Ava Monroe
Nails have a good regenerative capacity, but they grow slowly. Fingernails can take anywhere from four to six months to grow back, while toenails can take up to 18 months to regrow. The rate of nail growth can vary depending on age, overall health, medication, and certain skin conditions. Additionally, injuries and some health conditions can damage the nail matrix, which is where new nails form, and affect how your nails grow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for a fingernail to grow back | 4-6 months |
| Time taken for a toenail to grow back | 6-24 months |
| Nail growth inhibitors | Trauma, fungal infection, skin conditions, chemotherapy, peripheral artery disease, eczema, psoriasis, medication, injury, surgery, age, climate, overall health, hormones, malnourishment |
| Nail growth promoters | Increased blood flow to the injured area, summer, pregnancy |
| Nail matrix | The "factory" where your body makes new nails |
| Nail bed healing time | 7-10 days |
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What You'll Learn
Nails grow back after being removed
Nails have a good regeneration capacity, but they grow back slowly. Fingernails may grow one-tenth of a millimeter each day, so completely removed fingernails usually take within 4 to 6 months to grow back. Toenails may grow at about half or one-third the rate of fingernails, so completely removed toenails may take up to 18 months to grow back.
The rate of regrowth can vary from person to person and can be impacted by several factors. For instance, nails tend to grow slower in older adults and in colder climates. Nails grow faster in the summer, and on the dominant hand, as compared to the non-dominant hand. Trauma or an injury can increase the rate of regrowth due to an increase in blood flow to the injured area. Overall health also impacts nail growth. Sickness, malnutrition, and certain medications can slow down nail growth.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage the nail matrix, which is where your fingernails or toenails form. A serious health event like a heart attack or an illness like COVID-19 or pneumonia can interrupt new nail growth and cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges in your nails). Pinching or crushing your finger or dropping something heavy on your toe can injure your nail matrix. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can also cause reduced blood flow to your nail matrix, slowing down nail growth.
If you've lost a nail, keep the nail bed clean, dry, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown back. Watch for signs of infection such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
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Nail matrix injuries and their treatment
The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. It is responsible for nail growth and is located just below the nail fold, which protects it from injuries. However, injuries and some health conditions can damage the nail matrix, affecting the appearance and growth of nails.
Causes of Nail Matrix Injuries
Nail matrix injuries can result from mechanical injuries, such as crushing your finger or dropping something heavy on your toe. Sports injuries are common, especially in athletes who wear tight shoes. Long fingernails can also increase the risk of nail bed separation during injuries. Additionally, improper nail care procedures, such as cuticle work with a cuticle pusher or drill, or improperly performed and removed UV gel manicures, can damage the nail matrix.
Certain skin conditions and diseases can also affect the nail matrix. These include severe eczema, which can cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges), pitting, and texture or colour changes. Nail psoriasis can lead to white lines, pitting, and crumbling of the nails. Subungual melanoma, or nail matrix melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix, causing brown or black discolouration.
Treatment for Nail Matrix Injuries
The treatment for nail matrix injuries depends on the underlying cause. For nail infections, prescription antifungal pills are typically used, while nail psoriasis can be managed with medications, including pills, injections, or topical treatments.
In the case of physical trauma, it is essential to keep the injured area clean, dry, and protected. Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve mild pain. If there is a bruise under the nail, a procedure called nail trephination can be performed to drain the trapped blood, providing pain relief and aiding in proper nail growth.
For severe nail matrix injuries, podological treatment may be necessary to restore nail health and appearance. It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly, as delaying treatment can lead to potentially dangerous infections. In rare cases of permanent nail matrix damage, external actions can be taken to improve the aesthetics of the nail using nail styling products.
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Factors that affect the speed of nail regrowth
Several factors influence the speed at which a nail regrows, including age, health, genetics, and external factors like trauma or injury.
Age plays a role in nail growth, with older adults experiencing slower nail growth. This is partly due to a decrease in blood circulation as we age. Additionally, health conditions that impact nail growth, such as fungal infections, become more prevalent in older individuals.
Health conditions and overall well-being also affect nail growth. Chronic illnesses, such as thyroid disease, hypopituitarism, diabetes, and osteoporosis, can lead to fragile and slow-growing nails. Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, puberty, or lactation, can also influence nail growth rates. Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies can slow down nail growth, highlighting the importance of a nutritious and well-balanced diet for optimal nail health.
Genetics and individual factors, such as dominant hand usage, also come into play. Nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster due to increased usage, trauma, and the body's subsequent response of sending more blood and nutrients to the area to aid in healing. Additionally, studies have shown that the rate of growth varies depending on the finger, with the little finger's nail growing slower than others.
External factors, such as trauma, injury, or skin conditions, can significantly impact nail growth. Toenails, for instance, may take longer to regrow due to trauma caused by stubbing or tight-fitting shoes. Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema can also interfere with nail growth, leading to changes in texture, colour, and the formation of white lines or pitting.
Practicing good nail hygiene, maintaining a nutritious diet, and consulting a healthcare professional for underlying conditions can help support nail health and promote optimal regrowth.
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How to care for a nail injury at home
A nail injury can be very painful, and it can take months to years for a nail to grow back, depending on the severity of the injury. Here are some tips on how to care for a nail injury at home:
Treat the wound:
If any part of your nail is hanging off, gently trim away the part not connected to your skin. Then, gently clean the wound using soap and water. If the wound is bleeding, do not put a dry bandage or gauze on top as it will stick to the wound. Instead, apply petroleum jelly to keep your wound moist, then cover it with gauze or a bandage. Repeat these steps daily while your wound heals.
Reduce swelling:
Apply a cool, damp washcloth to your wound to help reduce swelling. Prop the injured arm or leg on pillows so that the injured nail is higher than your heart. Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help relieve pain and reduce swelling when the injury is new.
Protect the nail:
Keep the injured nail covered with a light dressing, such as an adhesive bandage or a small piece of gauze, to provide padding and protection. Change the bandage whenever it gets wet. Watch for signs of infection, such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
Prevent another nail injury:
Keep your nails short so they do not bend or catch on objects. Make sure your shoes fit well and have a wide toe box to prevent rubbing. Wear proper gear to protect your nails when playing sports.
When to see a doctor:
While most nail injuries can be treated at home, some may require medical attention. See a doctor or seek emergency care if you cannot bend your finger or toe, if there is blood covering more than half of your nail, if your nail turns black or purple, or if the injury is very painful.
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Nail infections and their treatment
Fingernails and toenails are formed in the nail matrix, which is the "factory" where your body produces new nails. Injuries, certain health conditions, and illnesses can damage the nail matrix and affect how your nails look or grow. However, with proper treatment, healthy nails can grow back.
Nail infections are typically bacterial or fungal. Paronychia, for instance, is a bacterial nail infection that usually results from bacteria entering the skin through cuts in the cuticle and the nail fold (the skin around the nail). Most bacterial nail infections respond well to antibiotics, which are necessary to prevent the infection from returning. In some cases, minor procedures such as draining pus may be required.
Fungal nail infections, on the other hand, are commonly caused by fungi that cause athlete's foot. These infections thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as shoes and socks. Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections than fingernails, and symptoms include discolouration, thickening, and distortion. Antifungal treatments are available, but they must be used consistently for several months to be effective.
In addition to bacterial and fungal infections, nails can also be affected by skin conditions such as psoriasis. Corticosteroids, biologics, and topical steroids can help improve nail appearance in cases of nail psoriasis.
To prevent nail infections, it is important to keep the nail bed clean and dry, and to avoid walking barefoot in places like communal showers and gyms, as this can increase the risk of contracting a fungal infection.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back and up to 18 months for a toenail to regrow.
If your nail falls off, you should keep the nail bed dry, clean, and covered with petroleum jelly and an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown back. You should also watch for signs of infection such as increasing heat, redness, pain, tenderness, swelling, or pus.
Yes, a nail may separate from the nail bed due to an injury. For example, if you have long fingernails, your nail may pry away from the nail bed when it is hit or jammed.
