Isla Bennett
Several factors can cause nails to grow shorter or stop growing altogether. This condition, known as onychomadesis, is characterized by the cessation of activity in the nail matrix, the area responsible for nail growth. While nails typically grow at a slow pace of about 2.5 millimeters per month, various factors can interrupt this process. These include injuries, illnesses, skin conditions, and lifestyle factors such as diet and nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, certain habits like biting nails or using sharp objects to clean underneath them can also affect nail growth and separation from the nail bed. Understanding and addressing these factors can help promote healthy nail growth and prevent issues like onycholysis, a condition where nails separate from the nail bed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail growth | New nail plate cells form and multiply underneath the skin |
| Nails grow about 2.5 mm a month | |
| Nails on the dominant hand grow faster | |
| Nails grow faster in the summertime | |
| Factors affecting nail growth | Genetics |
| Fungal infections | |
| Health conditions, e.g., heart attack, COVID-19, pneumonia, peripheral artery disease | |
| Injuries to the nail matrix | |
| Skin conditions, e.g., eczema, psoriasis | |
| Diseases, e.g., cancer, chemotherapy | |
| Lifestyle factors, e.g., diet, drinks, supplements | |
| Nutritional deficiencies, e.g., zinc deficiency | |
| Conditions related to nail growth cessation | Onycholysis (nail separation) |
| Onychomadesis (cessation of nail matrix activity) | |
| Retronychia (ingrown nail) |
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Nail injuries
A nail injury occurs when any part of the nail, including the nail bed, cuticle, or skin around the nail, is injured. This can happen when the nail is cut, torn, smashed, or bruised, or when the nail is torn away from the skin. Smashing a finger in a door, hitting it with a hammer or other heavy object, or cutting it with a knife or other sharp object can cause a nail injury.
For more serious nail injuries, such as a broken bone or a very large bruise, it is recommended to go to an urgent care centre or emergency room. The medical provider will stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and numb the area before treatment. Part or all of the nail may need to be removed, and cuts in the nail bed will be closed with stitches. If the nail cannot be reattached, it may be replaced with a special type of material. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
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Skin conditions
Several factors can cause nails to stop growing or grow shorter, including skin conditions, injuries, and certain health conditions.
In addition to skin conditions, injuries to the nail matrix, such as pinching or crushing the finger, can result in bruising, ridges, or discolouration and may even cause the nail to fall off. Onycholysis, or nail separation, can occur due to injuries, fungal infections, or the use of certain nail products. While there is no cure for reattaching the nail once it has detached from the nail bed, treatments can help new nail growth adhere to the nail bed. Antifungal medications and proper nail care, such as keeping nails trimmed and avoiding biting them, can help manage onycholysis.
Underlying medical conditions, such as chemotherapy and peripheral artery disease (PAD), can also impact nail growth. Chemotherapy affects rapidly dividing cells, including nail matrices, leading to interrupted nail growth. PAD causes reduced blood flow to the legs and feet, affecting the nail matrix and slowing nail growth. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc deficiency, can stunt nail growth by affecting the body's ability to stabilise proteins.
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Health conditions
Several health conditions can cause nails to grow slower or shorter. Minor damage to the nail matrix from an injury can temporarily change the appearance of your nails and slow their growth. In more severe cases, the nail may fall off, and it may take several weeks for a new nail to appear. In some cases of severe nail matrix damage, the nail may not grow back at all.
Serious illnesses, such as a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia, can also interrupt nail growth and cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges in the nails). Chemotherapy and other medications can also affect the nail matrix, leading to Beau's lines or slow nail growth. These changes usually disappear once the medication is stopped. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can also reduce blood flow to the legs and feet, affecting the nail matrix and slowing nail growth.
Certain skin conditions, such as severe eczema, can interfere with nail growth and cause Beau's lines, pitting, and texture or colour changes. Nail psoriasis can cause similar issues, with up to 80% of people with psoriasis developing nail psoriasis. Subungual melanoma, a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix, can also cause nail growth problems and is indicated by brown or black discolouration of the nail.
Onycholysis, or nail separation, can cause nails to peel away from the nail bed, often due to injury or fungal infections. While there is no cure to reattach the nail, treatment can help keep new nail growth attached to the nail bed. Antifungal medications or discontinuing the use of certain nail products may be recommended.
Retronychia, a rare type of ingrown nail, occurs when the nail plate grows downward and embeds itself into the nail bed, disrupting new nail production. Onychomadesis is a condition where nails stop growing, indicated by the cessation of activity in the nail matrix. It can be caused by various factors, including trauma, disease, or lifestyle changes, and may manifest as a lack of production in the nail bed or complete shedding of the nail.
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Lifestyle factors
Certain diets, drinks, or supplements can disrupt the body's balance, making it challenging for nails to grow. For example, chemotherapy can cause nail growth interruptions as it affects rapidly dividing cells, including nail matrices. Additionally, illnesses such as a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia can impact nail growth, leading to horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines. Peripheral artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the legs and feet, can also slow nail growth.
Skin conditions like severe eczema can affect the nail matrix, causing Beau's lines, pitting, and changes in texture or color. Nail psoriasis can result in white lines, pitting, and crumbling of the nails. Subungual melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can cause brown or black discoloration of the nails and requires immediate medical attention.
Furthermore, injuries to the nail matrix, such as pinching or crushing the finger, can lead to bruising, ridges, or discoloration. Nail separation, or onycholysis, can occur due to trauma or fungal infections, resulting in the nail peeling away from the nail bed. Keeping nails trimmed short and avoiding biting them can help prevent such issues. Certain chemicals and products like nail polish, nail hardener, and fake nails can irritate the nails and surrounding skin, so caution should be exercised when using them.
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Nail care habits
Nail care is an essential part of any grooming ritual and is crucial for maintaining health and overall well-being. Here are some nail care habits to help you achieve healthy and strong nails:
Cleanliness
Keep your nails clean and dry to prevent the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and fungi that can lead to infections and other nail problems. Regularly wash your hands and nails with mild soap and warm water, and use a soft nail brush to clean underneath the nails. Avoid harsh chemicals and always use clean and sanitized tools.
Trimming and Filing
Trim your nails regularly, cutting straight across with sharp nail scissors or clippers. Round the nails slightly at the tips for maximum strength and to prevent ingrown nails. Avoid cutting your nails too short to maintain the appearance of longer nail beds.
Moisturizing
Regularly moisturizing your nails and cuticles is essential for enhancing their strength and appearance. A well-maintained nail care routine can boost your self-confidence and contribute to your overall self-care regimen.
Diet
A healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins is essential for promoting nail strength and growth. Include foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, and nuts in your diet to nourish your nails from within.
Treating Nail Problems
If you have a nail fungal infection, it is important to treat it promptly to help the nail plate reattach to the nail bed. See a dermatologist if your nails change colour, swell, or cause pain, as these can be signs of serious nail problems, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
Preventing Injuries
Be careful when trimming your nails to prevent nail injuries. If you injure your nail matrix, you may experience bruising, ridges, or discolouration, and your nail may even fall off. In some cases, a procedure called nail trephination can be performed to drain trapped blood and provide pain relief, but it must be done within 48 hours of the injury.
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Frequently asked questions
Your nail bed can appear shorter due to a fungal infection, which causes the nail plate to separate from the nail bed.
To make your nails grow longer, you can try letting your nails grow out, getting artificial nails, or cleaning underneath your nails with a nail brush.
There are many reasons why your nails might not be growing, including nail matrix injuries, peripheral artery disease, skin conditions like eczema, and chemotherapy.
