Caleb Foster
Many factors can affect nail growth and cause nails to fall off, including injuries, fungal infections, and certain illnesses. Nails grow at a rate of about 2.5 mm per month, and it can take up to 6 months for a new nail to grow completely. Nail biting, cutting nails too short, and fungal infections can make nail beds appear shorter. Additionally, the nails on your dominant hand tend to grow faster, and nail growth is typically faster during the summertime. Proper nail care, such as trimming toenails straight across and avoiding tight shoes, can help prevent nail problems and promote healthy nail growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate of fingernails | 1/8 inch or 2.5 millimeters per month |
| Average growth rate of toenails | Not found |
| Factors that affect nail growth | Nail injuries, nail biting, fungal infections, genetics, illnesses, and certain habits like cutting nails too short |
| Ways to promote nail growth | Keep nails clean and moisturized, use a nail strengthener, take multivitamins, and maintain a healthy lifestyle |
| Ways to prevent nail bed syndrome | Avoid cutting nails too short, biting nails, and using sharp objects to clean underneath nails |
| Ways to make nail beds appear longer | Let nails grow out, use artificial nails, clean underneath nails with a nail brush, and push back cuticles |
| Common nail problems | Ingrown toenails, nail infections, and sore, red, swollen, or warm skin around nails |
| Solutions to common nail problems | Wear rubber gloves when hands are in water or when using cleaning products, trim nails straight across, and cut injured or loose nails back to where they are still attached |
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What You'll Learn
Nail injuries
Nails can be injured in a variety of ways, including through trauma or underlying health conditions. Trauma to the nail can occur when the nail is cut, torn, smashed, or bruised, or when the nail is torn away from the skin. This can happen when a finger is smashed in a door, hit with a hammer, or cut with a knife. Repeated trauma to toenails, such as from ill-fitting shoes, can lead to deformities. Habits such as nail biting and cuticle biting can also cause trauma to the nails and increase the risk of infection.
For more serious nail injuries, urgent medical care may be required. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of the injury. The nail and affected digit will usually be numbed with medicine before the wound is cleaned and treated. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed repaired. Cuts in the nail bed may be closed with stitches, and the nail reattached with glue or stitches. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. If there is a broken bone, a wire may be placed in the finger to keep the bone in place.
In the case of a nail split, the jagged edges can be trimmed or filed down, and the nail can be allowed to grow back naturally. For larger splits, temporary solutions such as nail glue or clear nail lacquer can be applied to hold the nail together until it grows out.
To prevent nail injuries and maintain nail health, it is important to keep nails trimmed, avoid nail biting, and wear properly sized shoes. Moisturizing the hands and nails can also help to prevent dryness and brittleness.
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Fungal infections
Fungal nail infections are a common issue that can affect both the fingernails and toenails. Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails. The infection usually starts at the edge of the nail, causing it to become thick, discoloured, and easy to break. Toenail fungus may appear as thick, yellow, cracked, or cloudy nails, with white markings. In some cases, the nail can crumble or the whole nail can break off, leading to pain and swelling of the surrounding skin.
Fungal nail infections are typically caused by fungi that cause athlete's foot. These fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments, such as the feet. Walking barefoot in communal areas, such as showers and gyms, can increase the risk of contracting a fungal nail infection.
To treat a fungal nail infection, it is recommended to consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider. Over-the-counter antifungal nail medicines are available, but moderate to severe cases may require prescription drugs or even surgical or nonsurgical removal of the nail. Treatment can take several months and may need to be continued for a period after symptoms disappear to prevent recurrence.
There are also natural remedies that have shown promising results in treating toenail fungus. These include the use of baking soda, either as a foot soak or applied directly to the affected area. Listerine mouthwash and snakeroot extract have also been suggested as potential treatments, although studies on their effectiveness are mixed.
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Illnesses
Fungal infections can also be a culprit behind nail growth issues. Certain types of fungi can infect your nails, usually the toenails, causing them to appear thick, yellow, cracked, or cloudy. Anti-fungal medications, topical or oral, are often prescribed to treat these infections and promote healthy nail growth. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the infected nail. Good nail hygiene is essential to prevent fungal infections, especially for toenails. Keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing breathable shoes, and moisture-wicking socks can help minimize the risk of fungal growth.
While nail biting may not be an illness, it is worth mentioning that chronic nail biting can lead to changes in nail shape, resulting in short and wide nails or "tennis racket nails." Additionally, cutting your nails too short can expose the nail bed, making it prone to trauma and discomfort. However, this usually heals within a few days if kept clean and well-hydrated.
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Nail biting
Keeping nails short and neat can help prevent nail biting, as long nails may be harder to resist. Regular trims, professional manicures, and nail-biting polishes with a bitter taste can also deter the habit. Setting small goals, such as choosing one nail not to bite, can help gradually break the habit.
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Nail care
Healthy nails are an important part of your overall health and wellness. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which is also found in the outer layer of the skin and hair. The anatomy of a healthy nail includes the nail plate, the nail bed, and the cuticle. The nail plate is the visible part of the nail, the nail bed is the skin underneath, and the cuticle is the thin layer of tissue that covers the base of the nail. Healthy nails are smooth, evenly coloured, and free from discolouration, ridges, or brittleness.
To maintain nail health, it is important to keep nails clean and dry. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly to prevent bacteria and fungi from thriving in moist environments. Trim and shape your nails regularly to prevent breakage and promote healthy growth. Cut toenails straight across to help prevent ingrown toenails.
Diet, hydration, and proper care are also crucial for maintaining nail health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein is vital for healthy nails. Include foods with biotin, found in eggs, almonds, and avocados, to promote nail growth and strength. Vitamin E, found in spinach and nuts, helps repair damaged nails, while iron, found in red meat, lentils, and leafy greens, is essential for preventing brittle nails. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your nails hydrated from the inside out. However, excessive exposure to water can weaken your nails, so maintain a balance.
You can also use nail care products to enhance the health and appearance of your nails. Opt for organic nail care products that are free from harsh chemicals. Products with natural ingredients like tea tree oil, jojoba oil, and aloe vera are excellent choices. If you have weak or brittle nails, consider using a nail strengthener or hardener to fortify and protect your nails. These treatments typically contain ingredients like calcium, protein, and vitamins.
Finally, remember that certain injuries and illnesses can damage your nail matrix and affect how your nails look or grow. If you have a severe injury, your nail may fall off, but with proper medical care, it will usually grow back. In rare cases, the nail matrix may be permanently damaged, preventing the nail from growing back.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails can fall off due to severe injury or illness. Fungal infections, nail biting, and cutting your nails too short can also cause them to fall off.
To prevent nail injuries, avoid biting your nails and cutting your nails too short. You should also trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
If your nails fall off due to injury, they will typically grow back within 6 months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails. In the meantime, you can use artificial nails to protect your real nails and make them appear longer.
