Liam Carter
There are many reasons why your nails might not be growing, ranging from injuries and infections to underlying health conditions. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, and their growth can be affected by nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc. Certain medications, like chemotherapy, can also impact nail growth. In some cases, lifestyle factors, such as stress, can cause nails to grow slowly or stop growing altogether. If you notice any changes in your nails, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health conditions | Psoriasis, ichthyosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lung disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes, cardiovascular issues, onychomycosis, onychomadesis, retronychia, nail matrix problem, etc. |
| Injuries | Trauma, crushing, pinching, dropping heavy objects, bruising, etc. |
| Lifestyle factors | Poor diet, drinks, supplements, stress, etc. |
| Medication | Chemotherapy, antifungal pills, etc. |
| Age | |
| Hormones |
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What You'll Learn
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Skin conditions, e.g. eczema, psoriasis, and subungual melanoma
- Lifestyle factors, e.g. diet, drinks, supplements, and smoking
- Illnesses, e.g. heart attack, COVID-19, pneumonia, and lung disease
- Injuries, e.g. pinching or crushing your finger, or dropping something on your toe
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
PAD is a relatively common condition, particularly among the elderly, and it can significantly impact one's quality of life if left untreated. The condition affects about 6.5 million Americans, and those with a family history of PAD, stroke, heart disease, or heart attack are at an increased risk of developing it.
One of the key signs of PAD-related to toenails is the cessation of nail growth or slowed growth. This occurs due to the reduced circulation and oxygen supply to the toenails, which are necessary for stimulating new nail growth. As a result, the nails may also become brittle, change color, or grow thicker. In some cases, poor circulation can lead to wounds that don't heal, potentially resulting in gangrene, which requires immediate medical attention.
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) test is a non-invasive and affordable method to diagnose PAD. It involves comparing the blood pressure readings from the ankles and arms to determine if there is a significant difference, which could indicate PAD. Other tests, such as angiograms, are also used to diagnose PAD and assess the extent of the disease.
While this answer focuses on PAD, there are also other potential causes of nail growth cessation, including onychomadesis, which can be caused by trauma, disease, lifestyle changes, or chemotherapy. Additionally, nail fungus infections, psoriasis, and nutritional deficiencies can impact nail growth.
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Skin conditions, e.g. eczema, psoriasis, and subungual melanoma
Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and subungual melanoma can also cause nail growth cessation.
Eczema
Eczema is a common skin disease affecting around 5.5% of American adults. It is characterised by red, itchy skin. Hand eczema is common, and fingernail changes are more common than toenail changes. Pompholyx eczema can affect the skin around the nails, resulting in swelling. Nail eczema can cause pitting, grooving, and other nail deformities. It usually occurs in people who have eczema elsewhere on the body. Treatment for nail eczema involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggering products and keeping hands dry, and medications such as topical steroids.
Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the nails on your fingers and toes. It causes discoloration, pitting, and changes in your fingernails and toenails. It is characterised by rapid skin cell reproduction, with new cells growing and moving to the skin surface every three to four days, creating a skin rash. Nail psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be spread through skin-to-skin contact. While there is no cure, treatments can help alleviate symptoms.
Subungual Melanoma
Subungual melanoma is a rare type of skin cancer, accounting for only 0.7% to 3.5% of all melanoma cases. It develops under the nails, in the nail matrix, which is responsible for producing keratin. It can produce a brown or black streak under the affected nail, about 3mm wide, and may resemble a bruise. As subungual melanoma develops under the nails, it can be challenging to recognise its earliest signs. If any symptoms of subungual melanoma are noticed, it is important to promptly consult a trained medical provider. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the affected nail and/or digit, and may be accompanied by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or immunotherapy.
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Lifestyle factors, e.g. diet, drinks, supplements, and smoking
Lifestyle factors such as diet, drinks, supplements, and smoking can influence nail growth. Nails are primarily made of keratin, so a diet lacking in nutrients required to produce keratin can cause nails to grow slowly or not at all. For example, zinc ions are used by the body to stabilize the proteins involved in producing keratin, so a zinc deficiency can hinder nail growth. Similarly, spoon-shaped nails that dip down in the middle can indicate an iron deficiency.
Poor circulation can also affect nail growth, as it results in reduced oxygen and fewer nutrients reaching the nails. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common cause of poor circulation, particularly in the legs and feet. PAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the extremities become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow. Poor circulation can lead to serious health concerns such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
In addition to diet and circulation, smoking can also negatively impact nail health. Smoking restricts blood flow, which can result in reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the nails. This can slow nail growth and cause nails to become brittle and discolored.
While not directly related to diet, drinks, or supplements, other lifestyle factors such as stress can also impact nail growth. Major stress can cause nails to grow slowly or stop growing altogether. This may be due to the body prioritizing other functions over nail growth during stressful periods.
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Illnesses, e.g. heart attack, COVID-19, pneumonia, and lung disease
Illnesses can cause nail growth to slow or stop entirely. For example, horizontal ridges or dents in your nails, known as Beau's lines, can indicate a severe illness with a high fever, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia. These lines can also be a sign of kidney disease or peripheral vascular disease (PAD).
Additionally, certain nutritional deficiencies caused by illnesses can lead to changes in your nails. For instance, a zinc deficiency may result in Beau's lines and white spots on your nails, while an iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails). Spoon nails are thin, spoon-shaped nails that dip down in the middle and can indicate an iron deficiency.
Some illnesses can also cause nail discolouration. For example, yellow nails can be a symptom of lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, black lines in your nails, known as splinter haemorrhages, can sometimes indicate underlying issues such as psoriasis, endocarditis, or nail melanoma.
In some cases, the shape of your nails can be indicative of specific illnesses. For example, curved nails, known as clubbing, can be a sign of various serious, long-term conditions. On the other hand, spoon-shaped nails can indicate iron-deficiency anaemia.
It is important to note that nail problems are often not a cause for concern and may not always indicate a serious underlying illness. However, if you notice any significant changes in your nails or have concerns, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Injuries, e.g. pinching or crushing your finger, or dropping something on your toe
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage your nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. A severe injury could cause your nail to fall off. Once your nail matrix heals, your nail will usually start to grow again. It may take several weeks before you see your new nail appear. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of your nail may not grow back.
Pinching or crushing your finger, or dropping something heavy on your toe, can injure your nail matrix. After a nail matrix injury, you may experience bruising, ridges, or discolouration. Your nail may fall off. Some injuries to your fingernails or toenails can cause nail infections.
If you have a bruise under your nail, you may benefit from a procedure that drains the trapped blood. This procedure, called nail trephination, provides pain relief and helps your new nail grow in correctly. Providers must perform this procedure within 48 hours of the injury, before your blood clots.
Onycholysis, or nail separation, can also occur as a result of injuries or trauma to the nail or nail matrix. This can be caused by bumping or hitting your nails, wearing shoes that are too small, or keeping your nails in water for too long. Onycholysis causes your nails to pull up from their nail beds, and the detached part of your nail will eventually grow out. You can use nail clippers or nail scissors to remove the affected nail as it grows out.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for this, including nutritional deficiencies, peripheral artery disease (PAD), trauma to the nail, and other medical conditions.
Deficiencies in zinc and iron can cause nails to stop growing.
Peripheral artery disease causes less blood flow to the legs and feet, reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to the nails, which is crucial for healthy growth.
Yes, injuries to the nail matrix can cause nail growth to stop temporarily. Minor damage can change the appearance of the nail, and severe damage could cause the nail to fall off.
Several medical conditions can affect nail growth, including psoriasis, eczema, onychomycosis (nail fungus infection), and chemotherapy.
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