Noah Sinclair
Nails that stop growing can be a cause for concern, as they serve important protective functions and are indicators of health and well-being. Onychomadesis, or the cessation of activity in the nail matrix, can be caused by trauma, disease, or lifestyle changes. Certain illnesses, injuries, medications, and skin conditions can also interfere with nail growth. To prevent nails from growing in layers, it is important to maintain proper nail care practices, such as trimming nails properly, avoiding frequent nail polish use, and addressing any underlying health conditions. Additionally, nail strengthening treatments and proper hydration can help improve nail health and prevent peeling and splitting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Physical damage to the nail matrix, skin conditions, diseases, lifestyle factors, nail fungus infection |
| Prevention | Cut nails properly, use gloves when doing the dishes, file nails in one direction, use a glass nail file |
| Treatment | Drain trapped blood under the nail through nail trephination, surgery for subungual melanoma, nail hardeners, nail and cuticle oil, biotin supplements |
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What You'll Learn
Nail injuries and infections
Nail Injuries
Nail injuries can occur when any part of the nail, including the nail bed, cuticle, or surrounding skin, sustains damage. Common causes include smashing or cutting the finger, closing it in a door, or dropping something heavy on the toe. Such injuries can lead to bruising, ridges, discolouration, or even the nail falling off. In severe cases, there may be a need for medical intervention, such as stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound, and numbing the affected area. For larger bruises, a procedure called nail trephination is performed to drain the trapped blood, relieve pain, and promote proper nail growth.
Nail Infections
Nail infections, or paronychia, usually result from bacterial invasion, especially through cuts or broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. It commonly affects individuals who work with water or chemicals without proper protection and those with underlying skin conditions. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness around the nail, with pus buildup under the skin. Most nail infections are treated with antibiotics, and pus may be drained to relieve symptoms and identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. However, chronic paronychia can persist or recur, requiring long-term management.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis, or nail fungus infection, occurs when dermatophytes, yeasts, or moulds invade the nail plate and/or nail bed. While often treatable, neglecting the infection can lead to nail plate detachment and growth cessation until the infection clears.
Retronychia
Retronychia is a rare type of ingrown nail where the nail plate grows downward, embedding itself into the nail bed. This disrupted growth pattern can hinder new nail production and cause inflammation.
Preventative Measures
To prevent nail injuries and infections, it is essential to practice proper nail care and avoid habits like nail biting and cuticle picking, which can create entry points for bacteria. Trimming nails straight across and wearing properly sized shoes can also help prevent ingrown toenails and toenail trauma. Additionally, addressing underlying skin conditions and wearing protective gloves when working with chemicals can reduce the risk of nail infections.
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Skin conditions and diseases
While nails that stop growing may not seem like a major concern, they serve important functions as protective layers for the fingertips and are indicators of health and well-being. Nails are continuously replaced, ensuring strong, hard plates. When nails stop growing, it may be due to physical damage or underlying skin conditions and diseases that affect the nail matrix, the area responsible for nail growth.
Several skin conditions and diseases can impact nail growth and health. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Eczema: Severe eczema can temporarily interfere with nail growth, leading to Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), pitting (small, pinhole-like dots), and texture or color changes.
- Psoriasis: Nail psoriasis is common in people with psoriasis, affecting up to 80% of patients. It causes white lines, pitting, and crumbling of the nails.
- Subungual Melanoma: This is a type of nail matrix melanoma or skin cancer that affects the nail matrix. It is characterized by brown or black discoloration of the nail and requires immediate medical attention.
- Paronychia: A bacterial nail infection that develops when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. It is commonly seen in people who work with water or chemicals and can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail.
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Certain connective tissue disorders, such as Reiter's syndrome, sarcoidosis, and pemphigus, can lead to pitting of the nails due to defective layering of the nail plate.
- Circulation Problems: Conditions affecting circulation, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), can slow nail growth due to reduced blood flow to the nail matrix.
If you notice any changes in your nails, such as discoloration, texture changes, or abnormal growth patterns, it is important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Dehydration
To prevent dehydration and maintain nail health, it is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. This amount can vary depending on factors such as body weight and activity level. It is important to listen to your body's signals, as feeling thirsty is an early indication of dehydration. In addition to water intake, a diet rich in hydrating foods like celery, watermelon, and cucumber can also help.
While dehydration is a common culprit for nail issues, other factors can also contribute. For example, repeated exposure to water and chemicals during frequent manicures can lead to nail dryness and brittleness. Certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and fungal infections, can also impact nail health. Additionally, physical damage to the nail matrix from trauma or disease can slow nail growth and, in severe cases, prevent nail regrowth.
If you are experiencing nail problems, it is important to identify the underlying cause. This may involve examining your lifestyle habits, diet, and any potential health conditions. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the root cause and guide appropriate treatment or management strategies.
While this answer focuses on dehydration, it is important to note that nail issues can have various causes, and a comprehensive approach to nail care may be necessary for optimal results.
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Lifestyle factors
Nail Care
Proper nail care practices are essential. Avoid frequent painting and excessive use of nail polish remover, as these can damage the nail bed. When filing your nails, use a glass nail file and file in one direction to prevent damaging the nail edge. Trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown toenails. Additionally, consider using a nail and cuticle oil to moisturize and strengthen your nails. Oils such as avocado oil or olive oil can help bond the layers of the nail together, making them more flexible and durable.
Diet and Supplements
A balanced diet is crucial for nail health. Nails are primarily made of keratin, so ensure you are consuming enough protein in your diet. Certain supplements, like biotin, have been known to strengthen nails and promote quicker growth.
Protective Measures
Take protective measures to avoid physical damage to your nails. This includes wearing gloves when doing tasks that may cause irritation or trauma to your nails, such as washing dishes or gardening.
Underlying Health Conditions
Be mindful of any underlying health conditions that may be affecting your nail growth. Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can interfere with nail growth, causing changes in texture and appearance. Additionally, peripheral artery disease (PAD), which reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, can slow nail growth.
Stress and Trauma
Both physical and emotional stress can impact nail growth. Physical trauma, such as dropping a heavy object on your finger or toe, can cause macrotrauma and damage the nail matrix. Emotional stress and serious health events, such as a heart attack or illness, can also disrupt nail growth and cause horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines.
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Nail filing and painting
If your nails are soft and peeling, it means that you don't have a good bond between the layers of keratin, causing them to lift and separate. To fix this, you can use a strengthener or hardener. Products like OPI Nail Envy or NailTek II Intensive Therapy are great options. Applying a good nail and cuticle oil will also help resolve this issue. Oils help bond the layers of the nail together, making them more flexible and durable. You can use a specialised product like Solar Oil or even olive oil from your pantry.
If your nails are pretty firm, then they lack moisture. Oiling and moisturising your cuticles and nail beds daily will greatly improve your nails.
It is recommended to not paint your nails too often and to give them a break from polish and, in particular, polish remover. When filing your nails, keep them fairly dry and file in one direction, not in back-and-forth motions, as this can damage the edge of your nail. A glass nail file is a good investment and is much gentler on your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Try using a nail and cuticle oil to help bond the layers of the nail together.
Nails grow in layers due to a lack of moisture, causing the layers to separate.
Try not to paint your nails too often, and avoid using polish remover.
Yes, nail injuries can cause nail matrix damage, which can affect nail growth.
Yes, certain illnesses and medications can interfere with nail growth and cause changes to the appearance of the nail.
