Caleb Foster
The clinical term for when nails stop growing is onychomadesis, and it can be a sign of something more serious going on inside your body. For example, lung disease and rheumatoid arthritis can cause nails to turn yellow and thicken. A balanced diet should provide all the nutrition your nails need to grow strong and healthy, but nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc, biotin, or folate, can stunt nail growth. Physical damage to the nail matrix can also slow growth, as can chemotherapy, fever, or major stress. If you are concerned about the rate of your nail growth, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist or your primary care doctor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes of slow nail growth | Nutritional deficiencies, physical damage to the nail matrix, chemotherapy, major stress, disease, infection, iron deficiency, folate deficiency, zinc deficiency, biotin deficiency |
| Solutions to slow nail growth | Visit a health professional, take biotin supplements, use nail hardeners, regular nail grooming, keep nails dry and clean, use sharp manicure scissors or clippers, moisturize hands and nails, avoid nail biting or cutting nails too short |
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What You'll Learn
- Ensure a balanced diet with zinc, biotin, folate, vitamins A, C, and D, and healthy fats
- Avoid physical damage to the nail matrix, such as macrotrauma and microtrauma
- Break habits that may cause washboard nails, such as picking at cuticles
- Keep nails dry, clean, and well-maintained to prevent bacterial growth
- Use nail hardeners to prevent breakage and reduce the need for regrowth
Ensure a balanced diet with zinc, biotin, folate, vitamins A, C, and D, and healthy fats
Ensuring a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health. It provides the body with the necessary nutrients to function effectively and reduces the risk of disease, infection, fatigue, and low performance. Here are some tips to ensure a balanced diet rich in zinc, biotin, folate, vitamins A, C, and D, as well as healthy fats:
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral for good health. Include a variety of zinc-rich foods in your diet, such as meat, seafood, legumes, seeds, nuts, and dairy. Meat, especially red meat, is an excellent source of zinc. For example, a 100-gram serving of raw ground beef provides about 44% of the recommended daily zinc intake for males. If you prefer plant-based sources, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, squash seeds, and sesame seeds are excellent choices.
Folate (Vitamin B9)
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin with various functions in the body. To increase your folate intake, consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Specifically, try incorporating cooked asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and eggs into your meals. These foods are not only rich in folate but also offer additional nutritional benefits.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a critical fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision, body growth, immune function, and reproductive health. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to symptoms such as hair loss, skin problems, dry eyes, night blindness, and increased susceptibility to infections. Include colourful fruits and vegetables in your diet, such as carrots, squash, apricots, watermelon, kale, spinach, mango, and guava. Animal products like beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy are also good sources of vitamin A.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for the health of the immune system, connective tissue, heart, and blood vessels. Citrus fruits like oranges and bananas are well-known sources of vitamin C. However, some less common fruits provide even higher amounts of vitamin C, such as the Kakadu plum, red acerola cherries, and cantaloupe. Don't forget about vegetables, as bell peppers, parsley, and dark, leafy greens like mustard spinach are also excellent sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. During the autumn and winter months, it is recommended to take a daily vitamin D supplement, as sunlight exposure is typically insufficient for vitamin D production. Throughout the year, aim to include dietary sources of vitamin D, such as fatty fish like salmon and egg yolks.
Healthy Fats
When it comes to fats, focus on incorporating unsaturated fats into your diet, as they have been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Extra virgin olive oil is considered a healthy choice. While deep-fried foods may be tempting, they are often high in calories and low in nutritional value, so they should be consumed sparingly.
Remember, a balanced diet is not just about including these specific nutrients but also about ensuring a variety of fresh, whole foods from different food groups, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and protein sources.
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Avoid physical damage to the nail matrix, such as macrotrauma and microtrauma
Physical damage to the nail matrix can be categorised into two types: macrotrauma and microtrauma. Macrotrauma refers to a sudden injury that causes abrupt harm to the nail. For example, if a heavy object falls on a toe, it can result in tissues becoming torn or compressed, leading to a sudden cessation of their function due to the large number of cells that have been affected. On the other hand, microtrauma is caused by repetitive irritation, such as rubbing against the inside of a shoe, which can lead to stunted nail growth over time due to the gradual disruption of the nail matrix. This disruption alters the integrity of the tissue, impairing the cellular repair mechanisms and preventing the production of the proper matrix required for healing.
To avoid macrotrauma to the nail matrix, it is important to take precautions in situations where heavy objects are present and there is a risk of them falling and causing crush injuries. Additionally, being mindful of any potential hazards that could lead to fractures or dislocations is crucial, as these can also cause significant trauma to the nail matrix.
Microtrauma can be prevented by avoiding repetitive actions that irritate the nail matrix. This includes wearing properly sized shoes to prevent toenail trauma and avoiding ill-fitting shoes that can lead to deformities in the nails. Nails that lift away from the nail bed due to microtrauma may resemble a fungal infection, causing cosmetic concerns. Therefore, it is important to address any signs of microtrauma early on and make the necessary adjustments to footwear or other repetitive actions that may be causing irritation.
Practising good nail hygiene is also essential in avoiding physical damage to the nail matrix. This includes refraining from nail-biting and cuticle-biting habits, as they can cause trauma to the nails and increase the risk of infection. Keeping fingernails trimmed and maintaining healthy cuticles can help prevent nail trauma and promote overall nail health.
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Break habits that may cause washboard nails, such as picking at cuticles
Picking at cuticles is a common habit, often done to relieve stress or when bored and fidgety. This habit is medically known as onychophagia and is classified as an impulse control disorder. While it may be soothing, it can lead to infections and permanent deformation of your fingernails. To break this habit, you can try the following strategies:
Identify your triggers: Keep a running list of when and why you pick at your cuticles. This will help you identify the situations and emotions that trigger the behaviour. Once you are aware of your triggers, you can work on finding healthier ways to manage them. For example, if you notice that you pick your cuticles when you are stressed, you can try stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
Keep your hands busy: Try finding an alternative behaviour to redirect the urge to pick. Some examples include squeezing a stress ball, playing with a fidget toy, or rubbing cuticle oil into your nails. Keeping your mouth busy by chewing gum can also help, but be mindful of potential jaw problems if done excessively.
Maintain neat cuticles and nails: Keeping your cuticles and nails well-groomed and neat can reduce the urge to pick. This includes regularly trimming and filing your nails and cuticles, as well as applying cuticle oil to keep the skin moisturized and healthy. Well-moisturized cuticles are harder to pick at.
Get regular manicures: Having nicely painted nails can make you more aware of your fingers and serve as a reminder to stop picking. If you are concerned about picking off the nail polish, try using a clear coat or a strengthening nail treatment instead of coloured polish.
Use nail-biting serums: These products can be effective at preventing nail-biting and finger-picking behaviours. However, remember to reapply after washing your hands, and be mindful that this solution may not work if you tend to pick with your hands only.
Breaking a habit takes time and persistence, so be patient with yourself and don't be afraid to try out different strategies to find what works best for you.
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Keep nails dry, clean, and well-maintained to prevent bacterial growth
Keeping nails clean, dry, and well-maintained is essential for preventing bacterial growth and maintaining overall nail health. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Firstly, it is important to keep your nails dry. Avoid prolonged exposure to water, as moisture can lead to bacterial or fungal growth. After washing your hands or dishes, ensure your nails are thoroughly dried, paying special attention to the areas between the fingers and under the nails. If you work in a profession that requires frequent handwashing or exposure to moisture, consider wearing gloves to keep your nails as dry as possible.
Trimming your nails regularly is an essential aspect of nail maintenance. Aim to trim them once a week or as needed, depending on their growth rate. Use clean and sharp nail clippers or scissors, and trim your nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Filing your nails is also an option to maintain their shape and smoothness. Sand files are excellent for on-the-go maintenance and preventing nails from splitting. Remember to always file in one direction to avoid nail damage.
Cuticle care is another important aspect of nail maintenance. Avoid removing your cuticles, as they serve as a protective barrier against bacteria and fungi. Instead, gently push back your cuticles, and if necessary, trim any overgrown or rough areas with specially designed cuticle scissors. Maintaining healthy cuticles helps prevent bacterial infections and keeps your nails looking neat.
Additionally, if you choose to decorate your nails with polish or gels, be mindful of the potential impact of chemicals on your nail health. Always use a base coat to create a protective layer between your nail and the polish, and finish with a top coat to seal and prolong the manicure. Giving your nails occasional breaks from polish can also help keep them strong and healthy.
By following these tips, you can effectively maintain the cleanliness and health of your nails, preventing bacterial growth and promoting overall nail well-being.
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Use nail hardeners to prevent breakage and reduce the need for regrowth
Nail hardeners are a great way to prevent nail breakage and reduce the need for regrowth. They are designed for those who need a quick fix to strengthen soft, bendy nails. They are particularly useful for those who are having extreme difficulty growing their nails and are experiencing painful breakages.
Nail hardeners work by creating a protective barrier on the nail plate, which is the visible part of the nail. They reinforce the nail's structure, making it more flexible and less prone to breakage. They are usually transparent or translucent and are applied like nail polish. It is recommended to start with clean nails and use a nail hardener as a base coat underneath your nail polish or on its own.
There are various ingredients to look out for when choosing a nail hardener. Some common ingredients include formaldehyde, toluene, calcium, and various proteins, which work to reinforce and fortify the nail bed. Ethyl acetate and methylene glycol are other bonding agents found in nail hardeners. It is important to note that consistent or excessive use of nail hardeners can have the opposite effect, so it is best to use them in moderation and skip them if you notice any irritation.
Some popular nail hardeners include Londontown's Nail Hardener and Base Coat, which is made with rapeseed oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and biotin to nourish the nails. Chanel's Protective and Smoothing Nail Treatment is another option, which can be used as a nail strengthener and a base coat, nourishing the nail and alleviating dryness.
Incorporating nail hardeners into your regular nail care routine can help you achieve long, strong, and resilient nails.
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Frequently asked questions
While you cannot stop your nails from growing, maintaining them can help keep their growth under control. Keep your nails dry and clean, trim them straight across, and moisturize your hands and nails.
Nails reflect your overall health. A well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help promote strong and fast-growing nails.
Physical damage to the nail matrix can slow down nail growth. This can be caused by macrotrauma, a sudden injury, or microtrauma, repetitive irritation.
Nail hardeners can help prevent nails from breaking, reducing the need for nail regrowth. You can also take biotin supplements to boost nail strength.
