Noah Sinclair
Human nails grow indefinitely, but there are a number of factors that affect how fast they grow. Nails grow at an average rate of 3mm per month, but this can vary between 1.8 mm and 4.5 mm. Toenails grow about one-third to one-half as quickly as fingernails. However, nail growth can slow down or even stop due to various reasons. For example, nail growth can be interrupted by chemotherapy, fever, injury, or major stress. Additionally, underlying medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, or exposure to certain chemicals or ultraviolet light can also affect nail growth. In some cases, severe damage to the nail bed can cause nails to stop growing altogether, a condition known as onychomadesis.
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What You'll Learn
- Nails can stop growing due to severe damage to the nail bed
- Onychomadesis is the clinical term for when nails stop growing
- Factors like age, nutrition, disease, and exposure to chemicals can affect nail growth
- Nails grow faster during the day and in summer, and on your dominant hand
- Biting your nails may increase their growth rate
Nails can stop growing due to severe damage to the nail bed
Fingernails and toenails can stop growing due to severe damage to the nail bed. The nail bed is the area under the nail plate, which is the nail itself. Damage to the nail bed can occur when a heavy object crushes or hits the fingers or toes, resulting in a subungual hematoma, which looks like a bruise. Small blood vessels under the nail bed leak, and blood pools between the nail and the nail bed. This can also occur when the tips of the fingers or toes are crushed or subjected to a heavy impact.
Prompt treatment is essential to ensure that the nail bed heals correctly and the nail grows back smoothly. Bandages and ice packs can be used to treat minor injuries, while more severe cases may require professional medical attention. In some cases, the doctor may need to remove the nail to repair the nail bed. Antibiotics may also be necessary to prevent infection.
It is important to note that nail growth can also be affected by various factors, such as age, nutrition, and underlying health conditions. For example, nail growth typically peaks during puberty and slows down as hormone levels balance out with age. Certain skin conditions, such as severe eczema and psoriasis, can also interfere with nail growth and cause changes in texture and colour. Additionally, frequent nail clipping and nail biting have been associated with faster nail growth rates.
To maintain overall nail health and prevent breakage, it is recommended to take biotin supplements, use nail hardeners sparingly, avoid glue-on nails and toxic polishes, and practice good nail hygiene by keeping nails clean and trimmed.
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Onychomadesis is the clinical term for when nails stop growing
In children, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common cause of onychomadesis. HFMD is a highly contagious enteroviral infection characterised by erosive stomatitis, vesicles on the palms and soles, and a generalised macular and papular eruption. Onychomadesis typically occurs 3 to 8 weeks after the acute illness. It is believed that inflammation around the nail matrix or direct damage to the nail matrix by viral replication may be the root cause of nail shedding in HFMD-related onychomadesis.
Local damage to the nail bed is one of the most frequent causes of single-digit onychomadesis. When multiple fingers are involved, it may indicate a systemic cause. Systemic medications such as antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, and retinoids have been reported as potential triggers. Additionally, drug eruptions can induce onychomadesis, as seen in cases of penicillin allergy.
In some cases, onychomadesis may be idiopathic, with no apparent external cause. It has been observed in both children and adults and can run in families. Recurrent onychomadesis, or the repeated occurrence of nail shedding, may be related to microtrauma associated with footwear.
There is no specific treatment for onychomadesis, and most cases are minor and self-limiting. However, urea 40% cream has been used to treat onychomadesis in certain patients, helping to smoothen the nail and reduce trauma. To manage the condition, it is recommended to keep nails short, cover the affected nails with adhesive bandages, and address any underlying medical issues or discontinue offending medications.
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Factors like age, nutrition, disease, and exposure to chemicals can affect nail growth
Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called keratin. The growth rate of nails typically slows down as people age. Nails may also become brittle and prone to breakage. However, this is not the only factor that affects nail growth.
Age
As we age, our nails may become thicker or thinner, and their growth rate slows down. As early as the age of 20, the growth rate slows by about 0.5% per year. Nails may also become more prone to breakage.
Nutrition
Nutrient deficiencies can affect the appearance of your nails. For instance, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in blue nails with bluish-black pigments and wavy longitudinal dark streaks. A folate or vitamin B9 deficiency can cause a pigment change and make nails rigid and brittle. Iron is necessary for providing your cells with oxygen, which is required for healthy nails. A lack of iron can affect the shape and appearance of your nails. Vertical ridges in your nails may be a sign of a magnesium deficiency. Zinc is also required for the healthy growth of nails.
Disease
Diseases such as psoriasis, ichthyosis, and circulation problems can cause "Ram's horn nails", a condition where nails thicken and overgrow. Pitted nails can be a sign of alopecia areata. Yellow nails can be a sign of lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a serious nail infection. Diseases that affect the whole body can also cause spoon-shaped nails, which may be a sign of iron deficiency.
Exposure to Chemicals
Products used in nail salons can contain many chemicals that can have serious health effects. For example, butyl acetate, found in nail polish and nail polish remover, can cause headaches and irritate the eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat. Formaldehyde, found in nail polish and nail hardeners, can cause difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, and irritated eyes, skin, and throat. It can also cause cancer.
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Nails grow faster during the day and in summer, and on your dominant hand
Fingernails grow at an average rate of about 3.47 millimetres per month or about 0.1 millimetres per day. However, this rate may vary depending on various factors, and there are a few reasons why your nails may grow faster or slower than the average rate. Firstly, nails grow faster during the day and in summer. This may be due to the stimulating effect of warmer temperatures on nail growth. Additionally, the nails on your dominant hand and longer fingers tend to grow faster, likely because you use that hand more often, increasing the risk of trauma to those nails. When trauma occurs, your body naturally sends more blood and nutrients to the affected area, promoting repair and growth.
Hormones also play a significant role in nail growth rates. For example, pregnancy and puberty are associated with higher nail growth rates due to fluctuating hormone levels. On the other hand, as hormone levels stabilise with age, nail growth tends to slow down. Certain conditions, such as diabetes and circulatory issues, can also impact nail growth and require careful monitoring.
Nail care habits can also influence the growth rate. For instance, regular nail clipping and maintaining good nail hygiene are associated with healthier and faster-growing nails. Additionally, practising good overall body care and addressing nutrient deficiencies can contribute to optimal nail growth. While genetics largely determines the size and shape of nail beds, taking care of your health and practising proper nail maintenance can help enhance nail growth within these inherent parameters.
While there may be variations in growth rates, it is important to remember that losing a fingernail can take up to six months for it to completely regrow. This extended timeframe underscores the complexity of nail growth and regeneration. Overall, by understanding the factors influencing nail growth and implementing appropriate care practices, individuals can support the health and appearance of their nails.
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Biting your nails may increase their growth rate
Nail-biting is a common habit that often begins in childhood or adolescence, sometimes as a nervous response or a coping mechanism. While most people who bite their nails do not intend to make them grow faster, research suggests that nail-biting may indeed increase the rate of nail growth.
Onychophagia, or the chronic habit of nail-biting, has been associated with a faster nail growth rate. This may be because biting causes trauma to the nail, stimulating circulation in the nail bed. This trauma triggers the body to send more blood and nutrients to the area to aid in repair, which may contribute to faster nail growth. Additionally, the physical manipulation of the nail through biting may stimulate the growth plate of each finger to be more metabolically active, leading to speedier nail formation.
While nail-biting may not cause any direct adverse effects on the nail itself, it can have other negative consequences. For example, nail-biting can increase the risk of developing infections in the surrounding areas of skin and the nail bed, such as paronychia. It can also facilitate the transfer of bacteria from the hands to the mouth and nose, potentially leading to common illnesses like the cold. In rare cases, compulsive nail-biting may be indicative of underlying anxiety, stress, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
If you are struggling to break the habit of nail-biting, there are several strategies that can help. Firstly, identify the triggers that lead you to bite your nails and try to find alternative behaviours as a replacement. This could include squeezing a stress ball, playing with a fidget toy, or chewing gum. Keeping your nails trimmed and well-groomed can also reduce the temptation to bite by minimising hangnails and ragged edges. In more persistent cases, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can be effective in addressing the psychological aspects of nail-biting.
While nail-biting may contribute to faster nail growth, it is important to consider the potential negative impacts on your health and well-being. Breaking the habit of nail-biting can not only improve your nail health but also reduce the risk of infections and other associated issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails typically grow continuously throughout a person's life, but they can stop growing if the nail bed is severely damaged. This condition is called onychomadesis.
Onychomadesis is the clinical term for when nails stop growing. It is not a disease but rather an indication that something is wrong. It can be caused by a fever, injury, chemotherapy, or major stress.
If you suspect you have onychomadesis, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to your nails.
Yes, nail growth can also be interrupted by certain underlying medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, nail growth typically slows down with age.
To promote nail growth, you can try taking biotin supplements, using nail hardeners sparingly, and practicing good nail hygiene. Keeping your nails clean and trimmed is essential for maintaining nail health.
