Sophia Delgado
Fingernails and toenails are made of skin cells and have a basic structure that serves to protect against infections or injuries. Nails are constantly growing, but their growth rate slows down due to poor circulation and aging. The rate of growth varies between fingers and toes, and even between different fingers. The growth of nails is influenced by factors such as age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, and hereditary factors. Additionally, certain health conditions, injuries, and medications can affect nail growth and appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Parts of the nail | The nail itself, the underlying structure that supports nail growth, and the skin tissue that surrounds it |
| Purpose of nails | To protect the tips of the fingers and toes |
| Factors that affect nail growth | Age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, hereditary factors, blood circulation, hormones, nail clipping, trauma, and health conditions |
| Average growth rate of fingernails | 3 mm per month |
| Average growth rate of toenails | 1.62 mm per month |
| Time taken for fingernails to regrow completely | 3-6 months |
| Time taken for toenails to regrow completely | 12-18 months |
| Cells that make up nails | Keratin-rich skin cells |
| Cells that make up the nail matrix | Germinal matrix (90%) and sterile matrix (10%) |
| Health conditions that can affect nail growth | Fungal infections, melanoma cancer, peripheral artery disease, eczema, chemotherapy, and other medications |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails grow faster than toenails
Fingernails grow about three times faster than toenails. The average growth rate of fingernails is 3.47 mm/month, while that of toenails is 1.62 mm/month. Fingernails take three to six months to regrow completely, whereas toenails take 12 to 18 months. This difference in growth rate may be attributed to several factors. Firstly, fingernails are more prone to trauma than toenails, as they are used for various tasks such as gripping, scratching, and self-defence. When trauma occurs, the body sends more blood and nutrients to the affected area, promoting nail growth.
Another factor influencing the growth rate is blood circulation. As people age, their blood circulation slows down, affecting the speed of nail growth. Additionally, hormones play a role in nail growth rates, with pregnancy resulting in rapid nail growth, while lactation slows it down. Puberty is also a critical period for nail growth, with rates peaking during this time and then gradually declining as hormone levels stabilise.
The growth rate of nails also varies depending on the season, with nails growing faster during the summer and slower during the winter. This variation may be related to the impact of temperature and sunlight on nail growth. Moreover, nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster, possibly due to more frequent use, which can increase the risk of trauma.
While the exact mechanisms controlling nail growth speed remain unknown, these factors collectively contribute to the faster growth rate of fingernails compared to toenails.
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Nail growth and health are affected by diet and nutrient deficiencies
Nail growth and health are closely linked to diet and nutrient deficiencies. Nails require a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to stay healthy, and a deficiency in any one of these can affect their appearance and growth rate.
A well-rounded diet that includes whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will typically provide all the necessary nutrients for nail health. Animal proteins are a great source of zinc, which is essential for nail growth, while vitamin B12 and folate (or vitamin B9) are crucial for nail growth and health, contributing to red blood cell formation and oxygen transportation to nail cells. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause discoloration, with nails turning blue, bluish-black, or brown. Similarly, a folate deficiency can lead to pigment changes, making nails rigid and brittle. Iron is another critical component for nail health, as it forms the center of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the nails. Iron deficiencies can cause spoon nails, where the nail appears concave horizontally or vertically.
In addition to these, biotin is important for strengthening brittle nails and improving their growth. Biotin is found in organ meats, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and even cauliflower. While biotin supplements are available, consuming biotin through food is generally recommended.
Nail health can also indicate more serious health issues, including nutritional deficiencies and chronic conditions. For example, soft and thin nails could be a sign of Kwashiorkor, a nutritional syndrome caused by severe protein malnutrition. Marasmus, a wasting syndrome caused by prolonged starvation, can result in fissured nails and impaired nail growth. Beau's lines, or transverse linear depressions in the nail plate, may be caused by protein deficiency or a general malnourished state associated with chronic alcoholism.
While external factors like trauma to the nail, overexposure to moisture, or chemical exposure can also affect nail health, diet and nutrient deficiencies play a significant role in nail growth and overall nail health.
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Nail growth slows with age due to poor circulation
Fingernails and toenails are made of the same substance, called nail, and they both serve to protect the tips of the fingers and toes from injuries and infections. The growth rate of nails varies between individuals and even between different fingers on the same hand. The average growth rate for fingernails is about 3mm per month, while toenails grow at about a third to half the rate of fingernails, or an average of 1.62mm per month.
Nail growth is influenced by various factors, including age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, hereditary factors, and overall health. As people age, the growth rate of their nails tends to decrease, with a 0.5% reduction per year starting at around age 20 or 25. This slowdown in nail growth with age may be attributed to poor circulation, particularly in the distal extremities, which can be a sign of more serious health issues.
Poor circulation can be caused by various factors, including impaired blood flow due to aging, faulty biomechanics, infections, or underlying health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, anemia, liver or kidney problems, and diabetes. Additionally, older adults are more susceptible to nail fungal infections, which can further impact nail appearance.
Other age-related changes in nails include alterations in thickness, contour, surface, and colour. Nails may become brittle and prone to breaking due to repeated wetting and drying, exposure to harsh chemicals or cosmetics, or the use of certain cosmetics. In some cases, nails may also exhibit dramatic shape changes, such as clubbing, which is associated with long-term oxygen deprivation and underlying health conditions.
While nail growth rate naturally slows with age, certain conditions or disorders may further impact nail health and growth. For example, older individuals are at an increased risk of developing ingrown toenails, which can cause substantial pain and mobility issues. Additionally, conditions such as diabetes or circulatory issues can affect nail growth and require close monitoring.
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Nail growth is affected by hormones, with peak growth during puberty
Nail growth is influenced by a variety of factors, one of which is hormone levels. Hormones play a significant role in nail growth, and this growth is particularly noticeable during puberty, when hormone levels are in a state of flux.
Puberty is a time of significant hormonal changes, and these changes can have an impact on nail growth. During this time, the body is undergoing rapid development and maturation, and this is reflected in nail growth rates. It is said that nail growth peaks during puberty, and this rapid growth can be attributed to the increase in hormones during this time.
The growth rate of nails can be an indicator of overall health and hormone levels in the body. Hormones such as those associated with pregnancy, for example, can cause rapid nail growth. On the other hand, during lactation, the rate of nail growth decreases. This fluctuation in growth rates is also observed during puberty.
As people age, their hormone levels tend to stabilise, and this can lead to a decline in nail growth rates. The change in speed may be attributed to the slowing of blood circulation with age. Therefore, the growth rate of nails during puberty, when hormone levels are at their most unpredictable, can be considered a unique occurrence.
While the growth rate of nails is influenced by hormones, it is also impacted by other factors. For example, the nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster due to increased usage, which leads to more trauma and a higher risk of injury. Additionally, the growth rate of nails can be affected by the season, with faster growth observed during the summertime.
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Nail growth can be affected by certain illnesses and medications
Illnesses and medications can significantly impact nail growth and health. Firstly, it is important to note that nail abnormalities are common, affecting the shape, thickness, or colour of nails. While these changes do not always indicate an illness, it is important to consult a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis.
Nail abnormalities can be a sign of an underlying health condition. For example, pitted nails, which look like they have been dented by an ice pick, can indicate a disease affecting the entire body, such as alopecia areata. Additionally, yellow nails that thicken and stop growing could be a sign of lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a serious nail infection. Changes in nail colour, such as light blue-grey discolouration, can indicate collagen vascular disease or drug toxicity. Dark streaks on the nails may also be a sign of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
Medications can also interfere with nail health and growth. Drug-induced nail disease occurs when medications affect nail growth or structure. These drugs can damage the nail matrix, the nail bed, periungual tissue, or the blood vessels feeding the nails. Antibiotics, for instance, can cause onycholysis, where the nail lifts from the nail bed, appearing white, yellow, or brown. This condition can also be caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, known as photo-onycholysis. Other medications associated with nail abnormalities include retinoids, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, methotrexate, ciclosporin, and antiretroviral drugs. While nail abnormalities often improve when the causative drug is discontinued, it may take months or even years for the nails to return to their normal appearance, especially in the case of toenails due to their slow growth rate.
It is worth noting that certain illnesses and conditions can affect nail growth and health. For example, people with diabetes or circulatory issues should closely monitor their nails. Additionally, during pregnancy, hormones can cause rapid nail growth, while during lactation, nail growth may slow down. Poor circulation and aging can also contribute to slower nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails are made of a hard substance called keratin, which is a type of skin cell.
Nails grow when the nail matrix, the factory where new nails are made, produces new layers of cells that combine to make each nail.
Injuries, certain illnesses, and poor circulation can all damage the nail matrix and slow or stop nail growth.
Fingernails are closer to the heart, so they receive more blood and grow faster. Toenails are also subjected to less trauma, which affects their growth rate.
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