Ava Monroe
Breaking a nail can be frustrating, especially if you've been growing them out. Nails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month and can take 3-6 months to completely regrow. While you can't speed up the growth rate, you can take steps to promote faster healing and prevent infection. This includes keeping the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and a bandage. You can also soak the nail in warm saltwater 2-3 times a day to prevent infection and promote healing. Eating a diet rich in calcium and protein can also help keep your nails strong and healthy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average nail growth rate | One-tenth of an inch per month |
| Average time for a nail to grow back | 3-6 months |
| Nail growth rate of toenails | Half the rate of fingernails |
| Average time for a toenail to grow back | 6 months or longer |
| Average time for toenails to grow back | Up to 18 months |
| Factors that affect nail growth | Diet, circulation, underlying health conditions |
| Home treatment | Soak in warm saltwater, bandage, petroleum jelly, massage |
| Temporary fixes | Press-on nails, nail polish, nail stickers, nail glue |
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What You'll Learn
File the nail and cover with a tea bag and clear nail polish
If you have a broken nail, you can fix it at home by filing the nail, covering it with a tea bag, and then applying a clear nail polish. This method can help relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent infection while you wait for your nail to grow back.
First, use a nail file to smooth out any sharp or jagged edges on the broken nail. Filing the nail will also help prevent the nail from catching on something and tearing further.
Next, prepare the tea bag. Cut a small rectangular piece off of an unused tea bag, ensuring that it is large enough to cover the entire nail.
Then, apply a clear base coat or nail polish to the nail. While the polish is still wet, carefully place the rectangular piece of the tea bag onto your nail, covering the broken section. Gently smooth out the tea bag with your finger or a cuticle stick to remove any air bubbles.
Allow the nail polish to dry for about 5 minutes. Once it is dry, carefully cut away any excess tea bag hanging off your nail.
Finally, apply another layer of clear nail polish. Extend the paint stroke past your nail onto the tea bag to secure it in place. Allow this layer of nail polish to dry for about 5-10 minutes.
You can now paint your nails as normal. The tea bag will help to cover and protect the broken nail until it grows back.
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Keep the nail bed dry and covered with petroleum jelly and a bandage
It is important to keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail bed is firm or the nail has grown back. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to protect and moisturize the nail bed. Petroleum jelly can promote faster healing by keeping the wound moist and preventing scabbing. It also helps to provide a protective barrier to the nail bed.
Covering the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage will protect the nail bed from further damage and prevent infection. It may also keep the sensitive skin of your nail bed from rubbing painfully against socks and shoes. Change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty.
If you have diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem, untreated nail injuries can lead to infection, foot ulcers, and other serious problems. These problems may cause reduced blood flow and loss of feeling in the feet.
If there is any damage to adjacent tissues, the nail bed, the nail matrix, or the proximal nail fold that could result in scarring, this should be assessed by a physician and repaired if appropriate. If a portion of the nail is still adherent to the nail bed, it can be left intact.
It is important to note that nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months or longer for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back.
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Eat calcium and protein-rich foods to promote nail growth
A well-rounded diet and good general health help to produce strong nails. Nails are made of a fibrous structural protein called keratin, which gives them strength and resilience. Therefore, it is important to eat protein-rich foods to promote nail growth.
Meat is a source of protein, but it is not the only source. Chicken, turkey, and lean beef are good sources of protein and provide other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Organ meats, such as liver, are also excellent sources of protein and biotin. If you're looking for animal protein from the sea, salmon is a great option.
However, if you follow a plant-based diet, you can get protein from beans, legumes, tofu, and vegetables. Beans are a great source of biotin, also known as vitamin B7, which is often found in hair, skin, and nail vitamins. Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, arugula, watercress, and collard greens are excellent sources of iron, folate, calcium, and protein.
In addition to protein, calcium is another important nutrient for nail growth. Dairy products such as milk and cheese are good sources of calcium. For those who don't consume dairy, nuts and seeds are great alternatives. Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, and Brazil nuts are all high in various nutrients, including calcium, that support nail growth. Chia seeds, in particular, provide high doses of calcium and protein that promote collagen production.
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Soak the nail in warm saltwater to prevent infection
If you've broken a nail, you'll want to prevent infection while you wait for it to grow back. Nails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month, so it will take some time for your nail to fully recover. To prevent infection, you should soak the nail in warm saltwater.
Saltwater soaks are a great way to keep the area clean and draining. This is especially important if you've had nail surgery or are dealing with an active infection. The warm water will help to soothe any pain and discomfort, while the salt will help to draw out any infection and promote healing.
To create a warm saltwater soak, start by boiling some water. Allow the water to cool slightly so that it is warm but not too hot to the touch. Add salt to the water and stir until it is dissolved. You can use regular table salt or Epsom salt for this purpose.
Once you have prepared the saltwater, soak your nail for 10 to 20 minutes. If you are soaking a fingernail, you can do this by submerging your finger in a bowl of saltwater. If you are soaking a toenail, you may find it more comfortable to add the saltwater to a basin or tub and soak your foot.
After soaking, be sure to dry the area thoroughly. You can then apply an antibacterial or antifungal cream to the nail and surrounding skin to further prevent infection. If you are dealing with an ingrown nail, gently lifting the skin away from the nail with a small, blunt nail file or similar instrument can help to promote drainage and relieve pressure.
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Manage any health conditions that might affect nail growth
Managing any health conditions that may affect nail growth is crucial for healthy nails. Here are some essential considerations:
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can interfere with nail growth. Eczema may cause Beau's lines, pitting, texture changes, and colour changes on the nails. Psoriasis affects up to 80% of people with the condition, resulting in white lines, pitting, and crumbling nails. Keep your dermatologist informed about any skin conditions and follow their treatment recommendations to manage nail growth effectively.
Nail Infections
Fungal nail infections, for instance, can invade the nail and the skin underneath (nail bed). Toenails are more prone to fungal infections than fingernails, exhibiting symptoms like cracked, yellow, discoloured, streaked, thickened, or spotted nails. Chemotherapy or antibiotics can also cause nail infections. Proper medical treatment, such as prescription antifungal pills, can help alleviate these issues and promote nail growth.
Nail Matrix Health
The nail matrix, located at the base of the nail, is responsible for nail growth. Injuries or conditions affecting the nail matrix can hinder nail growth. Minor damage may cause temporary changes, while severe damage can lead to permanent nail deformation. If you notice any nail matrix problems, consult a healthcare provider for guidance on healing and nail regrowth.
Overall Health
Maintaining a well-rounded diet and good general health is essential for strong nail growth. Certain health conditions, such as lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis, can impact nail health and growth. Additionally, chemotherapy, severe illnesses, and major stress can cause nails to grow slowly or stop growing temporarily. Addressing these underlying health issues is crucial for promoting nail growth.
Medical Attention
If you notice any changes in your nails, such as colour changes, texture, or shape, it is important to seek medical advice. A dermatologist or healthcare provider can assess the issue and determine if it is related to a nail matrix problem, nail bed issue, or another underlying condition. They can then recommend appropriate treatments to manage the condition and support nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month, with toenails growing at almost half the rate of fingernails. It takes about 6 months or longer for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail to fully regrow.
While nails grow slowly, eating a diet rich in calcium and protein can help keep your nails strong and healthy. You can also try getting a foot massage or massaging your own feet to promote better circulation, which can help with nail growth.
To protect a broken nail, you can use the thin, porous material of a tea bag as a patch. Cut a small piece of the tea bag and lay it over the crack. Then, apply a layer of clear nail polish and use a toothpick or tweezers to apply the tea bag to the nail while the polish is still wet.
