Noah Sinclair
Healthy nail beds are essential for strong and beautiful nails. The nail bed is the layer of skin beneath the nails that supports and secures the nail in place. While nail beds do grow, they do not become longer over time. However, there are several factors that can cause your nail beds to appear longer or shorter. For example, nail biting, fungal infections, and injuries can cause your nail beds to appear shorter. On the other hand, letting your nails grow out, moisturising your hands, and taking biotin supplements can make your nail beds appear longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Nail injuries, nail biting, fungal infections, onycholysis, poor nutrition, zinc deficiency, lifestyle factors, diseases like psoriasis, onychomycosis, retronychia, onychomadesis |
| Symptoms | Abnormal border between pink and white areas of the nail, discoloration, dents or pits, crumbling nails, hemorrhages, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, sore tongue, fast heartbeat, red/purple/grey/white skin around nails |
| Prevention/Treatment | Push back cuticles, eat vitamins A, E, and D, biotin supplements, moisturize hands, apply nail hardener, antifungal soaks, blood tests, manicures, cuticle oil, lotion, protective gear when doing housework or gardening |
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What You'll Learn
Nail injuries
For larger bruises, a small hole may be created in the nail to drain out blood and fluid, relieving pressure and pain. If the bone is broken or the bruise is very large, the nail may need to be removed and the nail bed repaired. In some cases, part or all of the nail may be removed, and cuts in the nail bed may be closed with stitches. If the nail cannot be reattached, it may be replaced with a special type of material. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
For nail bed lacerations, stitches may be required, and if the cut is serious, the nail might have to be removed. For nail bed avulsions, the nail will need to be removed, and if there is also a finger fracture, it will need to be splinted. In most cases, the nail will slowly regrow, although some severe injuries can lead to deformed nails. To prevent infection, antifungal or antimicrobial soaks can be used.
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Nail biting
Biting your nails can cause them to appear shorter, as it can lead to little to no whiteness at the tip. This happens because nail biting can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed, resulting in a shorter pink section and a longer white section. Additionally, biting your nails can damage the tissue around your nails, causing abnormal-looking nails.
If you want to stop biting your nails, there are several strategies you can try:
- Identify your triggers: Pay attention to how you feel or what you are doing when you bite your nails. This can help you find alternative ways to cope with those feelings or situations.
- Keep your hands or mouth busy: Find something to fiddle with, such as a stress ball or a pen to click. You can also try chewing gum to give your mouth something else to focus on.
- Set small goals: Instead of quitting cold turkey, start by choosing one nail to stop biting, such as your thumb. Gradually add more nails to the "no-biting" zone as you make progress.
- Use gloves or nail stickers: If you can't access your nails, you can't bite them. Gloves may not be practical for everyone, so stickers designed to cover nails can be a good alternative.
- Cut your nails short: If there isn't enough nail to grab with your teeth, it may be less satisfying to bite them.
- Use bitter-tasting nail polish: Special nail polishes with a bitter flavour can deter nail biting.
- Push back your cuticles and let your nails grow: As your nails become longer, the white tip will become more prominent, helping to elongate the appearance of your nail bed.
In addition to these behavioural strategies, some people may benefit from a dental deterrent device that prevents the front teeth from damaging the nails and cuticles. This type of device can lead to a full suppression of the nail-biting urge within about two months. For children and adolescents, a small clinical trial indicated that N-acetylcysteine, a glutamate modulator, may be effective in decreasing nail-biting behaviour in the short term.
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Fungal infections
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection that can affect the fingernails and toenails. It occurs when fungi get between the nail and nail bed, usually through cracks or cuts in the finger or toe. Nail fungus typically starts as subtle nail discolouration or lifting, but without treatment, it can thicken, become brittle, and cause nail loss.
Toenail fungus is more common than fingernail fungus and often appears as thick, yellow, cracked, or cloudy nails. Nail fungus may also cause the nail to become fragile, with cracks in the keratin. In more severe cases, the nail may start to detach from the nail bed, and walking can become difficult.
If you suspect a fungal nail infection, it is important to seek medical attention. Healthcare providers can diagnose nail fungus by visually examining the nail, ordering a fungal culture test, or performing a microscopic examination of a nail clipping. Treatment for nail fungus typically involves oral antifungal medications, such as terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole. Topical antifungal creams, ointments, or gels are also available, but oral medications are generally more effective. It is important to follow the full course of treatment to prevent the fungus from returning and becoming more challenging to treat.
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Onycholysis (nail separation)
Onycholysis is a common nail disorder where the nail separates from the nail bed. It typically only affects one nail but can occur in multiple nails. It is most frequently seen in adult women.
Onycholysis can be idiopathic (of unknown cause) or secondary to one of many causes. Some of the causes include:
- Trauma or injury to the nail or nail matrix (the area where nails start to grow)
- Wearing shoes that are too small
- Keeping nails in water for too long
- Regular manicures, which involve a lot of force to trim, buff, and polish nails
- Reaction to chemicals in nail products like nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardener, nail polish remover, and fake nails
- Fungal infections, which cause nails to become thick and yellow, and they may show white spots and streaks
- Iron deficiency
- Hyperthyroidism
- Nail psoriasis, which causes changes to the structure of nails
- Chemotherapy and some medications that cause light sensitivity, such as tetracycline, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), psoralens, and oral retinoids (vitamin A derivatives)
Onycholysis usually isn't painful, but it can be irritating or painful if caused by injuries or fungal infections. It can also be cosmetically unacceptable, especially for those who work with their hands in public view.
Treatment for onycholysis focuses on addressing the underlying cause and promoting new nail growth attached to the nail bed. It is important to keep nails trimmed short to prevent further separation and protect the nails from trauma. Antifungal or antimicrobial soaks, such as diluted vinegar, can help prevent infection. In some cases, antifungal medications or topical treatments may be prescribed.
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Diet and supplements
Diet and nutritional deficiencies can have a significant impact on nail health and growth. Poor nutrition can lead to brittle, weak, and peeling nails, indicating a need for dietary changes to promote nail growth.
Firstly, it is important to ensure adequate protein intake, as nails are made of protein. Include lean protein sources such as eggs, chicken, turkey, lean beef, pork, fish, lentils, peanuts, nuts, and dairy products in your diet. Additionally, look for whole foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Aim for a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide your body with the necessary building blocks for nail growth.
Some specific supplements and dietary changes can further strengthen nails and promote growth. Calcium supplements, for example, may be beneficial, especially for those at risk of calcium deficiency or experiencing conditions like osteoporosis. Vitamin D-rich foods or supplements are also important, as they work alongside calcium to strengthen bones and possibly nails.
Biotin, a B vitamin, is another crucial supplement that boosts nail strength and may speed up growth. It helps the body convert food into energy, and studies suggest that a daily dose of 2.5 milligrams of biotin can lead to stronger nails within a few weeks. Biotin can be found in onions, garlic, carrots, chickpeas, and eggs, or taken as a supplement.
Iron deficiency can also lead to nail issues like spoon nails, so including iron-rich foods in your diet or taking supplements may be beneficial. However, Dr. Sara Norris advises against iron supplements unless you are sure you are deficient. Instead, she recommends taking a multivitamin that includes calcium and B vitamins.
In addition to diet and supplements, staying properly hydrated is essential for nail health. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day and reduce dehydrating beverages like alcohol and coffee. Moisturizing your hands and nails is also crucial, especially during dry winter months, as it prevents nails from becoming dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail beds don't grow longer over time, but you can make them appear longer by letting your nails grow out.
Besides letting your nails grow out, you can also try pushing back your cuticles, cleaning underneath your nails with a nail brush, and moisturising your hands regularly to prevent breakage and help your nails grow stronger and faster.
Nail bed separation, known as onycholysis, can be caused by nail injuries, fungal infections, or underlying health conditions.
If you have onycholysis, see a healthcare provider to determine the cause. You can help prevent infection by using antifungal or antimicrobial soaks. Treatment can also keep new nail growth attached to your nail bed.
