Noah Sinclair
Nails serve important functions as protective layers for the fingertips and are also general indicators of health and well-being. Therefore, it can be a cause for concern if your nails stop growing. This could be due to several factors, including trauma to the nail, nutritional deficiencies, or medical conditions like diabetes and PAD. In addition, infections such as nail fungus or bacterial infections can cause nails to thicken, discolour, and stop growing. Certain illnesses and injuries can also damage the nail matrix, which is the area responsible for nail growth, and lead to irregular or slowed growth. Changes in colour, texture, or shape can sometimes indicate an underlying disease, such as lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or skin cancer. It is recommended to seek professional advice if you notice any significant changes or persistently slow nail growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional deficiencies | Biotin, vitamin E, zinc, folate, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, healthy fats, protein |
| Trauma or injury | Direct impact, crush injury, fever, chemotherapy, major stress |
| Infections | Fungal, bacterial |
| Diseases | Lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, PAD, peripheral artery disease, cardiovascular issues, psoriasis, ichthyosis, eczema |
| Lifestyle changes | Smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, poor foot hygiene, biting nails, picking at nails |
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What You'll Learn
Trauma to the nail
Fungal and bacterial infections can also compromise the integrity of the nail matrix, hampering the production of healthy nail cells and resulting in slow or stunted nail growth. If you suspect you have an infection, it is important to act fast. Anti-fungal medications, topical or oral, are commonly prescribed to eliminate the fungal infection and allow the nail to grow healthily again. In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to remove the infected nail.
Minor damage to your nail matrix can temporarily change your nail’s appearance. You might notice a change in how your nail feels to the touch. A severe injury could cause your nail to fall off. Once your nail matrix heals, your nail will usually start to grow again, although it may take several weeks or months before you see your new nail appear. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of your nail may not grow back.
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.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Vitamins A, C, and D, healthy fats, and protein are also necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy nails. A balanced diet should provide all the nutrition your nails need. However, if there are factors leading to nutritional deficiencies, it may be necessary to consult a healthcare professional. Blood tests can determine whether nail problems are the result of vitamin deficiencies, and biotin supplements or increasing fruit and vegetable intake may help combat these deficiencies.
In addition to nutritional deficiencies, other factors that can contribute to nail growth cessation include trauma to the nail, medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and poor circulation. Slow or stopped toenail growth can be a sign of underlying health issues, and it is important to seek medical attention if you notice any drastic changes.
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Medical conditions
Nails that stop growing can be indicative of underlying medical conditions. Firstly, it could be a sign of poor circulation and peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the extremities become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the nails and impeding nail growth. Additionally, poor circulation in the lower extremities can lead to serious health concerns such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
Secondly, nail growth issues can be caused by nutritional deficiencies. For instance, a biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency can lead to slower cell growth and division, resulting in weaker nails prone to breakage. Similarly, inadequate intake of vitamin E, iron, and zinc can hamper nail growth. Vitamin E promotes blood circulation to the nail bed, while iron deficiency can lead to spoon-shaped or brittle nails. Zinc deficiency can cause white spots or bands on the nails, known as leukonychia.
Furthermore, trauma or injury to the nails can disrupt the nail matrix, the area responsible for nail growth. This can lead to irregular or slowed growth, and in some cases, the nail may fall off. Additionally, certain illnesses can damage the nail matrix and affect nail growth. For example, severe eczema can cause Beau's lines, pitting, and texture or colour changes. Up to 80% of people with psoriasis develop nail psoriasis, which can result in white lines, pitting, and crumbling of the nails.
In some cases, nail growth issues can be a sign of more serious medical conditions. For instance, yellow nails could indicate lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a severe nail infection. Changes in nail colour, such as brown or black discoloration, could be a sign of subungual melanoma, a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix. Curved nails, known as clubbing, can be a harmless trait, but they can also indicate underlying diseases, including lung disease.
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Infections
Fungal infections can be treated with antifungals, which are usually applied topically, although oral medications are also available. Oral antifungal medications include terbinafine (Lamisil), itraconazole (Sporanox), and fluconazole (Diflucan). Topical treatments include creams, ointments, or gels that are rubbed directly onto the nails. It is important to complete the full course of medication to prevent the infection from returning and becoming harder to treat.
Bacterial infections, such as paronychia, can also cause nail issues. Paronychia is characterised by redness and swelling around the nail, with the build-up of pus under the skin. It is often caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, although other bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, can also be responsible. Ingrown nails, cuts, broken skin, hangnails, irritation from water or chemicals, and trauma to the nail bed or cuticle area are common ways for bacteria to enter and cause infection.
Most bacterial nail infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics, which help to clear the infection and promote healing. In some cases, drainage of the pus may be necessary if it is not draining on its own. Soaking the infected area in warm water several times a day can help to draw out the pus and improve symptoms.
In summary, both fungal and bacterial infections can lead to stopped nail growth. Fungal infections are typically treated with antifungal medications, while bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. It is important to identify and treat the underlying cause of the infection to promote nail growth and prevent further complications.
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Poor circulation
If you are experiencing poor circulation in your toenails, it is important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider will be able to evaluate your condition and determine the underlying cause. There are treatments available for poor circulation in the toes, including angioplasty, stent placement, and atherectomy. These procedures are minimally invasive and do not require stitches or a hospital stay.
In addition to seeking medical treatment, there are lifestyle modifications that can be made to improve circulation and promote healthy toenail growth. This includes quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Proper foot hygiene, regular toenail trimming, and protecting the feet from injury can also help prevent infections and improve nail health.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails that stop growing could indicate an underlying health issue. Factors such as trauma to the nail, nutritional deficiencies, or medical conditions like diabetes and PAD can all be the reason. It is recommended to seek medical advice if you notice your nails have stopped growing.
Trauma or injury to the nail can cause bleeding underneath the nail bed, resulting in a condition called subungual hematoma. This can cause irregular or slowed growth. Dark stripes from splinter haemorrhage or white spots on your nails could be signs of nail trauma.
A biotin deficiency can result in brittle, weak nails prone to breakage. Inadequate intake of vitamin E, iron, and zinc can also hamper nail growth. Vitamin E promotes blood circulation to the nail bed, iron deficiency can lead to spoon-shaped nails, and zinc deficiency can cause white spots or bands on the nails.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common cause of poor circulation, particularly in the legs and feet. Other conditions include lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, nail infections, eczema, psoriasis, and melanoma.
