Isla Bennett
Fingernails and toenails can be injured in a variety of ways, from closing a finger in a door to fungal infections. Nails are made of keratin, a protein that forms the cells that make up the tissue in nails. While the nail that we see is made up of dead cells, the inner part of the nail under the skin is very much alive and can feel pain. Nails grow from underneath the skin at what is known as the matrix or root of the nail. New cells form in the matrix, and as these new cells grow, older cells are pushed up and out. The cells on the surface die and harden, turning into the nails we see. So, how long does it take for nails to regrow after an injury?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average monthly growth of fingernails | 1/10 of an inch |
| Time taken for a fingernail to grow back | 2-6 months |
| Time taken for a toenail to grow back | 4 months-1.5 years |
| Factors that affect nail growth rate | Age, climate, season, hand dominance, trauma, injury, nutrition, and hormones |
| Vitamins that are beneficial for nail growth | Biotin, Folic Acid/Vitamin B9, and Vitamin D |
| Ways to speed up nail healing | Applying a cold compress, keeping the nail elevated, and taking biotin supplements |
| Ways to prevent nail injuries | Keeping nails short, wearing properly sized shoes, and avoiding dangerous situations |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails take 4-6 months to regrow, toenails 12-18 months
Fingernails and toenails can be injured in many ways, including blows to the nail, fingers being jammed in doors, fungal infections, and even habits such as nail biting. Nails grow from the matrix, or root, underneath the skin, and push older cells through as new ones form. The cells on the surface die and harden, forming the nails that we see and clip.
The good news is that nails do grow back, but it requires patience. On average, it can take up to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back to its full size, and about 4 to 6 months to replace a lost fingernail. During this time, it is important to keep the nail bed clean, dry, and protected. Nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, and men's nails also tend to grow faster than women's.
Toenails, unfortunately, take much longer to regrow. Toenails grow back three to four times slower than fingernails, so it could take up to 12-18 months for a toenail to grow back completely. Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections and deformities caused by ill-fitting shoes. Toenails also tend to grow slower in older adults, in colder climates, and when the body is sick or malnourished.
To speed up the healing process, it is recommended to keep the nail bed clean and protected. Applying a cold compress for up to 20 minutes can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Keeping the injured area elevated can also help reduce blood flow and decrease swelling and bruising.
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Nail matrix damage can cause permanent deformity
Fingernails grow about 1/10 of an inch per month, which means it can take up to six months for a fingernail to grow back to its full size. Toenails, on the other hand, grow back three to four times slower than fingernails, with regrowth taking up to 18 months. Nails grow from underneath the skin at the matrix, which is the root of the nail. The nail matrix is responsible for producing the cells that form the nail.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Minor matrix damage can temporarily change the nail's appearance. However, severe damage to the nail matrix may result in lasting changes such as chronic thickening, uneven or irregular growth, or complete and permanent nail loss. Trauma to the nail can cause the production of new nail cells to stop for as long as three weeks, and in some cases, the nail may never grow back.
It is important to seek medical attention for severe nail injuries to prevent permanent damage to the nail bed or fingers. With proper medical care, even if the nail falls off, it usually grows back.
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Nail injuries can cause blood under the nail
Nail injuries are common, and they can cause blood to pool under the nail, known as a subungual haematoma. This can be caused by blunt force trauma, such as hitting your finger with a hammer, or crush injuries, like dropping something heavy on your toe. Even a minor injury can cause a subungual haematoma, and they can be extremely painful due to the pressure of the pooled blood.
If you experience a subungual haematoma, you should apply ice and elevate the affected area to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can help with minor pain. If the pain is severe or there is extreme physical trauma, you should seek medical advice. Your doctor may recommend decompression, or trephination, to drain the blood and relieve the pressure and pain.
In most cases, a subungual haematoma will heal on its own over time, and the trapped blood will be reabsorbed. However, this can take several months or even years. The time it takes for the nail to grow back will depend on the severity of the injury and whether it occurred on a finger or toe. Fingernails typically take around 4 to 6 months to grow back, while toenails can take up to 18 months.
If there is severe damage to the nail bed, the nail may be malformed or cracked when it grows back, or it may even fail to regrow. To promote healing and protect the nail, it is important to keep the area clean and dry and follow any instructions provided by your doctor.
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Well-rounded diet and good general health promote strong nails
A well-rounded diet and good general health are key to promoting strong nails. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, so it is important to eat enough protein to boost keratin production and create strong nails. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.36 grams per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight per day. This can be obtained from animal foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy, as well as plant foods such as soy, legumes, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
In addition to protein, biotin, a B vitamin, is crucial for nail health. Biotin is most concentrated in organ meats, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. Other important nutrients for nail health include iron, vitamin C, and zinc. Zinc helps with nail growth and repair and can be found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
To promote nail growth and strength, it is best to consume whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods and plenty of water. Nutrient deficiencies can affect nail growth and strength, and a poor diet can lead to brittle, weak, and discolored nails. Fried foods, sugar, and alcohol can also negatively impact nail health by causing inflammation and dehydration.
While diet plays a significant role in nail health, other factors also influence nail growth. For example, men's nails tend to grow faster than women's nails, and toenails grow back three to four times slower than fingernails. Additionally, maintaining healthy cuticles is important as they protect the growth of nail cells and prevent infection.
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Men's nails grow faster than women's
On average, a fingernail will grow about 1/10 of an inch per month, or 1/8 of an inch per month, and it can take up to six months for a fingernail to grow back completely after being detached. Toenails, on the other hand, grow back three to four times slower than fingernails, at a rate of about 1/16 of an inch per month, and can take up to 18 months to grow back.
Several factors affect the speed of nail regrowth. For instance, nails grow faster in the summer and slower in colder climates. Nails on the dominant hand also tend to grow faster than those on the non-dominant hand. Trauma or injury can increase the rate of regrowth due to increased blood flow to the injured area. Similarly, nails tend to grow quicker during pregnancy. Conversely, nail growth can slow down if a person is sick, malnourished, or stressed.
Interestingly, men's nails tend to grow faster than women's nails. This means that men may need to trim their nails more frequently than women. Aside from gender, other factors that influence nail growth include age, with nails growing slower in older adults, and overall health, as certain nail abnormalities may indicate underlying health issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernails grow about 1/10 of an inch per month, so it can take up to 4-6 months for a lost fingernail to grow back to its full size.
Toenails grow back three to four times slower than fingernails, so it could take up to 12-18 months for a toenail to grow back completely.
Vitamins that are believed to be beneficial for nails include biotin, folic acid/vitamin B9, and vitamin D.
