Caleb Foster
Toenails are important for protecting the tips of our toes, and losing one can make activities like walking or jogging uncomfortable. Toenails grow slowly, and it can take up to 18 months for a toenail to completely regrow. The rate of regrowth can vary depending on the scenario and individual factors. For example, underlying conditions, nutrition, and trauma to the toe can all impact the growth rate. To encourage nail growth, some home remedies include soaking the foot in salt water, applying petroleum jelly, and taking biotin supplements.
| 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 | Stubbing toe, dropping object on foot, long-distance running, ill-fitting shoes |
| Toenail home remedies | Soak in salt water, apply petroleum jelly, take biotin supplements, apply olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
Toenail fungus and discolouration
Toenails take a long time to grow back, with the average regrowth period lasting up to 18 months. During this time, it's important to care for the nail bed to encourage quicker nail growth and prevent infection. One way to do this is by applying petroleum jelly, which can reduce dry and brittle nails. Keeping the wound dry and covered is also important, as the skin underneath the toenail is sensitive.
Toenail discolouration can also be caused by minor injuries, such as dropping an object on your foot or wearing ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on your toes. This can result in black or purple toenails. In rare cases, toenails may turn blue due to a condition called cellular blue nevus, which can become cancerous. Yellow nail syndrome is another rare condition that affects older adults, causing yellow toenails, breathing problems, and swelling in the legs.
There are various treatments available for toenail fungus and discolouration. Oral antifungal medications are the primary treatment for fungal infections, but they may cause side effects in some individuals. Topical treatments, such as amorolfine, efinaconazole, tavaborole, and ciclopirox, are clear lacquers brushed onto the toenails daily for months and are best for milder infections. Home remedies, such as soaking the affected area in a mixture of vinegar and warm water or Listerine, which contains antifungal properties, can also be effective. About 60% of people notice improvements after a few months of treatment.
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Home remedies to encourage regrowth
Toenails take time to grow back, with the regrowth period lasting anywhere from a few months to a year and a half. During this time, you can employ several home remedies to encourage and support the regrowth of your big toenail. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive tips to help you in the process:
Keep the Wound Clean and Dry
It is important to keep the nail bed clean and dry to prevent any infections. Clean and dry the nail bed daily and cover it with a bandage. You can also soak your foot in a combination of one teaspoon of salt and four cups of warm water for 20 minutes, two to three times a day, for the first three days after losing your toenail. This will help keep the area clean and promote healing.
Use Petroleum Jelly or Olive Oil
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or olive oil to the nail bed to reduce dryness and brittleness. This can encourage faster nail growth and help keep the area moisturized and protected.
Take Biotin Supplements
Biotin supplements promote cell growth and support your body in metabolizing protein-building amino acids, contributing to faster nail growth. They can be a great addition to your daily routine to support the regrowth of your big toenail.
Elevate Your Toe
If you experience pain or swelling in your big toe, try elevating it above the level of your heart to reduce blood flow to that area and alleviate discomfort. This can help reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
Improve Circulation with Foot Massage
Poor circulation in your feet can inhibit nail growth and make your nails weak. Consider massaging your feet at home or visiting a massage therapist to improve blood flow. Foot massage can be especially beneficial if you have a condition like diabetes that affects circulation.
Manage Any Health Conditions
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or nerve damage caused by circulatory issues, can impact nail growth. Ensure that any underlying conditions are well-managed by consulting with your doctor and following their treatment recommendations.
While regrowing your big toenail, it is important to be patient and consistent with your home remedies. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if your symptoms worsen.
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Trauma to the toenail
Toenail trauma is caused by a shock or an accident, and can result in lifelong malformation. It is the nail's reaction to an unusual shock or force. A blow or excessive force applied to the tip of the foot always causes a traumatic toenail.
Toenail trauma can occur in several ways, including dropping something heavy on your foot, stubbing your toe, surgery, disease, or peeling or picking at the nail. It can also be caused by repetitive trauma, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on your big toe, or participating in sports that involve repeated motions, such as running or tennis. These activities can cause microtrauma by making repeated motions that cause the toes to brush against the toe caps.
Toenail trauma can lead to several issues, including subungual hematoma, which is a buildup of blood under the nail, causing a dark purple or blackish-blue discolouration. It can also result in nail thickening, splitting, or ridging, and in some cases, permanent nail changes. In severe cases, toenail trauma can be accompanied by a phalanx fracture.
If you suspect toenail trauma, it is important to seek professional help to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat nail trauma and can provide specialized care. Home treatments should be avoided as they can further damage the nail bed and lead to complications. To reduce discomfort after an accident, it is recommended to soak your foot in a combination of warm water and salt, and to keep the wound dry and covered.
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Biotin supplements for faster growth
Toenails take a long time to grow back, with the process taking up to 18 months. During this period, it is important to take care of the nail bed and keep it dry and clean.
Biotin supplements are often touted as a way to promote faster nail growth. Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that is essential for hair and nail growth. It is involved in cell growth and helps the body metabolize protein-building amino acids, contributing to the growth of stronger nails.
While biotin deficiency is rare, it can lead to hair loss and brittle nails. Consuming biotin through supplements or food sources may help strengthen nails and improve their growth. A Swiss study found that 63% of patients with brittle nails who took daily biotin supplements showed clinical improvement.
However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence supporting the idea that biotin supplementation improves nail growth in individuals who are not biotin deficient. Additionally, excessive biotin intake can negatively impact vitamin B5 production, leading to oily skin and breakouts.
If you are considering taking biotin supplements, it is important to consult a healthcare professional and choose supplements with third-party testing and clinical research to back them up.
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Toenail regrowth after surgery
Toenails typically take a long time to grow back, especially when compared to fingernails. On average, it can take up to 18 months for a toenail to completely regrow. This timeline can vary depending on the specific circumstances, such as the health of the nail bed and the reason for the nail loss.
When it comes to toenail regrowth after surgery, the recovery process and timeline may differ based on the type of procedure performed. Here are some common procedures for ingrown toenail surgery and their respective recovery considerations:
Partial Nail Avulsion or Partial Nail Removal
In this procedure, a small piece of the toenail is removed from the affected side. The wound is then treated to prevent the nail from growing back in that specific area. The rest of the toenail should continue to grow as normal. It is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your podiatrist to ensure proper healing.
Total Nail Avulsion or Total Nail Removal
This surgery involves removing the entire toenail. It can take up to 18 months for the nail to regrow completely. After this procedure, it is crucial to keep the wound dry and covered to prevent infection and promote healing.
Matrixectomy
A matrixectomy is performed when other treatments, such as toenail removal, have failed to resolve the issue. During this procedure, the toenail and the entire nail bed are removed. As a result, the toenail will not regrow, and there will be no toenail after the procedure.
Regardless of the type of surgery, there are some general aftercare instructions to follow for optimal toenail regrowth and healing:
- Keep the wound dry and clean.
- Change dressings regularly, especially if there is bleeding.
- Elevate your foot to reduce swelling and bleeding.
- Take painkillers as needed to manage discomfort.
- Soak your foot in warm water with Epsom salts to promote healing.
- Wear non-restrictive cotton socks and loose-fitting, open-toed shoes for at least 3-4 days and up to two weeks.
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as running, until cleared by your podiatrist.
It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider, as they may vary depending on your individual needs and the type of surgery performed.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, it takes 12 to 18 months for a toenail to completely regrow.
You can take biotin supplements to promote cell growth and help your body metabolize protein-building amino acids, contributing to faster nail growth.
Soak your foot in a combination of 1 teaspoon of salt and 4 cups of warm water for 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day for the first 3 days after losing your toenail. You can also apply petroleum jelly to reduce dry and brittle nails and encourage quicker nail growth.
Toenail fungus is contagious and can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription products. It typically takes 12 to 18 months for the fungus to grow out. A podiatrist may file down the nail and prescribe a topical treatment, or in some cases, remove the entire toenail.
Minor or repetitive trauma, such as dropping an object on your foot or running long distances, can damage your toenail. Ill-fitting shoes that put pressure on your big toe can also cause toenail bruising or black/purple toenails.
