Liam Carter
Are your nails not growing as they should? It may be a sign of an underlying health issue. Nails serve important functions as protective layers for the fingertips and are also indicators of health and well-being. While it is normal for toenails to grow slower than fingernails, it is not normal for them to stop growing. Factors such as trauma to the nail, nutritional deficiencies, or medical conditions like diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or even chemotherapy can all contribute to this problem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical Name | Onychomadesis (on-ah-coe-ma-dee-sis) |
| Cause | Trauma, disease, lifestyle changes, chemotherapy, major stress, peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes, hypothyroidism, nutritional deficiencies, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, zinc deficiency, biotin deficiency, nail infections, etc. |
| Symptoms | Nails stop growing, nail bed lacks production, nail sheds, nail discolouration, nail thickening, pitted nails, nail lifting, nail splitting, rough nails, brittle nails, etc. |
| Treatment | Remove the cause, antibiotics, tea tree oil, vitamin E, multivitamins, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Trauma to the nail
Nail trauma can lead to temporary or permanent growth changes, from discoloration to irregularities. In some cases, the damage to the nail's growth area can result in permanent changes, meaning the nail may never return to its original shape. Severe trauma, such as crushing injuries or deep cuts, may result in long-term or permanent effects if the nail matrix is significantly damaged.
When trauma results in noticeable changes or causes pain, it is recommended to seek help from a board-certified dermatologist. Severe cases might require trimming damaged sections, draining blood from under the nail, or surgical procedures if nail removal is necessary. While the nail may eventually return to its original appearance, cases with profound matrix damage could need ongoing care or reconstructive approaches.
To prevent nail trauma, it is recommended to wear protective gloves during repetitive tasks or heavy lifting. Keeping nails trimmed and maintained also minimizes the chance of breakage. If you suspect nail trauma, it is highly advisable to avoid drilling, lifting, or trimming your toenail, as home treatments can further damage the nail bed and lead to complications.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Additionally, peripheral artery disease (PAD), caused by narrowed arteries due to fatty buildup, can lead to poor blood flow to the arms and legs. This results in poor nutrition and oxygen supply to the fingertips, slowing down or even stopping nail growth. Poor circulation in the lower extremities can also be a result of this, leading to nails receiving fewer nutrients and oxygen, which are crucial for healthy growth.
Underlying health issues such as hypothyroidism can also impair blood flow, affecting nail health and growth. It is important to be vigilant about toenail health, as slow or halted nail growth can be a sign of these more serious health concerns.
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Medical conditions
Fingernails and toenails that have stopped growing can be a sign of underlying medical conditions. Nails that have stopped growing can be a clinical sign known as onychomadesis, which is defined by the cessation of activity in the nail matrix. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, disease, or lifestyle changes.
One possible medical condition related to nail growth is peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is caused by narrowed arteries due to fatty buildup. This leads to poor blood flow in the arms or legs, resulting in reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the fingertips, which can slow down or stop nail growth. PAD can also be a consequence of poor circulation, which can be caused by underlying health issues.
Another condition that can affect nail growth is psoriasis, an immune system disorder that attacks healthy tissues in the skin and nails. This can lead to nail thickening, discoloration, and slowed or stopped growth. Onychomycosis, or nail fungus infection, can also contribute to nail growth issues. While often treatable, if left untreated, the infection can worsen and cause the nail plate to fall off and stop growing.
In some cases, nail growth issues may be related to more serious conditions such as hypothyroidism, iron deficiency, or even melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer. Horizontal lines or deep grooves on the nails, known as Beau lines, can indicate that something has interrupted nail growth. While these lines are usually nothing to worry about, deep grooves that run the width of the nail may suggest an underlying issue.
Chemotherapy can also affect nail growth, as it targets rapidly dividing cells, including nail matrices. This can lead to interrupted nail growth and, in some cases, nail loss.
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Infections
Fungal nail infections can spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact or by touching infected surfaces. They can also be caused by walking barefoot in communal areas such as public pools, showers, or gyms, or by sharing items like towels, nail clippers, and nail scissors.
Paronychia is another type of nail infection that affects the skin around the nail, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness. Pus may build up under the skin, and a white to yellow abscess may form. Paronychia can be treated with antibiotics and/or drainage of the abscess.
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy, tetracycline, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), psoralens, and oral retinoids, can also cause nail infections and affect nail growth.
It is important to maintain good nail hygiene and take steps to prevent and treat nail infections. This includes washing and drying the hands and feet thoroughly, trimming nails short, and avoiding biting or picking at the nails and cuticles.
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Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Nails that stop growing can be a perplexing experience, as they serve important functions as protective layers for the fingertips and are indicators of health and well-being. While nail issues usually do not indicate a serious underlying illness, nails that stop growing can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
PAD is a long-term disease, but it can be improved and prevented from worsening by making lifestyle changes such as exercising, eating less fat, and giving up tobacco products. It is quite common, particularly among the elderly, and can be identified through a non-invasive, affordable technique called the ankle-brachial index (ABI).
Nail inspection is a very accessible task, and valuation of PAD with the ABI can help identify onychodystrophy, a deformity of the nail plate, as a possible early marker of asymptomatic PAD. This allows for prompt intervention to ameliorate or stop the progression of the disease.
If you are experiencing issues with your nail growth, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you notice other symptoms such as inflamed skin, night sweats, or bleeding in the nail.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for this, including nutritional deficiencies, trauma to the nail, or an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where narrowed arteries, often caused by fatty buildup, lead to poor blood flow in the arms or legs. This results in poor nutrition and oxygen supply to the fingertips, slowing down or halting nail growth.
Yes, it is recommended to give your nails a break from polish or other products to allow them to grow.
Yes, stress, along with a fever, injury, or chemotherapy, can cause nails to grow slowly or stop growing.
