Ava Monroe
Nails are made of a tough, dead substance called keratin, the same material that makes up hair and the outer layers of skin. Nails grow because cells are constantly being produced, pushed forward by new cells, and eventually forming the tough shield of the nail plate. This process is resource-intensive, yet humans have been growing nails for millennia, suggesting that the advantages must outweigh the costs. Nails protect the tips of fingers and toes, and help with scratching itches or removing dog hair from sweaters. However, overgrown cuticles, nutritional deficiencies, underlying medical conditions, and nail-biting can all affect nail growth and texture, potentially resulting in rough nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of rough nails | Nutritional deficiencies, underlying conditions, skin problems, lung disease, anemia, other medical conditions, psoriasis, eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, nail biting, nail picking, nail injury, illness, glue-on nails, toxic nail polishes, age, hormones, pregnancy, lactation, circulatory issues, diabetes, and stress |
| Solutions for rough nails | Take biotin, use nail hardeners sparingly, avoid glue-on nails and toxic polishes, practice good nail hygiene, keep nails clean, trim nails regularly, use nontoxic or water-based polishes, moisturize nails and cuticles, gently push back cuticles, avoid excessive hand washing, hand sanitizer, and swimming in chlorine |
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What You'll Learn
- Nails grow from the root, a structure beneath the skin that produces living cells
- Nails grow indefinitely to protect fingers and toes from damage
- Nutritional deficiencies or underlying conditions can cause nail issues
- Hormone levels affect nail growth, with growth rates peaking during puberty
- Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can affect nail growth and texture
Nails grow from the root, a structure beneath the skin that produces living cells
Nails are made of a tough, dead substance called keratin, which is also the same material that makes up hair and the outer layers of skin. Nails start out as living cells, produced by a structure called the "root", which is located behind the cuticles on fingers and toes, just beneath the skin. This little pocket of flesh, also known as the matrix, connects to blood vessels, which supply the nail with the nutrients it needs to make new cells. As new cells are formed, they push forward the older cells, which then flatten and harden to form the tough shield of the nail plate.
The growth of nails is a continuous process, with the cells constantly being produced and replaced. This is in contrast to body hair, which typically stops growing at a certain point. The reason for this difference in growth patterns is thought to be related to the different functions of nails and hair. Nails are used for fighting, traction on the ground, digging, and marking territory, among other things, and their constant growth allows for any trauma or damage to the nail to be "grown out" and regrown if pulled off. On the other hand, hair is primarily used for ornamentation and insulation, and its growth is regulated by similar control mechanisms as nails, which determine characteristics like turning growth on and off, and thus length.
The rate of nail growth can vary depending on various factors, including age, hormone levels, and nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions. For example, nail growth is said to peak during puberty and decline as hormone levels balance out with age. Additionally, certain medical issues like psoriasis, eczema, and allergic contact dermatitis can affect the growth of nails and cuticles. Practicing good nail hygiene and maintaining overall health can help support nail growth and prevent issues such as nail deformation and infections.
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Nails grow indefinitely to protect fingers and toes from damage
Nails are made of a tough, dead substance called keratin, which is also the same material that makes up hair. Nails grow out of a structure called the "root", which is a little pocket of flesh that connects to blood vessels, supplying the nail with the nutrients it needs to make new cells. This process is similar to how hair grows.
Nails grow indefinitely, and if left untrimmed, could reach up to 8 meters in length. This is because the cells are constantly being produced, just like the majority of cells in our body that constantly produce fresh, new versions of themselves. Nails grow out rough because they are made of layers of dead cells that have been pushed out from beneath the skin and into the open, where they flatten and harden to form the tough shield of the nail plate.
The reason nails grow indefinitely is due to their evolutionary purpose. Nails first evolved in primates between 58 million and 55 million years ago when our ancestors were confined to trees. Nails helped our primate ancestors carefully climb through trees, and they continue to help protect our fingers and toes from damage. The hard surface of nails helps to shield the tips of fingers and toes, and they can also be used for scratching itches or removing dog hair from sweaters.
In addition, nails can be used for fighting, gaining traction on the ground, digging, and marking territory by scratching trees. Nails also benefit us because any trauma or damage to the nail can be 'grown out' and regrown if pulled off. This is especially useful because nails protect our sensitive digits, and losing a nail is not a catastrophe.
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Nutritional deficiencies or underlying conditions can cause nail issues
Zinc deficiency, for example, can cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges) and white spots on nails. Iron deficiency can result in vertical nail ridges and koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, which have a scooped-out depression in the centre. Longitudinal melanonychia, or blackish discolouration of the nail plate, can be associated with protein and energy deficiencies, specifically a relative carbohydrate excess in the case of Kwashiorkor, and prolonged starvation in the case of Marasmus. Nail hyperpigmentation has also been linked to vitamin B12 deficiency, with supplementation leading to reversal in colour.
In addition to nutritional deficiencies, underlying health conditions can also contribute to nail issues. For instance, thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, can cause thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can affect nail health, with eczema causing vertical lines and psoriasis resulting in pitting, onycholysis, and discolouration. Horizontal ridges or dents in the nails, known as Beau's lines, may indicate kidney disease or another underlying condition, such as chemotherapy or damage from artificial nails.
Treating the underlying cause is crucial for improving nail health. This may involve addressing nutritional deficiencies through dietary changes or supplements, managing health conditions with appropriate medication, or simply practising good nail hygiene. While some recommend taking biotin supplements to strengthen nails and reduce breakage, others caution against the long-term use of nail hardeners as they can break down the nail over time.
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Hormone levels affect nail growth, with growth rates peaking during puberty
Hormones play a significant role in nail growth and health. The sex hormone oestrogen, for instance, helps nails grow strong and healthy by keeping water in body tissues. Lower oestrogen levels can lead to dull, yellowish fingernails. During pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone levels reach their highest points, often resulting in rapid nail growth. Conversely, lower levels of progesterone can worsen the impact of androgens on hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Hormones like testosterone and DHEA are also crucial in nail growth. Testosterone is needed for protein or keratin synthesis, and low levels can cause vertical lines on fingernails, a possible sign of nutrient deficiency. DHEA, another androgen hormone, can be measured in the nail to gauge hormone status over time.
Puberty is a time of significant hormonal changes, and nail growth tends to peak during this period. As hormone levels stabilise with age, nail growth rates typically decline. Hormonal birth control pills can also impact nail growth, but these changes typically take at least four to six months to become noticeable.
Hormonal imbalances can have noticeable effects on nails. For example, menopause, a time of significant hormonal shifts, can result in dry, brittle nails. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can also affect the entire body, including nail health. Thus, hormonal fluctuations can influence nail growth and appearance, with puberty being a critical period where hormone levels and nail growth rates are heightened.
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Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can affect nail growth and texture
Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to reproduce quickly, affecting the nails on both your fingers and toes. It is characterised by ridges, grooves, and a thin line of blood beneath the nail. It can also cause the nail to lift from the finger. Typically, new skin cells grow every 28 to 30 days. However, in people with nail psoriasis, new cells grow and move to the skin surface every three to four days, creating a skin rash. While nail psoriasis is not contagious, it is a chronic condition that can cause flare-ups throughout one's life.
There is no cure for nail psoriasis, but there are treatment options available to provide relief from symptoms. Treatment options include corticosteroids, medicine injections, oral medicines, and phototherapy. It is important to note that nails grow slowly, so it may take six months or longer for treatments to show full effectiveness.
Nail Eczema
Nail eczema, also known as pompholyx eczema when it affects the hands and feet, can cause changes to the nails, such as pitting, grooves, and thin nails. More severe cases can result in nail deformities, crumbling nails, and koilonychia, which refers to thin or concave nails. Nail eczema can also affect the nail folds and skin around the nails (cuticles), causing swelling.
Treatment for nail eczema typically involves avoiding triggers and using topical steroids. Proper treatment can lead to improvements within a few weeks. Allergy testing or tests of nail clippings may be done to rule out a fungal infection.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails grow out rough due to a lack of moisture, which can be caused by excessive hand washing, hand sanitizer, or swimming in chlorine. Nails are made of a tough, dead substance called keratin, which can become brittle if not properly hydrated.
To prevent nails from growing out rough, it is important to maintain proper nail hygiene and keep your nails and cuticles well-hydrated. This can be done by regularly applying nail or cuticle oil, and by taking supplements such as biotin, which has been shown to improve overall nail health.
Several medical conditions can affect the growth and texture of nails, including psoriasis, eczema, and allergic contact dermatitis. If you notice any changes in the appearance or texture of your nails, it is important to seek advice from a medical professional.
