Ava Monroe
Fingernails and toenails are made up of different parts, including the nail plate, the nail bed, the cuticle, the lateral nail fold, and the nail matrix. The nail bed is the layer of skin beneath the nails that supports and secures them. Nails grow at a slow pace, about 2.5mm a month, and it can take up to 3 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow completely, and up to 18 months for a toenail. If the nail matrix is not damaged, the nail is typically capable of regrowth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for a nail to regrow | 3-6 months for fingernails, 6 months or longer for a new fingernail to grow back after an injury, and up to 18 months for toenails |
| Time taken for the nail bed to regrow | The nail bed is the skin beneath the nail and cannot be grown longer. However, the layer of skin can grow back after an injury with time. |
| Factors that affect nail growth | Genetics, diet, overall health, and nail care habits |
| Treatment for nail bed injuries | Nails that have separated from the nail bed due to injury may require stitches to reconnect the nail bed to the fingertip. Minor nail bed injuries can be treated at home by removing the detached nail, soaking the finger or toe in cold water, applying petroleum jelly, and covering the area with a bandage. |
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What You'll Learn
- It takes around 3-6 months for fingernails to regrow, and up to 18 months for toenails
- Minor nail matrix damage will produce minor defects in the nail
- Severe nail matrix damage may result in a permanently deformed nail
- A nail graft can help a damaged nail bed begin to grow again
- A healthy diet and good general health help to produce strong nails
It takes around 3-6 months for fingernails to regrow, and up to 18 months for toenails
The nail bed is the layer of skin beneath your nails that supports and secures them. Nails grow at a slow pace, at about 2.5 millimetres a month. It takes around 3 to 6 months for fingernails to regrow entirely, and toenails can take up to 18 months.
If your nail falls off due to an injury, once your nail matrix heals, your nail will usually start to grow again. It may take several weeks before you see your new nail appear. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of your nail may not grow back. The nail matrix is where your fingernails or toenails form, and a healthy nail matrix is essential for healthy nails.
If you've injured your nail bed, it's important to take the necessary steps to prevent infection and promote healing. This includes removing any unattached remnants of the nail, cleaning the nail bed, and covering it with a suitable ointment and bandage. You can also promote nail growth by eating a well-rounded diet and maintaining good general health. Avoiding habits such as biting your nails or cutting them too short can also help.
While you cannot change the size of your nail beds, you can make them appear longer by growing out your nails. This creates the illusion of a longer nail bed. Pushing back your cuticles and cleaning underneath your nails with a nail brush can also help achieve this effect.
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Minor nail matrix damage will produce minor defects in the nail
Fingernails and toenails 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 is made of special cells that constantly make new nail cells, with each nail matrix producing 196 layers of cells that combine to make each of our fingernails and toenails. The nail plate is made up of layers of specialised skin cells that act differently from the skin cells found elsewhere in the body.
If the nail matrix is not damaged, the nail is typically capable of regrowth. Fingernails can regrow entirely in 3-6 months, whereas toenails grow more slowly, taking up to 18 months to fully grow back. Fingers or toes that have sustained injuries that affect the nail bed and the matrix grow more slowly than unaffected nails for about 3 months. If there is damage to the nail matrix, the growing nail plate will contain a defect. If the damage is major, it can result in a permanently deformed nail.
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Severe nail matrix damage may result in a permanently deformed nail
Fingernails typically take around 3 to 6 months to grow back completely, while toenails can take up to 18 months. Nails grow at a rate of about 2.5 mm per month, or 0.1 mm per day, and this process is facilitated by the nail matrix, the living part of the nail responsible for growth. The nail matrix is located just below the nail fold, which protects it from injuries. However, damage to the nail matrix is a common problem, often caused by mechanical injuries or improperly performed nail care procedures.
There are several signs that may indicate damage to the nail matrix. These include severe pain, especially immediately after the injury, changes in the appearance of the nail such as discoloration or indentations, cracks or splits in the nail plate, and nail growth disorders like inhibited or asymmetric nail growth. Oozing pus and the presence of a hematoma under the nail plate are also symptoms of severe mechanical trauma to the nail matrix. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a specialist, as delaying treatment can lead to further complications.
To prevent permanent nail deformities, it is crucial to manage injuries properly and promptly. In some cases, clearing the space under the nail plate may be necessary to allow trapped fluid or pus to escape. If the nail begins to detach from the matrix or has cracked, removal of the entire nail plate may be required. In severe cases, nail reconstruction or surgical intervention may be needed.
It is worth noting that certain medications, skin conditions, and diseases can also affect nail growth and appearance. For example, chemotherapy and peripheral artery disease can slow nail growth, while eczema and psoriasis can cause nail changes such as pitting, texture or color changes, and crumbling.
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A nail graft can help a damaged nail bed begin to grow again
Fingernails and toenails are prone to damage as they are located at the back of our fingertips and toes. Longer nails are more susceptible to becoming detached from the nail bed or experiencing trauma. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, with the former taking up to 18 months to fully grow back, while the latter can regrow entirely in 3-6 months.
Nail bed injuries can occur when a heavy object crushes or hits the fingers or toes or when a sharp object cuts them. In some cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed near the tip, resulting in a longer white section and a shorter pink section. This can be caused by nail biting, cutting nails too short, or fungal infections.
To promote nail growth and health, it is recommended to eat foods rich in vitamins A, E, and D, such as fish, almonds, eggs, and spinach. Taking biotin supplements and moisturising hands regularly can also help prevent breakage and cracking. However, there is no lotion that speeds up nail growth.
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A healthy diet and good general health help to produce strong nails
A healthy diet and good general health are key to producing strong nails. Nails grow slowly, at about 2.5 mm a month, and it can take up to 3 to 6 months to regrow a completely new fingernail. Toenails grow even more slowly, taking up to 18 months to fully regrow.
A well-rounded diet, rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, is essential for nail health. Nails that are strong and healthy will appear light pink, firm, yet flexible, and smooth, with a subtle sheen.
Nutrient deficiencies can cause weak, brittle nails with vertical ridges. A diet with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals is necessary for proper nail growth. Essential fatty acids, like those found in fish oil or flax seed oil, can help to moisturize and strengthen nails.
Biotin supplements are also a great way to strengthen nails and improve growth. Biotin is most concentrated in organ meats, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower.
Other ways to improve nail health include maintaining good hygiene to prevent infections, keeping nails well-hydrated with a moisturizer, and avoiding overusing nail polish or nail polish remover, as these can dry out and weaken nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenail beds can take up to 18 months to fully grow back, whereas fingernail beds take about 6 months or longer.
Nail bed injuries can occur when a lot of pressure or force is applied to the nail, such as stubbing your toe or hitting your finger. Longer nails are more susceptible to damage as they can be levered off the nail bed.
Your healthcare provider can tell you whether it's a nail matrix problem. However, severe damage to the nail matrix may result in some or all of your nail not growing back.
While you can't change the size of your nail beds, you can make them appear longer by growing out your nails. Pushing back your cuticles and cleaning underneath your nails with a nail brush can also help elongate the appearance of your nail beds.
