Ava Monroe
Nails are produced by the nail matrix, which is the area at the base of the nail that creates new cells to form our fingernails and toenails. When a nail is damaged, it may fall off or need to be removed, and in some cases, it will grow back with defects or ridges. The severity of the injury determines whether the nail will grow back and what it may look like. In this article, we will explore the different types of nail damage, how they occur, and the likelihood of nail regrowth. We will also discuss treatments and procedures that can help promote nail regrowth and improve the appearance of the nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail growth rate | Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month, while toenails grow at about half the rate of fingernails. |
| Nail regeneration | Nails have good regeneration capacity, but they grow slowly. |
| Nail damage causes | Nails can be damaged by a blow to the nail, closing fingers or toes in doors or drawers, cuts from sharp objects, or repeated trauma from ill-fitting shoes. |
| Nail bed injuries | Subungual hematoma, a common nail bed injury, occurs when blood pools between the nail and the nail bed due to crushed fingertips or heavy impact. |
| Nail matrix damage | Severe injuries or conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or subungual melanoma can damage the nail matrix, affecting nail growth. |
| Nail defects | Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause minor defects, while significant damage can result in permanent nail deformities. |
| Nail infection | Infections can occur due to bacteria or fungi, causing symptoms like discharge, thickening of the nail plate, and lifting of the nail plate off the nail bed. |
| Nail recovery | Recovery from nail damage or procedures can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity and treatment. |
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What You'll Learn
Nail matrix damage can cause nail loss
The nail matrix is the part of your body responsible for nail growth. It is located just below the nail fold, which protects it from injuries. However, damage to the nail matrix can occur due to mechanical injuries, such as a strong blow or crushing, or improperly performed nail care procedures. This can result in nail growth disorders and even nail loss.
In some cases, a severe injury can cause a nail to fall off. While the nail matrix usually heals and the nail begins to grow back, severe damage to the nail matrix can result in permanent nail loss. This is because the nail matrix is the "factory" where new nails are formed, and if it is unable to produce new nails, nail loss will occur.
There are two types of nail matrix: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix is responsible for about 90% of nail growth. If the germinal matrix is damaged, it can significantly impact nail growth and potentially lead to nail loss.
Certain health conditions can also cause nail matrix damage and increase the risk of nail loss. These include infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral), dermatological conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, and nutritional deficiencies in biotin, zinc, and iron. These conditions can weaken the nail and affect its growth, potentially leading to nail loss if left untreated.
To prevent nail matrix damage and potential nail loss, it is important to take proper care of your nails and protect them from injury. This includes using protective rubber gloves during activities that may damage nails, avoiding opening packages with your nails, and limiting situations that could lead to mechanical damage. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can help support nail health and reduce the risk of nail loss.
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Nails can be damaged by trauma or illness
Trauma to the nails can be caused by a blow to the nail, catching your finger or toe in a door or drawer, or by a cut from a sharp object. Repeated trauma can also damage nails, for example, longer nails can be levered off the nail bed or can be damaged by ill-fitting shoes. Habits such as nail biting and cuticle biting can also cause trauma to the nails.
Illnesses and conditions can also damage the nail matrix and affect nail growth. Severe eczema can interfere with nail growth, and nail psoriasis can cause white lines, pitting, and crumbling. Subungual melanoma, a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix, can cause brown or black discoloration of the nail.
If the nail matrix is damaged, the growing nail may contain defects, and the nail may be permanently deformed. However, with proper treatment, healthy nails can often grow back. Minor damage to the nail bed can usually heal with home care, but more severe injuries may require medical attention to ensure the nail grows back smoothly.
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Nail bed injuries may require antibiotics to prevent infection
A damaged nail can grow back differently due to a variety of factors, including the severity of the injury, the type of treatment received, and the overall health of the individual. One of the main reasons damaged nails grow back differently is if there has been damage to the nail matrix or nail bed. The nail matrix is the area where new nails are formed, and if it is damaged, it can affect the growth and appearance of the nail.
Nail bed injuries are common and can occur when a heavy object crushes or hits the fingers or toes or when a sharp object cuts the nail bed. These injuries can range from minor to severe, and while some can be treated at home, others require medical attention. In some cases, nail bed injuries may require antibiotics to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Here are some key points to consider:
- Prompt Treatment: Receiving prompt medical treatment for a nail bed injury is crucial. Professional care can help ensure that the nail bed heals appropriately, forming a smooth surface for the new nail to grow. This can include treating any underlying structures that may have been affected by the injury.
- Infection Prevention: Nail bed injuries can lead to infections, especially if there is an open wound or exposure to bacteria. To prevent infection, antibiotics may be prescribed, depending on the mechanism and extent of the injury. For example, crush injuries or human or animal bites may require prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
- Tetanus Immunization: It is important to ensure that tetanus immunizations are up to date, especially for those who have not been immunized against Clostridium tetani. In some cases, a booster dose may be necessary to maintain immunity.
- Surgical Options: In severe cases, a surgeon may need to perform a minor surgical procedure to improve the nail's appearance and facilitate healing. This could involve removing the nail, repairing the nail bed, or stitching any lacerations.
- Home Care: Minor nail bed injuries, such as subungual hematomas, often heal on their own with proper home care. This includes treating the injury with bandages and ice packs to reduce pain and swelling. Keeping the area clean and following good hygiene practices is essential.
- Recovery Time: The recovery time for nail bed injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury. It may take up to 6–9 months for a full recovery, and even with proper treatment, the nail may still grow back with small ridges or bumps.
In summary, nail bed injuries may require antibiotics to prevent infection and promote proper healing. It is important to seek medical attention, especially if there are signs of infection, swelling, increasing pain, or pus. With the right treatment and care, most nail bed injuries can heal, and healthy nail regrowth can be supported.
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Subungual hematoma is a common nail injury
Trephination, or decompression, involves creating a small hole in the nail to drain the pooled blood and relieve pressure and pain. It is typically performed by a doctor, who may numb the affected finger or toe with a nerve block before using a heated wire (electrocautery device), carbon laser, or needle to make the hole. While this procedure is generally quick and painless, there is a small risk of infection. In some cases, the doctor may remove the entire nail and repair the nail bed with stitches if there is injury to the nail bed or surrounding tissues.
Subungual hematoma can also occur without any trauma, and may be caused by various tumors, including melanoma, junctional nevus, or splinter hemorrhages. If there is no evidence of trauma, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out other possible causes. Additionally, if the hematoma is not advancing, a dermatologist should be consulted to evaluate the possibility of abnormally growing tissue.
The treatment of subungual hematoma focuses on relieving the pain and pressure caused by the accumulated blood. While minor cases may not require medical treatment, it is important to ice and elevate the area to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for pain management. For more severe cases, prompt medical attention is necessary to ensure proper healing and smooth nail growth.
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Nails can grow back with small ridges or bumps
Nails are produced by the nail matrix cells that reside in the whitish moon-shaped area (lunula) at the base of the nail. The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. Certain injuries and illnesses can damage the nail matrix and affect how your nails look or grow.
If the nail matrix is not damaged, the nail is typically capable of regrowth. Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches per month and toenails grow more slowly, usually close to half the rate of fingernails. Fingernails can regrow entirely in 3-6 months. Nails grow a bit more than one-tenth of an inch per month and require 3-6 months to completely regrow. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails.
If there is damage to the nail matrix, the growing nail plate will contain a defect. Minor damage will produce minor defects in the nail, and more significant defects can result in a permanently deformed nail. Damage to the nail bed can produce whitish changes in the nail. This is most likely due to a lifting of the nail plate away from the nail bed (onycholysis). Nails can grow back with small ridges or bumps.
Horizontal ridges or dents in your nails are usually due to a condition called Beau's lines. These dents may happen when something interrupts your nail growth. Possible causes include chemotherapy, damage from using artificial or acrylic nails, getting gel manicures for long periods, injury to your nail, peripheral vascular disease (PAD), severe illness with a high fever, and certain nutritional deficiencies.
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Frequently asked questions
If the nail matrix is damaged, the growing nail plate will contain defects. Minor damage will produce minor defects in the nail, while more significant defects can result in a permanently deformed nail.
The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. It has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. About 90% of nail growth comes from the germinal matrix.
Damage to the nail matrix can cause dents, horizontal ridges or lines, and changes in texture or colour.
If there is any damage to the nail matrix, nail bed, or surrounding tissues, it's important to seek medical attention. A doctor may remove the nail and repair the nail bed. They may also recommend a minor surgical procedure on the nail bed to improve the nail's appearance.
Nails have a good regeneration capacity, but they grow slowly. Fingernails may grow one-tenth of a millimeter each day, with toenails growing at about half or a third of that rate. It can take 3-6 months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails to completely regrow.
