Liam Carter
Toenails are important for protecting the tips of our toes, and losing one can make walking or jogging uncomfortable. Toenails take 2-3 times longer to regrow than fingernails, growing at about 1.62mm per month. This means it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for a toenail to grow back, depending on the reason for its loss. For example, toenails typically take longer to grow back after an injury or trauma, and fungal infections can take 12 to 18 months to grow out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average time for toenail to regrow | 12-18 months |
| Average time for fingernail to regrow | 4-6 months |
| Toenail fungus treatment time | 12-18 months |
| Toenail trauma causes | Dropping an object on the foot, ill-fitting shoes, running long distances |
| Toenail home remedies | Soaking in salt water, petroleum jelly, biotin supplements, olive oil |
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Toenail fungus
In addition to medical treatments, there are some home remedies that may help treat toenail fungus. Soaking the feet in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water, or a solution of baking soda and water, can help to fight the fungus. Keeping the feet clean and dry is also important, as moisture can encourage fungal growth. Trimming the nails and filing down the nail bed can help to reduce pressure and pain.
The time it takes for a toenail to grow back after a fungal infection can vary. It typically takes 12 to 18 months for a toenail to fully regrow, but it may take up to 6 months before the nails start to look better. During this time, it is important to keep the nail bed clean and dry, and watch for signs of infection such as increased heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus. Applying a bandage and changing it daily can help protect the nail bed and keep it clean.
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Traumatic causes
Toenail trauma can occur in several ways and can cause significant changes to the structure of the affected nail. The big toenail is especially vulnerable to trauma due to its position and the pressure it regularly endures. Here are some traumatic causes of slow big toenail growth:
Accidental Impact
Accidents such as stubbing your toe, dropping a heavy object on your foot, or striking your toe against a solid surface can result in nail trauma. This can lead to a deep cut or tear in the skin beneath the nail, known as a nail bed laceration, which can cause pain, bleeding, and potential damage to the nail matrix.
Repetitive Stress
Engaging in activities that involve constant pressure on the big toenail, such as running, soccer, or hiking, can lead to nail injuries over time. Ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on the big toe can also cause trauma and result in black/purple toenails.
Improper Cosmetic Enhancements
Improper removal of cosmetic nail enhancements, like acrylic or hard gel polish, can damage your toenail. This can include drilling, lifting, or trimming the toenail, which can further damage the nail bed and lead to complications.
Fungal Infections
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common problem that can cause slow nail growth. Shoes and socks provide the perfect conditions for fungus to grow, and it can be easily transferred to your nail from a nail salon or walking barefoot in a locker room. Fungal infections usually occur underneath the nail and can cause yellow or dark discoloration, brittleness, and thickening of the nail. Treatment can take 12 to 18 months for the fungus to grow out.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. They can be caused by trauma to the toe or improper trimming of the nail. Ingrown toenails may require medical or surgical removal, which can prolong the regrowth process.
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Home remedies
Toenails take a long time to grow back, with the process taking up to 18 months. In the meantime, you can care for your toenail by keeping the wound dry and covered. You should also clean and dry your nail bed daily and cover it with a bandage.
Keep the Area Clean and Dry
It is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent bacteria from growing beneath the nail. Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially the area around the nail bed.
Soak Your Foot
For the first three days after losing your toenail, soak your foot in a combination of one teaspoon of salt and four cups of warm water for 20 minutes, two or three times a day. This will help to keep the area clean and promote healing.
Moisturise Your Hands and Nails
Moisturising your hands and nails can help prevent dry skin, which can crack and expose the nails to fungal and bacterial infections. Apply lotion to your hands and nails, especially after washing your hands or during the winter months when skin tends to be drier.
Take Biotin Supplements
Biotin is a type of B vitamin that helps the body turn food into energy. It is also recommended as a supplement to boost nail strength. Studies suggest that taking 2.5 milligrams of biotin daily can improve nail strength in a few weeks.
Practice Good Nail Grooming
Regular nail grooming can help boost nail strength and reduce breakage. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim your nails straight across, then round the tips into a soft curve. Avoid cutting your nails too short, as this can increase the risk of the nail growing into the exposed skin.
Treat Toenail Fungus
Shoes and socks provide the perfect environment for fungus to grow, and toenail fungus is contagious. Symptoms include yellow or dark discolouration, brittleness, and thickening of the nails. Over-the-counter and prescription products can treat nail fungus, but it can take 12 to 18 months for the fungus to grow out.
It is important to remember that these remedies will help support nail health and strength but will not make your nails grow faster. For consistent nail growth, it is essential to address any underlying health conditions, such as nutritional deficiencies or diabetes, that may be causing slow nail growth.
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Biotin supplements
Toenails take a long time to grow back, with some sources stating that it can take up to 18 months for a toenail to completely regrow. This is much longer than fingernails, which take around 4 to 6 months to grow back. Toenails are important for protecting the tips of our toes, so losing one can make activities like walking or jogging uncomfortable.
If you're looking to speed up toenail growth, one option is to take biotin supplements. Biotin is a B-complex vitamin (also known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R, and vitamin H) that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. While biotin deficiency is rare, consuming biotin through supplements or biotin-rich foods may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth.
There are many nail supplements on the market that contain biotin, such as NailRENEW Daily Nail Supplement, which also contains other vitamins. Reviews for this product are mixed, with some customers seeing improvements in their nails in as little as 6-8 days, while others noticed no changes. It's important to note that evidence for the effectiveness of nail supplements is generally lacking, and biotin supplements are the only type shown to have a possible effect.
In addition to supplements, you can try some simple at-home remedies to encourage toenail growth. These include soaking your foot in warm water and salt, keeping the wound dry and covered, and using petroleum jelly to reduce dryness and encourage nail growth.
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Medical treatments
Toenails are important for protecting the tips of our toes, so losing one can make walking or jogging uncomfortable. Toenails, like fingernails, are made of keratin, a protein produced in the body from dead cells. Toenails typically grow back within 12 to 18 months, but this timeline can be influenced by various factors, and there are some medical treatments that can help speed up the process.
If you have a semi-detached toenail, carefully trim the remaining nail to avoid ingrown toenails or trauma to the surrounding tissue. Elevating the affected toe can help reduce blood flow to the area and minimise swelling. Keeping the wound dry and covered is essential, as the skin underneath the toenail is sensitive. Daily cleaning and bandaging of the nail bed are recommended.
Soaking your foot in a solution of warm water and salt can aid the healing process. Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications can effectively treat nail fungus, which is characterised by yellow or dark discolouration, brittleness, and thickening of the nails. In some cases, a podiatrist may file down the affected nail and prescribe a topical treatment. For severe infections, complete removal of the toenail may be necessary to allow a new, healthy nail to grow in its place.
Biotin supplements promote cell growth and support the body's metabolism of protein-building amino acids, contributing to faster nail growth. Additionally, moisturising the nail bed with petroleum jelly can reduce dryness and brittleness, encouraging quicker regrowth. If you have any underlying health conditions that may affect nail growth, it is important to consult a doctor to ensure proper treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, it can take up to 18 months for a toenail to completely regrow.
You can soak your foot in a combination of 1 teaspoon of salt and 4 cups of warm water for 20 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day for the first 3 days after losing your toenail. You can also take biotin supplements to promote cell growth and help your body metabolize protein-building amino acids.
Carefully trim what is left of the nail to avoid an ingrown toenail or trauma to the surrounding tissue.
Black or purple toenails can indicate nail fungus or an underlying melanoma. Other signs of toenail fungus include yellow or dark discolouration, brittleness, and thickening of the nails.
You can treat toenail fungus with over-the-counter or prescription products. A podiatrist may also file down the nail and prescribe a topical treatment.
