Sophia Delgado
Nail growth rates vary from person to person, influenced by factors such as genetics, overall health, age, and environmental factors. Slow nail growth can be caused by various factors, including trauma or injury to the nail bed, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, or underlying health conditions. While slow nail growth is not always a cause for concern, it can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Maintaining a healthy diet, practicing good nail care habits, and consulting with a healthcare professional for persistent concerns can help promote healthy nail growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | A diet lacking in vitamins and minerals can cause slow nail growth. |
| Trauma or injury | Trauma to the nail bed can affect nail growth rate. |
| Nail biting | Nail biting can cause slower nail growth. |
| Age | Nail growth slows with age. |
| Blood circulation | Poor blood circulation can slow nail growth. |
| Hormones | Hormonal changes can cause slow nail growth. |
| Illness | Illness can cause nails to stop growing temporarily. |
| Medication | Some medications can cause slow nail growth. |
| Genetics | Genetic factors can influence nail growth rate. |
| Climate | Environmental factors such as climate can affect nail growth. |
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What You'll Learn
Nail trauma or injury
Trauma or injury to the nail bed can affect the nail growth rate. Nail trauma can lead to temporary or lasting changes in nail growth, from discoloration to irregularities. Minor nail trauma can cause noticeable alterations, such as stubbing your toe, catching your finger in a door, or hitting your nail on a hard surface. This kind of trauma commonly results in blood under the nail, a condition called subungual hematoma. Nails can also be accidentally torn or split, or a splinter can get under the nail. Repeated trauma to toenails, caused by ill-fitting shoes, can lead to deformities in the nails. Toenails take longer to heal than fingernails, and toenail trauma can take up to a year and a half to fully heal.
If the nail is torn or jagged, you should trim it to avoid further injury. If your nail lifts off the nail bed, it may be most comfortable to replace the nail and hold it in place with a bandage. Nails will not reattach themselves to the nail bed after they have separated from it, but in most cases, a new nail will slowly regrow. If the trauma to the nail injures the nail matrix, a ridge or split can develop, and severe matrix damage could need ongoing care or reconstructive approaches. The nail matrix is where your fingernails and toenails form, and it creates new cells that become your nails. About 90% of nail growth comes from the germinal matrix, which is under the base of your nail. The sterile matrix lies underneath your nail, and you can't see most of your nail matrix.
If blood under the nail occupies more than half of the nail area, a physician should evaluate the finger because it could signify an underlying bone fracture or tissue tear. Treatment for subungual hematoma involves relieving pressure by draining the blood trapped under the nail. For minor trauma, the nail 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 or surgical procedures if removal is necessary.
Protecting your nails can reduce the risk of future trauma. Wearing protective gloves during repetitive tasks or heavy lifting can help prevent nail injuries. Keeping nails trimmed and maintained minimizes the chance of breakage. Habits such as nail biting and cuticle biting can cause trauma to the nails. Nail biting is a main cause of acute paronychia, a type of infection in which bacteria get underneath the tissue at the side of the nail and cause swelling and irritation.
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Poor diet or nutritional deficiencies
A diet lacking in essential nutrients like biotin, protein, vitamins, calcium, and B vitamins can result in slow nail growth. For instance, iron deficiency can cause spoon nails, where the nail appears concave horizontally or vertically. Similarly, a vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to nail discolouration.
Kwashiorkor, a nutritional syndrome caused by severe protein malnutrition, results in soft and thin nails. Marasmus, caused by prolonged starvation, leads to a 40-50% reduction in body weight and is associated with fissured nails and impaired nail growth. Beau's lines, transverse linear depressions in the nail plate, can be caused by protein deficiency and chronic alcoholism.
Nutritional deficiencies can also cause brittle nail syndrome (BNS), characterised by soft, dry, weak, and easily breakable nails. Dr Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor, notes that "brittle, weak, and peeling nails are the most common concerns I see in my practice, and these symptoms are more often the result of a poor diet than of systemic disease."
It is important to maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients to promote healthy nail growth and overall well-being.
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Hormonal changes
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including the growth and development of nails. When there is an imbalance in hormone levels, it can disrupt the normal processes involved in nail health.
Oestrogen
Oestrogen is responsible for maintaining the moisture and elasticity of the nails. When oestrogen levels are low, the nails may become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Lower levels of oestrogen can affect the health of our hair, which is why women going through menopause, or experiencing a big drop in oestrogen after giving birth, may experience dry and thinning hair. Oestrogen depletion can also affect the production of keratin, the protein responsible for nail strength and growth.
Testosterone
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, also plays a role in nail growth. Although testosterone is present in both males and females, it is more abundant in males. Testosterone helps in the development of strong and healthy nails. Higher levels of testosterone are common in women with PCOS, insulin resistance, and those experiencing a post-pill androgen surge.
Progesterone
Hormonal acne is linked to an imbalance between androgen metabolites and the hormones that keep them in check, including progesterone.
DHEA
DHEA, produced by the adrenal glands, acts as a precursor to other sex hormones, such as oestrogen and testosterone. DHEA in the body declines with age and stress, affecting skin hydration and nail health.
Thyroid Hormone
Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can cause changes in nail growth and appearance. Hypothyroidism can result in brittle, dry, and ridged nails, while hyperthyroidism can cause soft, thin nails prone to splitting. Any problem with the thyroid will impact hormone levels, and thus, thyroid issues can cause onycholysis, the loosening and softening of the nails.
Cortisol
Cortisol, the stress hormone, can also impact nail health. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can weaken the immune system, making nails more susceptible to infections and fungal growth. Additionally, stress can lead to nail-biting or picking, further damaging the nails.
Insulin
Insulin, a hormone involved in blood sugar regulation, can indirectly affect nail health. High insulin levels can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, resulting in slow nail growth, discolouration, and an increased risk of nail infections.
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Age and genetics
Age plays a significant role in nail growth. As early as age 20, the growth rate slows by about 0.5% per year. This is due to the nail matrix, where nail cells are produced, becoming less active over time. The change in speed may also be attributed to the slowing of blood circulation with age. Nails may also become dull, brittle, and prone to breaking with age. They may turn yellow or opaque, and toenails may become hard and thick, with an increased risk of ingrown toenails. Vertical ridges often become more prominent with age, and lengthwise ridges may develop in the fingernails and toenails. These changes in texture and appearance can be influenced by internal processes in the body, nutritional deficiencies, or external factors such as long-term exposure to chemicals or ultraviolet light.
Genetics is the primary factor influencing the speed of nail growth. It determines the baseline growth rate and the thickness of the nail plate. If your parents or grandparents had fast-growing nails, you are likely to inherit this trait. Additionally, genetics influences other aspects of nail health, such as the size and shape of your nail beds.
While age and genetics are key factors, it is important to note that nail growth is also affected by various other factors, including nutrition, hormones, overall health, and environmental influences. Maintaining a balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals is crucial for nail health. Biotin, for example, is known to increase nail strength and growth rate. Malnutrition, on the other hand, can slow down nail growth. Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or puberty, can also impact nail growth rates, causing them to speed up or slow down temporarily.
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Illness or medication
Certain medications can also influence nail health and growth. For instance, chemotherapy affects rapidly dividing cells, including nail matrices, leading to interrupted nail growth. Drug-induced nail disease, more prevalent in older adults taking multiple medications, can manifest as pigmentation changes, nail matrix damage, nail bed toxicity, or blood vessel damage. Specific drugs like retinoids, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, methotrexate, ciclosporin, and antiretrovirals have been linked to nail issues. Isotretinoin, used for acne treatment, can speed up nail growth, leading to thinner nails. Valproic acid and lithium have been associated with nail changes, including longitudinal melanonychia and nail psoriasis, respectively. While these cosmetic changes may not be significant, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance and treatment options.
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Frequently asked questions
Slow nail growth could be a result of trauma or injury to the nail bed. Other factors that may contribute to slow nail growth include age, diet, overall health, environmental factors, and hormone levels.
Slow nail growth can be indicative of underlying health issues. For example, white or yellow nails can indicate liver failure, kidney problems, or respiratory conditions. Clubbed nails, which curve more than usual, can be a sign of lung, heart, or liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. Slow nail growth can also be a symptom of peripheral artery disease, which is caused by narrowed arteries that lead to poor blood flow in the arms or legs.
To promote faster nail growth, it is recommended to maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, zinc, and calcium supplements are all said to promote healthy nail growth.
