Ava Monroe
Fingernails and toenails can be damaged in a variety of ways, including injuries, illnesses, and skin conditions. Toenails grow back three to four times slower than fingernails, with toenails taking up to 18 months to regrow and fingernails taking up to 6 months. The rate of nail regrowth depends on various factors, including the severity of the injury, age, gender, climate, and overall health. In cases of severe damage to the nail matrix, the nail may not grow back at all or may be permanently deformed. Proper treatment and care are crucial to promote nail regrowth and prevent infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average monthly growth of fingernails | 3.47 mm |
| Average daily growth of fingernails | 0.1 mm |
| Time taken for a fingernail to grow back | 4-6 months |
| Average monthly growth of toenails | 1.62 mm |
| Time taken for a toenail to grow back | 12-18 months |
| Factors affecting nail growth rate | Age, hand/foot, season, health, hormones, trauma, nutrition, genetics |
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What You'll Learn
- Fingernails take 4-6 months to grow back, while toenails take 6-18 months
- Nails grow at 0.13 inches per month, or 3.47mm
- Nail damage can be caused by working, playing, or trauma
- Treatments for nail injuries include antibiotics, ice, and painkillers
- Nail matrix damage can cause permanent nail deformities
Fingernails take 4-6 months to grow back, while toenails take 6-18 months
Fingernails and toenails are produced by the nail matrix cells in the lunula, the whitish moon-shaped area at the base of the nail. Nails grow at an average rate of 3.47mm per month, or about a tenth of a millimeter per day. The rate of growth depends on factors such as age, hormone levels, and overall health. Nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, as do nails on longer fingers.
If you lose a fingernail, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal. A new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow back and replace the lost nail. Toenails, on the other hand, take significantly longer to regrow, anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Toenails grow at a slower rate of 1.62mm per month, which is about a third of the rate of fingernail growth.
The rate of toenail regrowth can be influenced by various factors. Toenail fungus, for example, can prolong the regrowth process, taking up to 12 to 18 months for the fungus to grow out. Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections due to the warm and wet environment created by shoes and socks. Additionally, trauma or injury can increase the rate of regrowth due to increased blood flow to the affected area.
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Nails grow at 0.13 inches per month, or 3.47mm
Fingernails grow at an average rate of about 0.13 inches or 3.47 mm per month, or about a tenth of a millimetre per day. It takes about four to six months for a fingernail to grow back completely if it is lost or damaged. Toenails, on the other hand, grow at a slower rate of 1.62 mm per month and can take up to a year and a half to fully regrow. This is because toenails are generally subjected to less trauma than fingernails.
Several factors influence the rate of nail growth, including age, hormone levels, overall health, and the season. Nails tend to grow faster during the summer and in younger people. Additionally, nails on the dominant hand and longer fingers tend to grow faster. Trauma or injury can also increase the rate of nail growth due to increased blood flow to the affected area.
To promote nail health and faster growth, it is recommended to take biotin supplements, which contribute to faster nail growth by promoting cell growth and protein synthesis. Keeping nails short can also be beneficial, as longer nails are more prone to damage.
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Nail damage can be caused by working, playing, or trauma
Fingernails and toenails are formed in the nail matrix, which consists of the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. Injuries to the nail matrix can cause nail damage and interfere with nail growth. Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes to the nail's appearance and texture. In the case of severe injury, the nail may fall off, and it may take several weeks for a new nail to appear. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, the nail may not grow back at all.
Nail damage can be caused by various factors, including working, playing, or trauma. For instance, regularly washing dishes, playing sports, or working outdoors can damage nails. To prevent nail damage, it is recommended to wear gloves when engaging in such activities. Additionally, it is important to be cautious when putting down heavy objects to avoid crushing or hitting the fingers or toes, which can result in nail bed injuries.
Certain tools used to clean underneath the nails, such as cuticle sticks or nail brushes, can also cause nail damage by breaking the skin and leading to infections. Manicures that involve forceful trimming, buffing, and polishing can contribute to nail separation or onycholysis. Even something as simple as tapping your nails on a hard surface repeatedly can cause nail separation.
Furthermore, nail damage can be caused by trauma, such as bumping or hitting the nails or wearing shoes that are too small. These types of injuries can lead to onycholysis, which is the separation of the nail from its nail bed. Onycholysis can also be caused by fungal infections, which occur when fungi enter through cracks or cuts in the fingers or toes, resulting in thick, yellow nails with white spots and streaks.
In the case of nail bed injuries, prompt treatment is essential to ensure proper healing and smooth nail growth. Minor nail bed injuries, such as subungual hematomas, often heal on their own, but more severe cases may require medical attention. Antibiotics may be necessary to prevent infection, and in some cases, a synthetic nail may be attached to aid in nail growth. It can take up to six to nine months for fingernails to grow back completely and 12 to 18 months for toenails.
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Treatments for nail injuries include antibiotics, ice, and painkillers
Nails are produced by the nail matrix cells that reside in the moon-shaped whitish area (lunula) at the base of the nail. The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. About 90% of nail growth comes from the germinal matrix.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Minor damage to the nail matrix can temporarily change the nail's appearance. A severe injury could cause the nail to fall off. Once the nail matrix heals, the nail will usually start to grow again. It may take several weeks before you see a new nail appear. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of the nail may not grow back.
If you have a broken bone, your provider may need to place a wire in your finger to keep the bone in place. It is recommended to apply ice (inside a cloth) for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that. To reduce throbbing, keep your hand or foot above the level of your heart. Take prescription pain relievers as directed. Ibuprofen or naproxen can be used to reduce pain and swelling. Acetaminophen helps with pain but not swelling.
If you have a bruise under your nail, you may benefit from a procedure that drains the trapped blood, called nail trephination. This procedure provides pain relief and helps the new nail grow in correctly. Providers must perform this procedure within 48 hours of the injury, before your blood clots.
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Nail matrix damage can cause permanent nail deformities
The nail matrix is where your fingernails and toenails form. It has two parts: the germinal matrix, which is responsible for 90% of nail growth, and the sterile matrix. The nail matrix is located under the base of your nail, and the only visible part is the lunula, the white crescent shape at the base of your nail.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage your nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Minor damage to your nail matrix can temporarily change your nail's appearance, and you may notice a change in how your nail feels to the touch. A severe injury could cause your nail to fall off. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of your nail may not grow back.
If there is damage to the nail matrix, the growing nail plate will contain a defect. Minor damage will produce minor defects in the nail, while more significant damage can result in a permanently deformed nail. Ridges can occur longitudinally from a build-up of scar tissue in or beneath the matrix, with the nail assuming the shape of the matrix. A longitudinal or oblique scar may result in a split nail deformity as the scar cannot produce a nail, and the surrounding pull splits the nail. A horizontal scar in the germinal matrix region can create a double nail.
Nail damage can be caused by trauma, such as crushing injuries, road traffic accidents, or sports injuries. Working, playing, or repeated trauma can also cause nail damage, and longer nails are more prone to becoming damaged. Poorly fitting shoes are likely to injure nails through repeated trauma. Certain skin conditions, such as severe eczema, can also affect your nail matrix and temporarily interfere with nail growth. Illnesses, such as a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia, can interrupt new nail growth and cause horizontal ridges in your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back.
Toenails grow much slower than your fingernails. They take between 6 months to 2 years to grow back.
Yes, there are a few ways to increase the health of your nails and speed up their growth. Keeping your nails short can reduce the risk of damage. Nails on your dominant hand tend to grow faster, so you may want to use that hand more often. Keeping your body healthy can also help, as your body sends more blood and nutrients to repair damaged nails.
