Noah Sinclair
Dead nails, or onycholysis, is a condition where the nail separates from the nail bed. This is usually caused by trauma or injury to the nail, such as bumping or hitting the nails, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or keeping them submerged in water for too long. It can also be caused by fungal infections, which cause nails to thicken and turn yellow, with white spots and streaks. Nails are made of protein and fat and are not live tissue, so they can grow back after being damaged. However, this process can take up to 6-18 months, depending on whether the nail is a fingernail or toenail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Regrowth time for fingernails | 3-6 months |
| Regrowth time for toenails | 6-18 months |
| Prevention | Keep nails trimmed short, avoid biting nails, be careful when cleaning underneath nails |
| Treatment for fungal infections | Oral antifungal medication, antifungal pills |
| Treatment for nail separation | Cut away separated nail, antifungal medication, stop using certain nail products |
| Treatment for blood pooling under the nail | Drilling a tiny hole in the nail plate to relieve pressure |
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What You'll Learn
- Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent them from catching on objects and pulling off your nail beds
- Avoid biting your nails and be careful when cleaning underneath them to avoid breaking the skin and causing an infection
- Prevent nail infections by avoiding trauma to the nail or nail matrix
- Treat fungal infections with antifungal medication and stop using certain nail products
- Seek medical advice if you have peripheral artery disease, eczema, or psoriasis as these can affect nail growth
Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent them from catching on objects and pulling off your nail beds
Keeping your nails short is a good way to prevent nail injuries and avoid onycholysis (nail separation). Nails that are too long are more likely to catch on objects and pull off the nail bed. This can be painful and cause bleeding between the nail and the nail bed, known as a subungual haematoma.
To avoid this, dermatologists recommend keeping your nails trimmed and well-manicured. Nails should be cut almost straight across, with a nail file or emery board used to round the corners slightly. This helps to keep them strong and prevents them from catching on things like clothing or furniture. It is best to trim your nails after taking a bath or shower, as this is when they are softest. If this is not possible, you can soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them.
It is important to use the correct tools when trimming your nails. For fingernails, use a nail clipper or nail scissors, and for toenails, use a toenail clipper. These tools should be disinfected monthly to prevent infection.
In addition to keeping your nails short, you should also avoid biting your nails and be careful when cleaning underneath them. Cuticle sticks and nail brushes can break the skin underneath your nails, leading to infection.
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Avoid biting your nails and be careful when cleaning underneath them to avoid breaking the skin and causing an infection
Biting your nails can damage the nail matrix, which is the area where your nails start to grow. Minor damage to your nail matrix can temporarily change your nail's appearance, while severe damage can cause your nail to fall off. Since biting your nails can also create small tears in your skin, it increases the risk of developing a nail infection.
To avoid biting your nails, you can try applying a bitter-tasting nail polish or keeping your nails trimmed short. Short nails are less satisfying to bite and are also less likely to catch on objects, reducing the risk of nail bed separation.
When cleaning underneath your nails, be careful not to break the skin. Some tools that are designed to clean underneath your nails, such as cuticle sticks and nail brushes, can be too harsh and cause tiny tears in the skin that you may not even notice. These tears can allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Instead of using these tools, simply wash underneath your nails with soap and water, and gently pat them dry with a clean towel.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or pus, it is important to see a healthcare professional right away. Nail infections can be treated with oral or topical antifungal medications, depending on the severity and location of the infection.
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Prevent nail infections by avoiding trauma to the nail or nail matrix
Fingernails and toenails are composed of protein and fat and are not live tissue. Nails grow more than one-tenth of an inch per month and require 3-6 months to completely regrow. The nail matrix is the "factory" where new fingernails and toenails are made. Certain injuries and illnesses can damage the nail matrix and affect how your nails look or grow.
To prevent nail infections, avoid trauma to the nail or nail matrix:
- Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent them from catching on objects and pulling off your nail beds.
- Avoid biting your nails.
- Be careful when cleaning underneath your nails. Tools like cuticle sticks or nail brushes can break the skin underneath your nails and cause an infection.
- Wear proper footwear. If you play sports, wear the correct shoes for your sport and ensure they're the right size. Replace shoes when they become worn or hurt your feet. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight.
- If you work with heavy objects or in construction, wear steel-toe boots to protect your toes.
- If you work with tools or machinery, be familiar with "pinch points" that could injure your fingers or hands. Wear gloves if advised by your employer or if you work with chemicals.
- Manage health conditions. If you have a condition that could affect your nails, such as psoriasis, see your healthcare provider regularly to manage the condition.
- Minimize foot fungus risk. Don't go barefoot in public bathrooms or locker rooms, where foot fungi commonly thrive. Change out of wet shoes and socks as soon as you can.
- Avoid manipulation of the cuticle, either at home or at a nail salon.
- Avoid frequent manicures or pedicures, as they can cause trauma to the nail or nail matrix.
- Avoid keeping your nails in water for too long.
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Treat fungal infections with antifungal medication and stop using certain nail products
Fungal nail infections are characterised by nails that are thick, discoloured, and brittle. They are typically caused by fungi that get between your nail and nail bed through cracks or cuts in your fingers or toes. If left untreated, the infection can spread to multiple nails.
To treat a fungal nail infection, you can take oral antifungal medication, such as liquid medicines, pills, or tablets. Your healthcare provider may prescribe terbinafine or itraconazole, which are typically taken once a day for three months. These medications inhibit the growth of fungi or kill them. Alternatively, you can use topical treatments, such as brushing antifungal nail medicine onto the nail. This treatment method may take a few months to show improvement and must be used consistently until the infection clears.
It is important to note that antifungal tablets may not be suitable for individuals with certain conditions. For example, itraconazole is not recommended for people with heart failure or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting any treatment, consult your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action and to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing the nail separation.
In addition to medical treatments, you may need to stop using certain nail products that could be contributing to the problem. Chemicals in nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardeners, nail polish removers, and fake nails can cause nail separation. Avoiding these products can help prevent further damage and allow your nails to regrow healthily.
Nail regrowth typically takes between 3 to 6 months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails. During this time, it is important to keep your nails trimmed short to prevent them from catching on objects and pulling further off the nail beds. Maintaining a well-rounded diet and good general health can also promote strong nail growth.
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Seek medical advice if you have peripheral artery disease, eczema, or psoriasis as these can affect nail growth
If you have peripheral artery disease, eczema, or psoriasis, it is important to seek medical advice, as these conditions can affect nail growth and health. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition, especially among the elderly, and can cause onychodystrophy, a deformity of the nail plate. Onychodystrophy may be an early indicator of PAD, so it is important to identify the disease in its early stages. A non-invasive and affordable technique to detect PAD is the ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement.
Eczema and psoriasis can also impact nail health and growth. Eczema on the nails can cause discoloration, grooving, and pitting, and may require medication and lifestyle changes to manage. Similarly, psoriasis can affect the nails, leading to crumbling, roughness, and nail separation. This condition is known as nail psoriasis and usually develops years after psoriasis begins. Treatment for nail psoriasis includes strong corticosteroids, calcipotriol, and tazarotene.
It is crucial to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your nails, as they can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments. They will also be able to advise on any necessary lifestyle changes to improve nail health and growth.
By seeking medical advice and following recommended treatments, you can effectively manage these conditions and promote healthy nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails can fall off due to trauma, infection, or other health conditions. Trauma can be caused by dropping heavy items on your fingers or toes, pinching or crushing your fingers, or wearing shoes that are too tight.
Fingernails can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to grow back, while toenails typically take longer, ranging from 6 months to 2 years. The rate of regrowth depends on various factors, including age, health, and climate.
Keeping the wound clean and dry, covering it with a bandage, and applying antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection and promote healing. Taking biotin supplements may also contribute to faster nail growth by promoting cell growth and protein metabolism.
Signs of nail infections include discoloration (white, yellow, green), thickening of the nail, and discharge. Infections can be treated with antifungal medications, which may be applied topically or taken orally. Keeping nails trimmed, avoiding nail biting, and maintaining overall hand and foot health can also help prevent and manage infections.
