Liam Carter
Nails that stop growing can be a perplexing experience, as they serve as protective layers for the fingertips and are indicators of health and well-being. This condition is known as onychomadesis, which is defined by the cessation of activity in the nail matrix. It can be caused by various factors, including diseases such as psoriasis, lifestyle factors like diet, and treatments such as chemotherapy. In some cases, nail growth may be stunted due to nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of zinc, which is essential for forming keratin, the primary component of nails. Additionally, certain habits like gel manicures can damage nails, requiring consistent care and maintenance to restore their health. While some nail issues resolve on their own or with home treatments, it is important to consult a dermatologist if you notice changes in colour, texture, or shape, as they can indicate underlying health conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average nail growth rate | Fingernails: 3.47 mm per month or 0.1 mm per day |
| Toenails: 1.62 mm per month | |
| Factors affecting nail growth | Age, overall health, hormones, nutrition, trauma, circulation, seasonal changes, and dominant hand |
| Medical conditions: eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, PAD, peripheral artery disease, etc. | |
| Lifestyle choices: smoking, diet, exercise, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, nail care, and nail biting | |
| Nail matrix injuries | Bruising, severe damage leading to nail loss, and subungual melanoma |
| Treatment options | Medication, lifestyle adjustments, minimally invasive procedures, nail trephination, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation |
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What You'll Learn
Zinc deficiency
Zinc is an essential mineral and micronutrient that plays a vital role in many functions in the body, including growth. A zinc deficiency can cause changes to your nails, a condition that healthcare providers call nail dystrophy.
If you have a zinc deficiency, your nails might be brittle or have lines on them, known as Beau's lines. Beau's lines are grooves that run horizontally across the fingernails and develop when there is a disruption to the area where nail growth starts. Zinc deficiency can also cause your nails to change colour and shape and grow more slowly than expected.
If you suspect you have a zinc deficiency, consult a healthcare provider. Treatment can restore normal zinc levels, typically within one to two weeks. Your provider may recommend supplements or advise you to include more zinc-rich foods in your diet.
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Chemotherapy
Research from 2020 found that 38% of people experienced nail-related changes during chemotherapy, with melanonychia being the most common side effect, affecting 84% of people. These nail changes can include alterations in colour or texture, such as discolouration or the development of horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines. Beau's lines indicate periods when something has interrupted nail growth, which can occur during chemotherapy infusions. In some cases, nails may lift from the nail bed or even come off completely, increasing the risk of infection. Chemotherapy can also cause onycholysis, or damage to the tissue in the nail bed, which can lead to discomfort and infection if accompanied by a low white blood cell count.
Nail changes during chemotherapy can impact an individual's quality of life and increase the risk of infection. It is important to treat nails with extra care during chemotherapy, keeping them clean and trimmed to promote stronger and quicker regrowth. Trimming nails short and maintaining proper foot care, such as wearing appropriate footwear, can help prevent injuries and protect fragile nails. Additionally, taking a biotin supplement may help strengthen fragile nails, but it is important to consult with an oncologist first as some vitamin supplements may interfere with chemotherapy.
After completing chemotherapy, nails should begin to grow back, although it can take around six months for a fingernail and about a year and a half for a toenail to regrow. In rare cases, nails may not grow back at all. If nails do not regrow or there are concerns about their growth, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
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Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects over 50% of people with psoriasis and around 86% of people with psoriatic arthritis. It is caused by an overreaction in the immune system, leading to new skin cells growing too fast. Typically, new skin cells grow every 28 to 30 days, but in people with psoriasis, this process occurs every three to four days, resulting in a skin rash.
Nail psoriasis can cause changes to the appearance and texture of the nails, including discoloration, pitting, crumbling, and ridges. It can also lead to pain and tenderness, negatively impacting daily activities and quality of life. While there is no cure for nail psoriasis, various treatments are available to alleviate symptoms, including corticosteroid injections and medications like tazarotene.
The severity of nail psoriasis can be graded using the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI), which divides the nail into four quadrants and assigns a score based on the presence of symptoms. A low score indicates mild psoriasis, while a high score signifies more severe disease. Early treatment is crucial to prevent nail psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis from worsening and reducing their impact on daily life.
If you suspect nail psoriasis, it is important to consult a dermatologist for a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They will consider the appearance and location of psoriasis, as well as your symptoms and family history. While there is no cure for nail psoriasis, effective treatments can improve symptoms and lower the risk of associated health conditions.
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Onychomycosis
The risk factors for onychomycosis include distorted nails, a history of nail trauma, genetic predisposition, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), concurrent fungal infections, and psoriasis. It is also more prevalent in smokers and individuals who wear tight-fitting shoes or use shared bathing facilities. Diagnosis involves a physical and microscopic examination, as well as laboratory analysis for accurate identification of the causative organisms. Treatment focuses on eradicating the infection and restoring the nail's normal appearance, typically through systemic antifungal medications.
The term "onychomycosis" specifically refers to nail infections caused by dermatophytes. When other organisms like yeasts or moulds are responsible, the condition may be referred to as "dystrophic nails." Onychomycosis can be classified into several types based on the morphological patterns and the mode of invasion of the nail. These include distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis, proximal subungual onychomycosis, superficial onychomycosis, and total dystrophic onychomycosis. A rarer form is endonix subungual onychomycosis.
Treating onychomycosis can be challenging due to the high recurrence rate, which ranges from 10% to 50%. This is often attributed to reinfection or incomplete eradication of the fungus. While systemic antifungals are the most effective treatment option, alternative approaches include periodic debridement, combination therapy, topical agents, and chemical nail avulsion. Laser and photodynamic therapies have shown promise in early evaluations but require further clinical studies.
Maintaining proper foot hygiene, regularly trimming toenails, and protecting the feet from injury can help prevent onychomycosis and promote overall nail health. For individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD), working closely with a vascular specialist is crucial to managing the condition and its impact on nail health. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve quality of life.
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Lifestyle factors such as nail products and diet
Similarly, while applying vitamins directly to the nails is unlikely to help them grow, it can strengthen the nail and prevent it from breaking. It is important to note that no specific nail polish or product can improve nail health. Rather, some products may have adverse effects on nail health, especially those that require harsh removal methods.
In terms of diet, a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet is essential for achieving strong, shiny, and healthy nails. Nails are primarily made of protein, specifically a protein called keratin, so consuming adequate protein is vital for nail health. Sources of protein include eggs, chicken, turkey, lean beef, pork, fish, lentils, peanuts, nuts, and dairy products. In addition to protein, including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet is essential for providing the vitamins and minerals necessary for nail health.
Certain vitamins and minerals are particularly important for nail growth and health. For instance, zinc is required for the healthy growth of nails and can be found in animal proteins and certain plant foods. Iron is another critical mineral for nail health, as it provides cells with adequate oxygen, which is necessary for healthy nails. A deficiency in iron can affect the shape and appearance of nails, and people who do not get enough iron may have brittle or dented nails. Magnesium is also key for nail growth, as it is involved in protein synthesis. A deficiency in magnesium can lead to vertical ridges in the nails.
Overall, a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is the best way to achieve and maintain healthy nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why two of your nails may not be growing. Firstly, it is important to note that the nails on your dominant hand tend to grow faster, so if those are the nails that are not growing, further investigation may be required. Here are some possible causes:
- Poor circulation: Poor circulation in your lower extremities can lead to nails receiving less oxygen and fewer nutrients, which are crucial for healthy growth.
- Injury or infection: Minor damage to your nail matrix can temporarily change your nail's appearance and growth.
- Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, PAD, or eczema, can interfere with nail growth.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of proper nutrients can affect nail growth.
If you are concerned about the lack of growth in two of your nails, it is recommended that you seek medical advice and consult a doctor. They can help identify any underlying causes and provide appropriate treatment or advice.
While there are no scientifically proven methods to make nails grow faster, here are some ways to improve overall nail health and prevent breakage:
- Take biotin supplements to increase nail health and reduce breakage.
- Use nail hardeners sparingly to strengthen nails, but avoid prolonged use as they can break down nails over time.
- Avoid glue-on nails and toxic polishes, opting for nontoxic or water-based polishes instead.
- Maintain proper nail care by trimming nails regularly, cutting them straight across to prevent ingrown nails.
Nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster due to increased usage, which leads to a higher risk of trauma or injury. When trauma occurs, the body naturally sends an influx of blood and nutrients to the area to aid in repair, and this influx of nutrients may speed up nail growth. Additionally, the increased circulation stimulated by the trauma can contribute to faster nail growth.
