Isla Bennett
While genetics play a significant role in determining the size and shape of our nail beds, there are several ways to make your nail beds and nails appear longer. This is important as nail beds not only contribute to the appearance of our hands but also maintain nail health. Healthy nail beds are essential for strong and beautiful nails. This article will explore ways to promote nail bed health and make your nail beds appear longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Plays a big role in determining the size and shape of your nail beds |
| Nail injuries | Nail beds appear shorter after a nail injury. Injuries can cause your nail to separate from the nail bed |
| Nail biting | Biting your fingernails can give the appearance of a shorter nail bed due to little or no whiteness at the tip |
| Fungal infections | Nail bed can appear shorter due to fungal infections. It can cause the nail plate to separate from the nail bed |
| Medical conditions | Certain conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and autoimmune disorders can affect nail health and lead to changes in the nail bed structure |
| Hormonal imbalances | Hormonal imbalances or thyroid disorders may impact nail growth and contribute to short nail beds |
| Hygiene | Cleaning and properly caring for your nails can help them grow longer and stronger. Use a nail brush regularly and avoid biting or picking at them |
| Prolonged contact with water | Prolonged contact with water or cleaning chemicals can weaken your nails, preventing them from growing. Wear rubber gloves when in contact with water or harsh chemicals |
| Nutrient deficiencies | Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, biotin, zinc, and iron can compromise nail health and growth |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid nail biting and picking
Biting your nails can damage your fingers and nails and even lead to infection. It can also spoil your smile by chipping, cracking, or breaking your teeth. It is also unhygienic, as it increases your chances of getting sick by transferring harmful bacteria and viruses from your mouth to your fingers and from your nails to your face and mouth.
Nail biting typically begins in childhood and can continue through adulthood. It is often a way to cope with feelings of nervousness, anxiety, boredom, hunger, or insecurity. It can also be a habit picked up from parents, even if they stop the habit before their child is born.
- Identify your triggers: Notice what you are feeling or doing when you bite your nails. Once you know what triggers the nail-biting habit, you can try to find other ways to cope with those feelings.
- Keep your hands or mouth busy: Find something to fiddle with, such as a stress ball, a worry stone, or a pen to click. You can also chew gum to keep your mouth occupied.
- Set small goals: If you're having trouble stopping completely, start by setting small goals, such as trying to stop biting the nails on one hand or choosing a single nail to avoid biting.
- Coat your nails with a bad taste: Use special nail polishes with a bitter flavour to make biting your nails less satisfying.
- Keep your nails short: If there isn't enough nail to grab with your teeth, you may be less likely to bite them.
- Wear gloves or stickers: Covering your nails with gloves or stickers can make it physically impossible to bite your nails.
- Practice proper nail care: Take care of your nails by regularly cleaning them with a nail brush, trimming and filing them, and moisturising them. This can help promote healthy nail growth and prevent damage to the nail beds.
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Treat fungal infections
While nail beds themselves cannot grow longer, treating a fungal nail infection can help the nail plate reattach to your nail bed, giving the appearance of a longer nail bed. Here are some ways to treat fungal nail infections:
See a dermatologist
A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. To determine whether you have a fungal nail infection, a dermatologist will examine your nails and the nearby skin. It is important to check the skin because the fungus can spread. The dermatologist may also take some samples, such as debris from beneath the nail, a nail clipping, or a skin scraping, to be examined in a lab.
Treat all infected areas
Fungal nail infections can spread to multiple nails, so it is important to treat all infected areas. Treatment usually begins with trimming the infected nail(s) back to where they attach to the finger. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail to remove some of the fungus.
Apply antifungal medicine to the nail
If you have a mild infection, your dermatologist or pharmacist may recommend an antifungal medicine that you brush onto the nail. You will need to use this regularly for a few months before you start to see an improvement, and you should keep using the treatment until you are told to stop.
Take antifungal tablets
If treatments from a pharmacy do not work, your general practitioner may prescribe antifungal tablets.
Laser and light treatments
While more research is needed, laser and light treatments are showing promise as a way to clear nail fungus.
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Wear rubber gloves when cleaning
While nail beds can't grow longer, as they are the skin beneath the fingernail, the layer of skin does grow back after an injury with time. This process can take at least 6 months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails.
To promote healthy nail growth and prevent damage to the nail beds, it's important to practice proper nail care. This includes regular trimming, filing, and moisturising. Wearing rubber gloves while cleaning is an essential part of nail care. Prolonged contact with water or cleaning chemicals can weaken your nails, impeding their growth. Therefore, it's recommended to wear rubber gloves whenever you do the dishes or use harsh chemicals to protect your nails and help them grow stronger and longer.
In addition to wearing rubber gloves, there are several other ways to care for your nails and promote the appearance of longer nail beds. Firstly, avoid biting your nails or cutting them too short, as this can make the nail bed appear shorter due to less visible whiteness at the tip. Secondly, treat any fungal nail infections, as these can cause the nail plate to separate from the nail bed. Treating fungal infections will help the nail plate reattach to the nail bed, giving the appearance of longer nails.
It's also important to note that certain medical conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and autoimmune disorders, can affect nail health and lead to changes in the nail bed structure. Hormonal imbalances and thyroid disorders may also impact nail growth, contributing to shorter nail beds. Therefore, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment to repair and promote the growth of your nail beds. They can advise you on the best course of action based on your specific needs.
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Consume vitamins, minerals and protein
Consuming a variety of vitamins, minerals, and protein is essential for growing and maintaining healthy nails. Nails are made of a protein complex called keratin, so ensuring adequate protein intake is vital for nail growth. Here are some tips to incorporate these essential nutrients into your diet:
Protein-rich Foods
Include a variety of protein-rich foods in your diet to promote nail growth. Animal proteins such as beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are excellent sources of protein and contain other essential nutrients like zinc. For vegetarians and vegans, lentils, peanuts, nuts, and dairy products like cheese and milk are good alternatives. Additionally, whole grains, soybeans, and extra nuts can provide sufficient protein for those following a meatless diet.
Vitamins
Vitamins, especially biotin (a B-complex vitamin), play a crucial role in nail growth and strength. Biotin promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Include biotin-rich foods in your diet, and consider taking biotin supplements if necessary. Other vitamins that contribute to nail health include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which provides strength and integrity to nails. Vitamin E is an ultra-hydrating oil that promotes nail growth and hydrates the nail beds and surrounding skin.
Minerals
In addition to vitamins and protein, ensuring adequate mineral intake is vital for nail health. Zinc, iron, and magnesium are essential minerals that support nail growth. A deficiency in these minerals can lead to nail ridges, white spots on nails, and changes in nail shape and appearance. Include zinc-rich foods like animal proteins, soy, chickpeas, nuts, and seeds in your diet. For iron, combine vitamin C-rich foods with plant-based iron sources, such as having a spinach salad with oranges or strawberries. Magnesium is involved in numerous bodily reactions, including protein synthesis, necessary for nail growth. Whole grains, specifically whole wheat, are excellent sources of magnesium.
By incorporating a variety of protein-rich foods, vitamins, and minerals into your diet, you can promote nail growth and maintain the health and strength of your nails.
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Practice good nail hygiene
While you cannot change the size of your nail beds, practising good nail hygiene can make them appear longer and stronger. Here are some tips to practice good nail hygiene:
Clean your nails regularly
Use a nail brush to clean underneath your nails instead of metal nail tools. Metal tools can cause slight damage and separate the nail plate from the nail bed. Cleaning your nails regularly helps maintain nail hygiene and prevents the accumulation of dirt.
Moisturise your nails and cuticles
Moisturising your nails and cuticles can help promote healthy nail growth and prevent further damage to the nail beds. It is important to remember not to push or cut your cuticles as this can cause harm to the nail bed and increase the risk of infection. Cuticles protect your nail bed, and cutting or picking at them can introduce bacteria. Instead, apply cuticle oil or moisturiser to your cuticles and leave them alone.
Avoid nail-biting
Biting your nails can hurt your nail beds and introduce bacteria to the edges of your nail beds, potentially causing an infection. If you struggle with nail-biting, try applying a coat of bad-tasting nail polish to help break the habit.
Wear rubber gloves
Prolonged contact with water or cleaning chemicals can weaken your nails, preventing them from growing strong and healthy. Protect your nails by wearing rubber gloves when doing the dishes or using harsh chemicals.
Treat fungal infections
Fungal infections can damage the nail matrix and inhibit healthy nail growth. Treating fungal infections can help the nail plate reattach to your nail bed.
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Frequently asked questions
While nail beds can't grow longer as they are the skin beneath the fingernail, you can make them appear longer by:
- Treating any fungal infections, which can help the nail plate reattach to your nail bed.
- Pushing back your cuticles, although be aware that cutting or picking them could make you more susceptible to bacteria.
- Avoiding biting your nails, which can give the appearance of a shorter nail bed.
There are a few other things you can do to make your nail beds look longer, including:
- Maintaining good hygiene by cleaning your nails with a nail brush regularly.
- Avoiding using your nails as tools to prevent accidental cutting or hitting, which may cause them to break.
- Wearing rubber gloves when doing the dishes or using harsh chemicals to protect your nails and help them grow longer and stronger.
It can take a minimum of 6 months for a new nail bed to form if you tear, rip, or separate your nail from its nail bed. Toenail nail beds can take even longer, up to 18 months to fully grow back.
