Sophia Delgado
Fingernails are made of the same material as horns and hoofs, a protein called keratin, which is produced by cells in the nail matrix. The nail matrix is the part of the body responsible for making new nails, and it can be damaged by certain injuries and illnesses, affecting how nails look or grow. Factors that can affect the health of the nail matrix include fungal infections, illnesses, injuries, and skin conditions. A healthy nail functions to protect the fingertip and enhance precise delicate movements, but it can be the site of various issues, from hangnails to nail infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate of fingernails | 3.5 mm (0.14 in) a month |
| Average growth rate of toenails | 1.6 mm (0.063 in) a month |
| Time taken for fingernails to regrow completely | 3 to 6 months |
| Time taken for toenails to regrow completely | 12 to 18 months |
| Factors that affect nail growth rate | Age, sex, season, exercise level, diet, hereditary factors |
| Factors that cause nails to grow slowly or stop growing | Fever, injury, chemotherapy, major stress |
| Nail infections | Paronychia (bacteria causing a greenish-black colour) |
| Nail injuries | Bruising, ridges, discolouration, nail falling off |
| Nail deformity | Nails are not smooth |
| Hangnail | Loose strip of dead skin hanging from the edge of a fingernail |
| Nail conditions | Onycholysis (nail lifting up), Onychogryphosis (thick, overgrown nails), Koilonychia (thin, spoon-shaped nails), Onychotillomania (washboard nails), Clubbing (curved nails) |
| Nail matrix injuries | Bruising, ridges, discolouration, nail falling off |
| Nail conditions caused by nail matrix damage | Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), slow nail growth, Mees' lines (white bands), nail colour changes |
| Conditions affecting the nail matrix | Peripheral artery disease (PAD), skin conditions (e.g. eczema), illnesses (e.g. heart attack, COVID-19, pneumonia) |
| Vitamins affecting nail health | Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Calcium, Folate, Biotin |
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What You'll Learn
Diet and supplements
Biotin
Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, is essential for strengthening brittle nails and improving their growth. It is found in various foods, including organ meats such as liver, egg yolk, dairy products, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and even cauliflower. A biotin supplement is also an option for those who may not consume enough biotin-rich foods, especially vegetarians.
Zinc
Zinc is required for the healthy growth and replication of cells, contributing to strong and healthy nails. Animal proteins are a significant source of zinc, but it is also present in certain plant foods. Ensuring adequate zinc intake can help prevent issues with the nail bed and white spots on your nails, which are associated with zinc deficiencies.
Iron
Iron is crucial for nail health as it ensures that the nail beds receive adequate levels of oxygen. Iron deficiencies can lead to changes in your nails, such as ridges or caving inward. Include iron-rich foods in your diet, such as iron-fortified breakfast cereals, oysters, white beans, dark chocolate, and beef liver.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for nail health as it is needed to produce collagen, a building block for nails that lends them strength, shape, and resistance to breakage. Include Vitamin C-rich foods in your diet, such as red and green bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwi, and broccoli. If you struggle to get enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, consider taking a Vitamin C supplement.
B12 and Folate
Vitamin B12 and folate, another B-vitamin, are important for proper iron absorption and the production of healthy red blood cells, which ensure healthy blood flow to the nail beds. B12 is found mainly in meat and dairy products, while folate-rich foods include beef liver, spinach, black-eyed peas, fortified breakfast cereals, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts.
While supplements specifically marketed for nail health exist, scientific evidence for their effectiveness is limited. However, collagen-boosting supplements have been anecdotally reported to strengthen nails and promote faster growth, with additional benefits for skin and hair.
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Illness and injury
Illnesses and injuries can have a significant impact on the health and growth of your nails. A serious health event, such as a heart attack, or an illness like COVID-19, pneumonia, or even a fever, can interrupt new nail growth and cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges on your nails). Chemotherapy and other medications can also affect your nail matrix, leading to Beau's lines or slow nail growth. These changes usually disappear once you finish the medication.
Injuries to your nails can result from various accidents, such as dropping something heavy on your toe or catching your finger in a drawer. Such incidents can injure your nail matrix, leading to bruising, ridges, discolouration, or even the loss of your nail. In more severe cases, a nail injury may result in a nail infection, known as paronychia, which causes redness, swelling, and pain. Without treatment, a nail infection can worsen, and an open sore may form, requiring extensive treatment.
Fungal infections, often affecting the toenails, can also impact nail growth and health. Toenail fungus may manifest as thick, yellow, cracked, or cloudy nails. Additionally, certain skin conditions, such as severe eczema, can interfere with nail growth and cause changes in texture and colour.
It is important to seek medical attention for more serious nail injuries and infections. A dermatologist can provide treatment and guidance to promote the growth of healthy nails. With proper medical care, nails can usually grow back even after falling off due to injury.
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Skin conditions
Skin growing under the fingernails is called hyponychium. It is the thick skin located near the fingertip, just beyond the distal end of the nail bed. It acts as a barrier to protect your nail from harmful substances and germs. However, sometimes the hyponychium can overgrow and become thicker, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of infection. This can be due to various reasons, including:
Pterygium Inversum Unguis (PIU)
PIU is an uncommon condition but a common cause of skin overgrowth under the fingernail. It occurs when the hyponychium attaches to the underside of the nail as it grows. It can be present from birth or acquired later, with the acquired form commonly associated with autoimmune conditions such as lupus.
Nail Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition where skin cells grow too quickly. Nail psoriasis can cause skin cell accumulation under the fingernails, leading to scaling and buildup.
Gel Manicures, Acrylic Nails, and Nail Biting
The chemicals in gel manicures and wearing acrylic nails for extended periods can contribute to hyponychium overgrowth. Additionally, nail biting can also be a factor.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation caused by direct contact with irritants or allergens. It can lead to hyponychium overgrowth and skin thickening under the fingernails.
Nail Injuries
Injuries to the nail bed or matrix, such as bruising or crushing, can cause nail deformities, thickening, or ridges. In some cases, the nail may fall off due to severe injury.
Various skin conditions can affect nail growth and health. These include eczema, which can cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), pitting, and texture or colour changes. Additionally, peripheral artery disease (PAD), characterised by reduced blood flow to the legs and feet, can slow nail growth due to decreased blood flow to the nail matrix.
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Cancer and treatment
Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, can cause changes to your fingernails and toenails. These changes may include discolouration, increased fragility, slowed growth, and separation from the nail bed. In some cases, nails may even fall off. These changes are typically short-term, and most patients' nails grow back healthy after completing treatment. However, for some patients, these changes may be longer-term, with nails sometimes growing back thick and painful.
One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is the development of Beau's lines—horizontal ridges or grooves on the nails. These ridges form because the nail plate stops growing temporarily during each infusion, creating ridges as it may grow a little between infusions. Chemotherapy can also lead to nail infections, particularly paronychia, due to the lowering of white blood cell count, making it harder for the body to fight infections.
To manage these changes and keep your nails healthy during and after treatment, it is important to understand the potential risks and take preventive measures. For example, keeping your nails cut short and massaging cuticle cream into the cuticle area can help prevent dryness and splitting. Additionally, soaking your nails in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can help alleviate nail fold inflammation and reduce the risk of infection. It is also crucial to be gentle with your nails, avoid excessive friction or pressure, and wear protective gloves or shoes during activities that could damage your hands or feet.
While most nail changes are not cause for concern, it is important to monitor your nails for any signs of infection or other abnormalities. If you notice any changes that cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, or a foul odour, consult your doctor. Additionally, if you develop a new dark line on a single nail, seek medical care as it may be a sign of subungual melanoma, or nail melanoma, a rare but serious form of skin cancer under the nail.
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Trimming and cleaning
Trimming:
Nail grooming is a simple yet crucial aspect of self-care. Short, well-maintained nails not only look aesthetically pleasing but also help prevent bacterial growth and infections. It is recommended to trim your nails regularly, using the appropriate tools such as nail clippers or nail scissors for fingernails and a toenail clipper for toenails. Remember to disinfect your tools regularly by soaking them in isopropyl alcohol and then rinsing and drying them thoroughly.
When trimming your nails, start by soaking them in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them, making them easier to cut. Cut your nails straight across, avoiding any angles or curves that could lead to painful hangnails. Be careful not to cut past the opaque tips of your nails to avoid exposing the sensitive skin underneath. For toenails, cutting straight across is especially important to reduce the chances of getting ingrown toenails.
After trimming, use a nail file or emery board to gently round the corners of your nails. This helps keep them strong and prevents them from catching on fabrics or surfaces. It is also beneficial to moisturize your nails and cuticles after trimming to maintain nail flexibility and prevent dryness, which can lead to splitting and breakage.
Cleaning:
Keeping your nails clean is essential for both hygiene and nail health. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds to remove dirt, oil, and germs. Ensure you dry your hands thoroughly afterward to minimize the chance of moisture-related issues, such as soft nails, infection, or breakage.
For a deeper clean, you can follow these additional steps: use an orangewood stick to carefully clean under your nails, trim your nails if needed, and then soak your nails in a solution of equal parts clean water and apple cider vinegar for 20 minutes. Apple cider vinegar is known for its anti-fungal and cleansing properties, helping to whiten and disinfect the nails. Finally, rewash your hands with warm, soapy water, and moisturize your nails and cuticles.
Remember to clean your nail tools regularly and avoid sharing nail clippers with others to prevent the spread of germs and potential infections. Additionally, avoid the temptation to bite your nails or pick at your nail polish, as these habits can damage your nails and introduce bacteria.
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Frequently asked questions
Some common causes of fingernail problems include fungal infections, such as tinea, violent blows to the nail, continuous mild trauma, and compulsive nail biting.
Signs of a fingernail infection include redness and swelling around the nail, and a greenish-black discolouration of the nail.
Fingernails can be affected by various factors, including age, fever, injury, chemotherapy, major stress, and certain medications.
To promote healthy fingernail growth, it is recommended to maintain good personal hygiene, wear protective gloves when performing tasks involving water or chemicals, and trim nails properly.
Any abnormal changes to your fingernails, such as discolouration, thickening, or pitting, should be medically investigated. If you notice ridges, grooves, or changes in nail shape, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist.
