Caleb Foster
Our nails can reveal a lot about our health. When nails stop growing, it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. This condition is called onychomadesis, which is characterised by a cessation of activity in the nail matrix. While nails are not living tissue, they are made up of layers of the protein keratin, which is formed by the body using nutrients from our diets. Therefore, nutritional deficiencies can cause stunted nail growth. For example, a lack of zinc can hinder the body's ability to form keratin. Additionally, factors like ageing, stress, and certain labour-intensive jobs can cause nails to grow slowly or stop growing. Beau's lines, which are horizontal lines across nails, indicate that nail growth has stopped temporarily and can be caused by a fever, injury, or illness. In some cases, changes in nail colour, texture, or shape can be a sign of disease. For instance, yellow nails could indicate a respiratory condition, and spoon-shaped nails may signal iron deficiency anaemia.
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What You'll Learn
Diet and nutritional deficiencies
Iron deficiency can also cause nail growth problems, including spoon nails or koilonychia, where nails grow in a pattern that resembles a ski jump. This condition can be a sign of iron-deficiency anaemia. Anaemia itself can also cause slow nail growth.
Vitamin deficiencies can also hinder nail growth. Beau's lines, for instance, are white horizontal lines that appear on nails and indicate a vitamin deficiency. Biotin, a type of B vitamin, is highly recommended as a supplement to boost nail strength. A daily dose of 2.5 milligrams of biotin can improve nail strength within a few weeks.
In addition to specific nutrient deficiencies, a generally unhealthy diet can also contribute to poor nail growth. Doctors often address underlying nutritional issues to treat onychomadesis, a condition where nail growth ceases. Providing adequate nutrition ensures the body has the building blocks to produce healthy nails.
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Age and stress
Ageing affects the growth and appearance of nails. As early as the age of 20, the growth rate slows by about 0.5% per year. Nails may become brittle and prone to breaking, and may develop vertical ridges. They may also become dull, thick, and opaque, with a change in colour from translucent to yellow. Toenails may become hard and thick, and ingrown toenails may become more common. These changes may be caused by infections, nutritional deficiencies, trauma, or other problems. For example, yellow nails can be caused by a respiratory condition such as chronic bronchitis, while white nails can indicate liver failure. Dark stripes on the nails can be a sign of melanoma or malignant skin cancer, and should be investigated by a healthcare provider.
In addition to age, stress can also affect nail growth. High levels of stress can negatively impact the integumentary system, of which nails are a prominent part. Intense negative experiences, such as the death of a loved one, can slow down or even halt nail growth. This is because the body shifts its energy away from non-essential functions like growing nails.
While nail growth generally slows down with age, it peaks during puberty due to fluctuating hormone levels. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory issues, can also affect nail growth and recovery from common nail disorders. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, drinks, or supplements can lead to imbalances that make it challenging for the body to grow nails.
It is important to note that some nail changes may indicate underlying health issues. For example, clubbing of the nails, characterised by a dramatic curve, can signal long-term oxygen deprivation and be associated with various diseases, including kidney, liver, or endocrine disorders. Spoon nails, or koilonychia, can indicate iron deficiency anaemia, while nail dimpling, indentations, splitting, or pitting may be linked to skin disorders such as psoriasis or dermatitis.
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Medical conditions
Nails are made of keratin, a type of protein, and grow continuously from beneath the base of the nail under the cuticle. Healthy nails are smooth, without ridges, grooves, spots, or discolouration. However, changes in nail colour and growth patterns can indicate underlying medical problems.
Nail growth can slow down due to ageing, but it can also be a sign of illness or
A change in nail colour, especially if nails turn yellow or red, or if stripes or dots of colour appear, requires medical attention. For instance, yellow nails can be a sign of chronic bronchitis, while red nails can indicate inflammation. Nail colour changes could also be due to a nail fungus or, in some cases, skin cancer. Conditions like liver failure and kidney problems can also cause nail discolouration.
Deep grooves or gaps that run the width of the nail, known as Beau's lines, indicate that something slowed or stopped nail growth for a while. A fever, injury, chemotherapy, or major stress can cause nails to grow slowly or stop growing. Once the underlying cause is addressed, nails often resume normal growth.
Spoon-shaped nails, known as koilonychia, can indicate iron deficiency anaemia. Clubbing of the nails, where the nails curve more than usual, is often a sign of low oxygen levels in the blood and may be related to lung disease, heart disease, liver problems, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Poor circulation can significantly affect toenail growth, especially when blood flow to the legs and feet is compromised. This can lead to serious health concerns such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
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Nail care and grooming
To maintain nail health, it is important to adopt good nail care and grooming practices. Here are some tips for nail care and grooming:
- Keep your nails dry and clean to prevent the growth of bacteria beneath them.
- Trim your nails regularly using sharp manicure scissors or clippers, cutting them straight across and then rounding the tips into a soft curve.
- Moisturize your hands and nails with lotion, paying special attention to the base of the nails where the cuticles are located.
- Avoid nail biting, which can impact nail growth and health.
- Avoid cutting your nails too short to prevent pain and potential infection.
- Consider using nail hardeners, which can be painted on like nail polish, to prevent nail breakage.
- Take care of your body through a healthy diet and stress management, as nutritional deficiencies and stress can impact nail growth.
By incorporating these nail care and grooming practices into your routine, you can promote healthy nail growth and maintain the overall well-being of your nails.
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Labour work and lifestyle factors
Engaging in activities such as running or walking for long periods can also affect toenail growth, as the toenails may break inside your shoes.
Lifestyle choices such as nail biting or picking the skin around your nails can also negatively impact nail growth. Nails that are bitten or picked at tend to break more easily and may not seem to grow at all.
Stress is another factor that can cause nails to grow slower than average. During stressful periods, the body may shift its energy away from nail growth to address more critical demands.
Additionally, nutritional deficiencies can contribute to stunted nail growth. Nails are primarily made of keratin, a type of protein. A lack of certain vitamins, minerals, or nutrients in the diet can affect the body's ability to form keratin and grow nails. For example, a zinc deficiency can impact the body's ability to use proteins for essential functions like keratin formation.
To promote healthy nail growth, it is important to maintain a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why someone's nails might not be growing. Firstly, nails tend to grow slower with age. Other common causes include nutritional deficiencies, stress, injury, and certain medications.
Nails are primarily made of keratin, a type of protein. A diet lacking in protein, as well as other vitamins and minerals, can lead to stunted nail growth. For example, a zinc deficiency can make it difficult for the body to form keratin.
When the body experiences high stress, it shifts energy away from non-essential functions like growing nails. This can cause nails to grow slower or stop growing temporarily.
Nail trauma, such as biting your nails or trapping them in a door, can cause stunted growth. It's important to let the nails heal and grow healthily again. Keeping your nails clean, dry, and moisturized can help prevent bacteria from growing and reduce breakage.
Yes, certain medications can cause nails to stop growing. If you suspect your medication is affecting your nail growth, consult a healthcare professional. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatments.
