery
Nail regeneration can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 2 years depending on various factors
The rate of nail regeneration depends on the reason for the nail loss. For example, if you have lost a toenail due to trauma, such as stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or wearing ill-fitting shoes, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for the nail to grow back. Toenails tend to take longer to regrow than fingernails, with toenails growing at about half to a third of the rate of fingernails. Fingernails can take up to 6 months to grow back, while toenails can take up to 18 months.
Age, overall health, and certain illnesses can also affect the speed of nail regeneration. Nails tend to grow slower in older adults, and health conditions such as peripheral artery disease can reduce blood flow to the hands and feet, slowing down nail growth. Serious illnesses, such as a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia, can also interrupt nail growth and cause horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines. Additionally, certain medications, such as chemotherapy, can temporarily affect the nail matrix, causing Beau's lines or slow nail growth.
Fungal infections can also impact the nail regeneration process. Toenails are susceptible to fungal infections due to the warm and wet environment created by shoes and socks. Treating a fungal infection can take 12 to 18 months, which will impact the timeline for nail regrowth.
In some cases, the nail may not grow back completely, or it may grow back distorted. Severe damage to the nail matrix, the "factory" where new nails are made, can result in permanent nail loss. Additionally, if the nail-growing cells are damaged, the nail may not grow back properly or at all. However, it is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged, and with proper medical care, healthy nails can often grow back.
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Factors like age, climate, health, and trauma can affect nail growth
Several factors influence the growth of nails, including age, climate, health, and trauma. Nails are made of a protein called keratin and are constantly growing as new nail pushes out the older nail.
Age plays a role in nail growth, with nails growing slower in older adults. For instance, a 2007 study observed that a person's thumbnail growth rate decreased from 0.123 mm per day at age 23 to 0.095 mm per day at age 67. This may be attributed to the slowing of blood circulation with age.
Climate also impacts nail growth, with nails growing faster during the summer and slower in colder seasons.
Overall health is another factor influencing nail growth. Nails may grow slower if an individual is sick, malnourished, or experiencing nutritional deficiencies. Certain health conditions, such as peripheral artery disease, can reduce blood flow to the nails, slowing nail growth. Additionally, illnesses like COVID-19 or pneumonia can interrupt nail growth and cause horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines.
Hormone levels can also affect nail growth. For example, nails may grow faster during pregnancy but slower during lactation. Puberty is another period of fluctuating hormone levels, with nail growth peaking during this time and then declining as hormone levels stabilise.
Trauma or injury to the nail can impact nail growth. In some cases, the nail may fall off due to trauma, and regrowth may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. The rate of nail growth after trauma can be influenced by increased blood flow to the injured area.
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Nails are made of a protein called keratin
Keratin is a strong protein that provides support and protection to various parts of the body. It is particularly important for hair, nails, and skin, as it helps to keep them healthy and strong. Keratin treatments, for example, can be used to strengthen hair, improve its appearance, and reduce frizz. The protein also plays a key role in supporting the skin, healing wounds, and protecting the body from damage.
Keratin forms the cells of hair, skin, and nails. In the context of nails, keratin is produced by nail-growing cells in the nail root, found deep beyond the cuticles. As new nail cells form and grow, they push older cells through the skin, causing the nails to grow longer. This process is constant, with new nail cells continuously pushing out older ones at the tips of the nails.
The nails that can be seen are made up of dead cells, which is why cutting or trimming nails is painless. The visible portion of the nails does not have any feeling, as it is devoid of sensory nerve endings. These dead nail cells serve an important protective function, shielding the soft tissue beneath the nails and safeguarding the tips of the toes and fingers.
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Toenails are susceptible to fungal infections
Toenails are made of a protein called keratin, which also makes up our skin and hair. They protect the soft tissue beneath them and keep the tips of our toes safe. However, due to trauma, infection, or other scenarios, we might lose a toenail. Toenails are particularly susceptible to fungal infections because fungi thrive in warm, wet environments. Shoes and socks provide the perfect conditions for fungi to grow. Toenail fungus is also contagious, so it can be transferred to your nail after a visit to a nail salon or if you walk barefoot in a locker room.
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a widespread fungal infection that affects the toenails. It occurs when fungi invade a toenail and the tissue underneath the nail, known as the nail bed. This usually happens through a crack or cut in your toe. Dermatophytes, a type of mold that requires keratin to grow, are responsible for 90% of toenail fungal infections. However, other types of fungi can also infect toenails.
The symptoms of toenail fungus include yellow or dark discolouration, brittleness, thickening, cracking, streaking, spotting, and lifting off the nail bed. In some cases, the whole nail can lift off, causing the surrounding skin to become swollen and painful. Toenail fungus is notoriously tricky to treat and often requires several months of treatment. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available, but it can take 12 to 18 months for the fungus to grow out completely.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is important to keep your toenails and feet clean and dry. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, or showers. If you wear trainers or tight shoes for extended periods, ensure your feet are not constantly warm and sweaty. Additionally, be cautious when visiting nail salons, as toenail fungus can be spread through direct contact or by touching infected surfaces.
If you suspect a fungal nail infection, speak to a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform tests, and recommend appropriate treatment options. It is important to treat toenail fungus promptly to prevent potential health complications and to improve the appearance of your nails.
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Treatments for nail issues include medication, trimming, and surgery
A dead nail will usually grow back, but this can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on the reason for the nail loss and the overall health of the individual. During this time, there are various treatments available to relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent infection.
If you have suffered nail trauma, over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory drugs can help to relieve mild pain. If the nail is still attached, it is important to keep the area dry and clean to prevent infection. Covering the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage can also help to protect the nail bed and prevent further injury. If the nail has fallen off, you can file or trim any sharp edges to achieve the same effect.
If the nail has been lost due to a fungal infection, OTC or prescription antifungal products can help to treat the underlying issue. However, it can take 12 to 18 months for the fungus to grow out. In the case of more serious infections, a doctor may need to be consulted.
For nail issues caused by skin conditions such as psoriasis, medications such as corticosteroids, biologics, and topical steroids can improve nail appearance.
In some cases, surgery may be required to address nail issues. For example, individuals with longstanding toenail problems may choose to have their toenails completely removed and the nail-growing cells destroyed using an acidic substance.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for a dead nail to grow back. Fingernails may grow one-tenth of a millimeter each day, so completely removed fingernails usually grow within 6 months. Toenails, on the other hand, may grow at about half or one-third the rate of fingernails, so they may take up to 18 months to grow back.
Several factors can affect the rate at which nails regrow. Nails tend to grow slower in older adults and in colder climates. Nails grow faster in the summer and on the dominant hand. Trauma or injury can increase the rate of regrowth due to increased blood flow to the injured area. Overall health also impacts nail growth, with sickness or malnutrition slowing it down. Hormones can also affect regrowth, with nails growing quicker during pregnancy.
If you lose a nail, keep the area clean, dry, and protected. You can apply petroleum jelly and cover the area with an adhesive bandage until the nail bed is firm or the nail has grown back. Be sure to watch for signs of infection such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
Unfortunately, there is no way to speed up the regrowth of a dead nail. However, you can promote healthy nail growth by keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding nonprescription medications like aspirin, and completing any prescribed medication courses. Elevating the affected area and resting can also help decrease pain.
