Sophia Delgado
The colour of fingernails and toenails can indicate severe health conditions. Generally, healthy nails are pink, with the nail plate being pink and the nail being white as it grows off the nail bed. Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called keratin. The nail plate looks pink because of the blood-rich capillaries in the nail bed. Fingernails grow about three times faster than toenails, and the growth rate of both slows as the body ages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fingernail growth rate | Three times faster than toenails |
| Toenail problems | More common in older people |
| Fingernail problems | Common causes include injury, infection, and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis |
| Toenail problems | Common causes include trauma, ill-fitting shoes, poor circulation, poor nerve supply, and infection |
| Healthy nail colour | White with a pinkish nail plate |
| Nail discolouration | Can indicate an underlying health issue |
| Nail colour changes | Can be caused by certain medications, including antibiotics and anti-malarial drugs |
| Nail fungus | More common in toenails than in fingernails |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails grow faster than toenails
While the colour of fingernails and toenails can indicate underlying health issues, their growth rate is also an important indicator of health. Fingernails grow about three times faster than toenails, with an average growth rate of 0.1 mm each day, or 1 centimetre every 100 days. The average growth rate for fingernails is 3.47 mm per month, while for toenails, it is 1.62 mm per month. The big toenail is the fastest-growing nail on the foot, and the pinky fingernail is the slowest-growing fingernail.
Fingernails and toenails have distinct purposes. Fingernails aid in gripping, scratching, and performing fine motor tasks, whereas toenails primarily provide protection. The faster growth rate of fingernails may be attributed to their more frequent use and higher visibility, making regular trimming necessary to maintain functionality and aesthetics.
The growth and health of fingernails and toenails are influenced by various factors, including age, diet, and overall health. Older individuals, for example, tend to experience more toenail problems. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions can manifest as discolouration, ridges, or brittleness in the nails.
It is important to monitor any abnormal changes in nail appearance, as they can indicate underlying health issues. For instance, white nails can signal liver disease, diabetes, or a lack of nutrients in the diet. Similarly, discolouration in shades of yellow, green, blue, or black can be indicative of infections, poor circulation, or other health concerns.
In summary, while fingernails and toenails have similar compositions and functions, their growth rates differ significantly, with fingernails outpacing toenails. These differences in growth rate and appearance are influenced by a combination of evolutionary, physiological, and environmental factors, highlighting the complex nature of nail health and its connection to overall well-being.
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Fingernails have more functionality
Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called alpha-keratin, which is produced by living skin cells in the fingers. They are similar to claws in other animals and are present in most non-human primates and a few other mammals. Nails support and protect the sensitive tips of our fingers and toes.
Fingernails grow about three times faster than toenails. The average growth rate for nails is approximately 0.1 mm each day (or 1 centimeter in 100 days). A study of 22 healthy American young adults found that fingernails grow an average of 3.47 mm a month, while toenails grow an average of 1.62 mm a month. The pinkie fingernail is the slowest-growing fingernail, while the big toenail is the fastest-growing nail on the feet.
The colour of fingernails and toenails can also reveal certain severe health conditions. Healthy nails are generally pink at the nail beds, with small, shallow vertical lines, and white as they grow off the nail bed. Any significant deviation from this normal pinkish hue can indicate an underlying health issue. For example, white nails can indicate kidney or liver disorders, anemia, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart failure, heavy metal poisoning, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrients in the diet. Nails with a yellow, green, blue, or black discolouration can be signs of infection, poor circulation, or other health problems.
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Toenail problems are more common in older people
Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called alpha-keratin. Fingernails grow about three times faster than toenails. Toenail problems tend to be more common among older people.
As you grow older, your toenails may start to thicken and become harder or take longer to grow. You might also notice that they appear more brittle, yellow or less translucent and the former shine may have dulled. Nails can become fissured, split or striated, which can be alarming. This is caused by a decrease in the normally smooth nail plate texture, which becomes progressively more friable with age.
One of the most challenging aspects of personal hygiene as we age is cutting toenails. Toenail infections are more common in older people, with around a third of older people suffering from fungal infections. Onychomycosis is the most common nail infection, representing around 50% of all infections, and is prevalent in the elderly. The risk of onychomycosis is higher in males, older people, smokers, and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and immunodeficiency.
Older adults are advised to take precautions such as routine appointments with a podiatrist to prevent and manage infections and injuries. Proper trimming and shaping of toenails can reduce cuts and potential infections, as well as removing any ingrown toenails. It is also important to examine circulation and pulse in relation to peripheral artery disease, venous insufficiency, diabetes, and other health conditions.
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Fingernails can be indicators of serious illness
Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called alpha-keratin. They support and protect the tips of our fingers and toes, and in the case of fingernails, they also help us to pick up objects, scratch an itch, or untie a knot.
Healthy nails are typically smooth, shiny, and slightly curved, with a visible pink nail bed and a white free margin. They should be uniform in colour and consistency, without spots or discolouration. However, if you notice any abnormalities in your nails, it is essential to monitor them and seek medical advice if necessary. While nail changes are rarely the first sign of illness, they can sometimes indicate underlying health issues.
For example, very pale or white nails can be a sign of anaemia, congestive heart failure, liver disease, or poor nutrition. Nails with a bluish tint may indicate low oxygen levels in the blood, which is a warning sign of COVID-19, heart disease, or emphysema. Dark lines beneath the nail or dark streaks running the length of the nail could indicate melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer. Horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, suggest a pause in nail growth due to a previous illness, injury, shock, or other conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or cancer treatment. Curved or "clubbed" nails may be associated with lung, inflammatory bowel, cardiovascular, or liver disease. Thick, overgrown nails could result from hereditary factors or conditions like psoriasis or poor circulation.
It is important to note that nail abnormalities do not always indicate a serious health issue. For instance, vertical ridges are usually age-related and harmless. Random white spots are typically harmless and may result from injuries or frequent manicures. Nevertheless, if you notice any persistent or concerning changes in your nails, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Toenail infections are harder to treat
The pink colour of healthy nails comes from the nail plate, with the nail appearing white as it grows off the nail bed. Fingernails tend to be more pink than toenails due to the fact that they grow about three times faster.
Fungal infections are typically treated with antifungal pills or creams, which can be bought over the counter or with a prescription. However, antifungal treatments often do not work well on toenail infections, and the infection may return even after successful treatment. Laser therapy is even less effective for toenail fungus. Treating toenail fungus takes a long time, and it may require several months of treatment to get rid of the fungus. Good hygiene and foot care can help reduce the chances of a fungal infection returning. It is important to keep feet clean and dry, wear shoes with airflow, and avoid covering up discoloured toenails with nail polish, as this traps moisture from the nail bed, creating a favourable environment for fungi to thrive.
If you have a toenail infection, it is recommended to see a doctor or a podiatrist (foot specialist) for treatment. They may take a small sample from underneath the nail to analyse the cells under a microscope and confirm the diagnosis. A skin specialist or dermatologist can also provide guidance on treatment options. In some cases, removing the infected nail may be necessary. Bacterial infections of the skin around the toenail, known as paronychia, can be treated with antibiotic or antiviral medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernails are more pink than toenails because they grow about three times faster. The healthy nail plate is pink, and the nail looks white as it grows off the nail bed.
Healthy nails are generally pink, with the nail plate being pink and the nail being white as it grows off the nail bed.
Any significant deviation from the normal pinkish hue of nails can indicate an underlying health issue. Colours like yellow, green, blue, or black can be signs of infection, poor circulation, or other health problems.
