Noah Sinclair
Fingernails are made of keratin, a protein that forms the cells that make up the tissue in nails. If a fingernail is lost due to trauma, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal, and a new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow back. The rate of regrowth can vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as overall health, nutrition, and hormone levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for a fingernail to grow back | 3-6 months |
| Time taken for a toenail to grow back | 12-18 months |
| Nail growth rate | 0.1-0.13 inches per month |
| Factors affecting nail growth | Injuries, Illnesses, Infections, Trauma |
| Treatment | Trimming the nail, Soaking in salt water, Applying petroleum jelly, Bandaging the area |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails grow back in 4-6 months
Fingernails usually regrow completely within about two months. However, this timeline can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the type of treatment required. In some cases, it may take up to 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to fully grow back.
When a fingernail is injured, it can often be reattached or replaced with proper medical care. If the nail has lifted completely off the nail bed, it may be most comfortable to initially replace the nail and hold it in place with a bandage. While the nail will not reattach itself to the nail bed, a new nail will usually start to regrow slowly.
The growth of fingernails is primarily facilitated by the nail matrix, which is the "factory" where new fingernails and toenails are produced. Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes to the appearance and feel of the nail. However, severe injuries to the nail matrix can result in permanent nail loss, with some or all of the nail failing to grow back.
It is important to note that injuries to the fingernail can be complex and sometimes indicate underlying issues. For example, if there is blood under the nail occupying more than a quarter to half of the nail area, it is recommended to seek medical attention as it could indicate a bone fracture, tissue tear, or other serious conditions. Additionally, certain illnesses, such as COVID-19 or pneumonia, can also interrupt nail growth and cause horizontal ridges.
To promote the healthy regrowth of a fingernail after an injury, it is crucial to follow appropriate aftercare practices. These include keeping the hand or foot elevated, applying ice to reduce throbbing and swelling, and taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, a procedure called nail trephination may be performed to drain trapped blood and promote correct nail growth, but this must be done within 48 hours of the injury.
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Toenails take longer, regrowing in 12-18 months
Losing a fingernail or toenail can be a painful experience. It can be caused by a blow to the nail, closing your finger or toe in a door, or dropping something heavy on your hand or foot. In some cases, the nail may be reattached, but it will not reattach itself if it has separated from the nail bed. If the nail cannot be reattached, a special type of material can be used to replace it as the nail bed heals.
Once the nail bed has healed, a new nail will usually start to grow. Toenails, however, take longer to regrow than fingernails. While fingernails typically regrow in about two months, toenails can take about four months to regrow. In more severe cases, toenails may even take up to 12-18 months to fully regrow. During this extended period, the new nail may have grooves or ridges and be somewhat misshapen, and these cosmetic changes may be permanent.
Toenail trauma can be a result of repeated trauma caused by ill-fitting shoes. This can lead to deformities in the nails, such as thickened or discolored nails, or nails that lift away from the nail bed. To prevent toenail trauma, it is important to wear properly sized shoes. Trimming toenails straight across can also help prevent ingrown toenails.
If you experience a toenail injury, it is important to keep your tetanus vaccination up to date. Additionally, if there is blood under the nail, it may be necessary to relieve the pressure by draining the trapped blood. This can be done through a procedure called nail trephination, which must be performed within 48 hours of the injury. For more serious injuries, it is always best to seek medical attention.
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Nails grow from the nail matrix
The nail matrix is the area where your fingernails and toenails start to grow. It is located at the base of the nail and is responsible for creating new cells that allow your nail to grow. The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix is responsible for about 90% of nail growth, while the sterile matrix accounts for the remaining 10% of cells that make up your fingernails and toenails. It is also crucial in keeping your nail attached to the underlying skin.
Injuries to the nail matrix, such as a deep cut or trauma to the base of the nail, can cause the nail to stop growing temporarily or even permanently. In some cases, the nail may fall off due to severe injury. However, with proper medical care, the nail matrix can heal, and nail growth will usually resume. It may take several weeks for the new nail to become visible.
Certain illnesses and health conditions can also affect the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. For example, a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia can cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges in your nails) and slow nail growth. Additionally, chemotherapy and other medications can lead to Beau's lines, Mees' lines (white bands across the nails), and nail colour changes. These changes are usually temporary and resolve after completing the medication.
The nail matrix is not typically visible, except for the lunula, which is the white crescent shape at the base of the nail. The cuticle, lateral nail fold, nail plate, and nail bed are also part of the nail's overall structure. The cuticle, in particular, provides protection to the nail matrix.
Overall, the nail matrix plays a crucial role in nail growth and health, and any injuries or conditions affecting it can impact the appearance and growth of your nails.
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The nail bed heals in 7-10 days
If you've lost a fingernail, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal. During this time, you can expect the area to be particularly sensitive, and you may wish to keep it covered with a bandage to prevent further injury. It's important to keep the injured area clean and to ensure your tetanus vaccination is up to date. You can also apply ice, take pain relievers, and keep your hand elevated to reduce throbbing and swelling.
While you're waiting for the nail bed to heal, a new nail will start to form underneath. This new nail will push the old nail out, and it will eventually fall off. In the meantime, your doctor may replace the lost nail with a special type of material to keep on the nail bed as it heals. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.
The time it takes for a new fingernail to grow back and replace the lost nail is about 4 to 6 months. Toenails take longer to regrow, at about 12 months. The new nail will likely have grooves or ridges and be somewhat misshapen, and this may be permanent.
If the injury to your nail includes the base of the nail, some cosmetic changes may be permanent. Repeated trauma to toenails, caused by ill-fitting shoes, can also lead to deformities in the nails. Horizontal ridges in your nails, known as Beau's lines, can be caused by a serious health event, such as a heart attack, or an illness like COVID-19 or pneumonia.
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Proper medical care helps nail regrowth
Fingernails and toenails can be injured in a variety of ways, such as by a blow to the nail, closing a finger in a door, or even by biting your nails. Nail injuries can be noticeable until the damaged nail grows out, which usually takes about two months for fingernails and four months for toenails. Proper medical care is crucial for nail regrowth and can help speed up the process.
If you experience a nail injury, it is important to make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date. Additionally, if there is blood under the nail, you should consider seeking medical attention to drain the blood and relieve pressure. This procedure, called nail trephination, should be performed within 48 hours of the injury. It is also important to keep the wound clean and to protect the affected area, especially if you are engaging in physical activity.
In some cases, a nail injury may require more extensive medical treatment. For example, if the injury includes the base of the nail, it could result in permanent cosmetic changes. Similarly, if the injury affects the nail matrix, which is the tissue inside the cuticle where new nail growth occurs, it could lead to ridges or splits in the nail. If the matrix does not heal properly, these deformities may become permanent. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect any damage to the nail matrix.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can also affect nail growth and strength. If you have a medical condition that is impacting your nails, it is important to follow your doctor's treatment recommendations to improve nail health. Additionally, certain medications can interfere with nail growth and cause changes in nail colour. If you are experiencing any side effects from medication, be sure to consult your doctor.
Overall, proper medical care is crucial for nail regrowth. Seeking medical attention for nail injuries, managing any underlying medical conditions, and being cautious of the side effects of medication can all help promote healthy nail regrowth.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take anywhere from two to six months for a fingernail to grow back completely.
You can take biotin supplements, which promote cell growth and help your body metabolize protein-building amino acids, contributing to faster nail growth.
If the nail hasn't fallen off completely, try to keep it in place until it's ready to fall off on its own. This will provide extra protection to the nail bed. You can also apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Vitamins that are believed to be beneficial for nails include biotin, folic acid/vitamin B9, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
