Liam Carter
Nail growth rates vary from person to person and can be influenced by a variety of factors. For instance, the rate of growth depends on which finger the nail is on, with a 2007 study finding that the fingernail on the little finger grows slower than other fingernails. Additionally, certain health conditions and lifestyle factors can affect nail growth, including nutritional deficiencies, peripheral artery disease, fungal infections, and chronic inflammation. In some cases, slow or stopped nail growth may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as onychomadesis, which can be caused by trauma, disease, or lifestyle changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail growth rate | Depends on which finger the nail is on; the little finger grows the slowest |
| Nail biting | Onychophagia, or nail biting, is associated with faster nail growth rates |
| Trauma | Deep cuts, heavy blunt impacts, and even slamming a door on your finger can cause trauma to the nail |
| Health conditions | Peripheral artery disease (PAD), hypothyroidism, iron deficiency, and diabetes can affect nail growth |
| Skin conditions | Psoriasis, endocarditis, and nail melanoma can cause nail issues |
| Fungal infections | Toenail fungus may appear as thick, yellow, cracked, or cloudy nails |
| Medications | Chemotherapy and other medications can cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges) or slow nail growth |
| Lifestyle changes | Chronic inflammation and callus growth can limit nail growth |
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What You'll Learn
Nail biting
If you want to stop biting your nails, there are several strategies you can try. Firstly, identify your triggers. Notice when and why you bite your nails, whether it's due to stress, boredom, or another reason. Once you know your triggers, you can work on finding alternative behaviours to replace nail biting. For example, you could try squeezing a stress ball, playing with a fidget toy, or chewing gum to keep your hands and mouth busy. Keeping your nails trimmed short or covering them with bitter-tasting nail polish, tape, or gloves can also help reduce the urge to bite.
If you're struggling to break the habit on your own, gradual approaches, such as focusing on stopping biting one nail at a time, can be effective. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are also options to address the psychological aspects of nail biting.
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Peripheral artery disease
While the growth rate of nails can vary among individuals, there are several factors that may influence nail growth. One factor is the finger on which the nail is located, with a 2007 study finding that the little finger's nail grows slower than other fingernails. Additionally, certain habits like nail-biting (onychophagia) can lead to faster nail growth due to the increased circulation in the nail bed caused by the trauma of biting. On the other hand, nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions, including circulatory issues and diabetes, can result in unusually slow nail growth. It is important to consult a doctor if you notice any abnormalities in nail growth, as it may indicate a more serious health issue.
PAD primarily affects the peripheral arteries, which supply blood to the legs, feet, arms, hands, and fingers. The most common type of PAD is lower-extremity PAD, where reduced blood flow affects the legs and feet. This can cause symptoms such as cramping, fatigue, aching, or pain in the leg or hip muscles during physical activities like walking or climbing stairs. These symptoms typically subside with rest and return when the activity is resumed. Lower-extremity PAD is more common than upper-extremity PAD, which affects the arms, hands, and fingers, and accounts for about 10% of PAD cases.
The underlying cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries. This plaque, composed of fats, cholesterol, and other substances, accumulates inside the artery walls, narrowing or blocking the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis can occur throughout the body, including the heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis, kidneys, and other organs. It is a significant contributor to both PAD and coronary artery disease, highlighting the importance of managing this condition effectively.
Managing PAD involves following the recommendations of healthcare professionals and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. In some cases, PAD can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. However, left untreated, PAD can have severe consequences, including gangrene and the potential need for amputation. Therefore, early detection and proactive management are crucial to controlling the disease and preventing further complications.
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Nutritional deficiencies
In some cases, brittle nails, known as onychoschizia, may be a sign of hypothyroidism or iron deficiency. Additionally, certain medications, such as chemotherapy, can also impact the nail matrix, leading to Beau's lines or slow nail growth. Serious illnesses, like a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia, can also interrupt nail growth and cause horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines.
If you notice unusual symptoms, such as discolouration or slow nail growth, it is advisable to consult a doctor to determine if nutritional deficiencies or other underlying conditions are the cause.
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Trauma to the nail
Trauma can also cause the nail to grow unevenly or distortedly, or it may grow more slowly or even stop growing temporarily as it recovers from the injury. Repeated trauma to toenails, caused by ill-fitting shoes, can lead to deformities in the nails. These deformities may resemble a fungal infection, with nails becoming thickened or discoloured and lifting away from the nail bed. Nail biting and cuticle biting are also common causes of nail trauma, with nail biting being a main cause of acute paronychia, a type of infection where bacteria get underneath the tissue at the side of the nail, causing swelling and irritation.
Treatment for nail trauma depends on the severity of the injury and the specific changes in nail growth. Minor trauma may heal without intervention, but keeping the area clean can promote recovery. When trauma results in significant changes or causes pain, it is recommended that you seek help from a dermatologist. Severe cases might require trimming damaged sections, draining blood from under the nail, or even surgical procedures if removal is necessary. While the nail may eventually return to its original appearance, cases with profound matrix damage could need ongoing care or reconstructive approaches.
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Skin conditions or diseases (including fungal infections)
While changes to your nails do not always indicate a disease, it is important to see a dermatologist if you notice any changes in colour, texture, or shape. One common nail disease is nail psoriasis, which can cause nail denting or crumbling. Psoriasis occurs when the skin of the nail bed or the area near the nail bed is affected. People with psoriasis may also develop Ram's horn nails, which are thick and overgrown nails that resemble a ram's horn. This condition can be genetic or caused by diseases such as ichthyosis or circulation problems.
Another nail condition is onycholysis, which occurs when the toe or fingernail separates from the nail bed. Onycholysis can be caused by underlying health conditions, injuries, psoriasis, fungal infections, or reactions to certain medications. Symptoms include nail discolouration, additional skin tissue under the nail, nail pitting, nail thickening, or bending of the nail edges.
Fungal infections are also common nail conditions that can cause nails to become thick, discoloured, and brittle. Several types of moulds and fungi can affect nails, and they may require treatment.
Deep grooves or gaps in the nails, known as Beau lines, can indicate that something has slowed or stopped nail growth temporarily. This can be caused by a fever, injury, chemotherapy, or significant stress. Once the underlying cause is addressed, nails often resume normal growth.
Pitted nails, or nail pitting, can be a sign of a systemic disease affecting the entire body. People with nail pits may have alopecia areata, and treatment can help prevent the disease from worsening. Yellow nail syndrome is another condition that can cause nails to turn yellow, thicken, and stop growing. It is often associated with underlying issues such as lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail growth is influenced by a combination of genetic factors and overall health. Age, nutrition, blood circulation, hormones, exposure to injury or trauma, and the environment can all affect nail growth.
Younger people generally have faster growth rates because of the slowing metabolism and cell division that comes with ageing.
A balanced diet that includes sufficient nutrients to support nail health is essential for maintaining nail health. Nutrient deficiencies may contribute to nail breakage by disrupting the growth cycle or weakening the nail structure.
Trauma or injury to the nail bed can affect nail growth rate. Biting nails, using nails as tools, or picking at cuticles may result in slower nail growth or other nail problems.
