Isla Bennett
Non-growing nails can be a sign of an underlying health condition, and it is important to seek medical advice to determine the cause. A change in nail colour, texture, or shape can indicate a disease, and a doctor can help identify and address the root cause. Certain medications, injuries, and illnesses can affect nail growth, but with proper treatment, healthy nails can often grow back. While there is no guaranteed method to accelerate nail growth, maintaining a balanced diet and taking care of your body can help strengthen nails over time.
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What You'll Learn
- Biotin and folate deficiencies can cause slower cell growth and division
- Certain diets, drinks, or supplements can cause imbalances that affect nail growth
- Onycholysis (nail separation) can be treated with antifungal medication
- Hormones play a role in nail growth, with younger people tending to have faster-growing nails
- A dermatologist can help treat nail changes, such as pitted nails or nail lifting
Biotin and folate deficiencies can cause slower cell growth and division
While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, taking good care of your body through proper nutrition can help nails grow strong and long over time. Nails are made of many layers of a hard protein called keratin, which requires adequate nutrition to maintain.
Biotin, or vitamin B7, is necessary for the process of converting food into energy and plays a role in the production of fatty acids, sugar, and amino acids. Lower biotin levels in the body can lead to slower cell growth and division, impacting nail growth. Several human studies suggest that taking a biotin supplement daily can help strengthen nails.
Folate, or vitamin B9, is crucial for cell division and DNA synthesis. Given that the cells of the nail matrix are some of the fastest-dividing in the human body, adequate folate levels are essential for nail production. A deficiency in folate can result in slower nail growth.
In addition to biotin and folate, other nutrients that contribute to nail health include protein, iron, vitamins A, C, and D, as well as healthy fats. A well-balanced diet that includes these nutrients can support overall nail health and growth.
It is important to note that certain medical conditions, such as psoriasis, diabetes, and thyroid disease, can also affect nail growth. If you suspect any underlying health issues, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
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Certain diets, drinks, or supplements can cause imbalances that affect nail growth
While nails are not technically living tissue, there is a difference between a nail matrix that receives enough nutrition and one that does not. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, and consuming too little protein can adversely affect nail health. A well-balanced diet should provide all the nutrition your nails need.
A deficiency in certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients may negatively affect nail health. For instance, a biotin deficiency can cause slower cell growth and division, resulting in brittle nails. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is found in organ meats, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. A zinc deficiency can also affect nail growth, as zinc ions are used by the body to stabilize proteins. Animal proteins are a great way to consume adequate zinc, but certain plant foods are also a good source of this mineral.
Iron is another vital mineral for nail growth, as it provides cells with adequate oxygen. A lack of iron can affect the shape and appearance of your nails. Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are good sources of iron. Magnesium is also involved in protein synthesis, which is necessary for nail growth, and a deficiency can cause vertical ridges in your nails. Almonds, cashews, peanuts, and flaxseeds are good sources of magnesium.
While there are many supplements marketed for strengthening nails, scientific evidence is lacking. Biotin supplements are the only type shown to have a possible effect on nail growth. However, excessive intake can interfere with laboratory tests of cardiac and thyroid function. It is best to try to get your vitamins and nutrients from food.
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Onycholysis (nail separation) can be treated with antifungal medication
While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, taking good care of your body through proper nutrition and nail grooming can help them grow strong and long over time. Nails are made of a hard protein called keratin, and a healthy diet with adequate nutrition is essential for nail growth.
Onycholysis, or nail separation, is a nail disorder frequently encountered by dermatologists. It is characterized by a spontaneous separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, progressing proximally from the distal free margin. While there is no cure for the section of the nail that has detached, treatment can prevent new nail growth from separating. If onycholysis is caused by an injury, the nail will eventually grow out and can be cut away. However, if it is caused by a fungus, oral or topical antifungal medication may be prescribed.
Oral antifungal medications come in liquid, pill, or tablet form and include terbinafine (Lamisil), itraconazole (Sporanox), and fluconazole (Diflucan). Topical antifungal medications come in the form of creams, ointments, or gels that are rubbed directly onto the nails. It is important to finish the full course of medication as nail fungi can be difficult to treat.
In addition to oral and topical antifungal treatments, surgical or chemical nail avulsion may be useful for patients with severe onycholysis, extensive nail thickening, or longitudinal streaks in the nail. Longer courses of antifungal therapy may be beneficial for patients with slow nail growth, diminished blood supply to the nail bed, or total nail plate involvement. Topical antifungal creams or powders may also be recommended for patients with concomitant tinea pedis.
To improve treatment outcomes and prevent recurrence, it is important to maintain proper nail hygiene and protect the nails from additional damage. Regular handwashing and the use of antifungal or antimicrobial soaks can help prevent infection. While essential oils like lemon juice, vinegar, and tea tree oil are safe for most people, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using them.
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Hormones play a role in nail growth, with younger people tending to have faster-growing nails
While there is no scientifically proven method to make nails grow faster, proper nutrition and grooming techniques can help strengthen nails and promote healthy growth. Nails are made of a hard protein called keratin, and a diet with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for their growth.
Hormones play a significant role in nail growth, and younger people tend to have faster-growing nails. Sex hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, influence nail growth. For example, during pregnancy, when oestrogen and progesterone levels are high, many women experience rapid nail growth. Similarly, women going through menopause or experiencing a drop in oestrogen after childbirth may notice changes in their nails, such as dryness and thinning. The parathyroid hormone also affects nail health, as insufficient production can lead to brittle nails. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may help restore nail health in such cases.
Hormonal changes due to birth control pills or pregnancy may take four to six months to affect nail growth. This prolonged period is because hormones passively diffuse into the nail from capillaries in the blood over time. As such, prenatal vitamins are not the cause of faster nail growth during pregnancy; instead, it is the body's increased hormone production that contributes to this change.
In addition to hormones, nutrient status, amino acid availability, and thyroid function are crucial for growing strong and healthy nails. Maintaining a well-balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats is essential for providing the necessary nutrients to support nail growth.
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A dermatologist can help treat nail changes, such as pitted nails or nail lifting
While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, taking good care of your body through proper nutrition and nail grooming can help strengthen your nails and encourage growth. Nails are made of a hard protein called keratin, which requires certain nutrients to form correctly, such as zinc, biotin, folate, protein, iron, and vitamins A, C, and D, and vitamin B7. A balanced diet should provide all the nutrition your nails need, but nutritional deficiencies can cause stunted nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails that have stopped growing could indicate an underlying health condition. This could be anything from a nutritional deficiency to a more serious disease. It is important to seek medical advice if you notice this.
There are many potential causes of non-growing nails, including injuries, certain medications, and health conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or lung disease. Lifestyle factors such as diet, drinks, or supplements might also be the cause.
Treatment for non-growing nails depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, such as nail infections, antibiotics or other medications may be prescribed. For nail injuries, a procedure called nail trephination can provide pain relief and help the new nail grow in correctly. In other cases, such as nail psoriasis, certain medications or topical treatments can help manage the condition.
If you suspect you have non-growing nails, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist for an early diagnosis and treatment. They will be able to assess any underlying conditions and provide guidance on treatment options.
