Sophia Delgado
Losing a nail is a common occurrence that can be caused by trauma, infection, or other reasons. Nails grow back in most cases, but the rate of regrowth can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of nail. Fingernails typically grow back within 3 to 6 months, while toenails can take up to 18 months. This difference in growth rate is partly attributed to the higher blood flow in fingers due to their more frequent use. The nail matrix, located at the root of the nail, is responsible for nail growth. Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes in nail appearance, while severe injuries may result in permanent nail deformation or the nail falling off. Proper nail care, including trimming nails straight across and maintaining a well-rounded diet, can help prevent nail injuries and promote healthy nail growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of new nail growth | Healing of the nail matrix after injury or medical treatment |
| Time taken for new nail growth | Fingernails: 4-6 months, Toenails: 8-12 months |
| Factors affecting nail growth | Illnesses (heart attack, COVID-19, pneumonia), injuries, chemotherapy, medication, peripheral artery disease |
| Nail growth procedures | Nail trephination for bruise under the nail, corticosteroids for retronychia, nail removal for severe cases |
| Prevention of nail growth issues | Proper nail trimming, avoiding tight shoes and activities causing toenail injuries |
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What You'll Learn
The nail matrix is the factory where new nails are made
The nail matrix is the "factory" where new nails are made. It creates new cells that become your fingernails or toenails. The nail matrix is made up of two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix contributes about 90% of the cells that make up your nails, while the sterile matrix contributes the remaining 10%. However, the sterile matrix plays a crucial role in keeping your nail attached to the underlying skin.
Injuries to the nail matrix can occur from pinching, crushing, or dropping something heavy on the finger or toe. These injuries can cause bruising, ridges, or discolouration, and in severe cases, the nail may fall off. While nail matrix injuries can be painful and unsightly, they usually heal with proper medical care, and the nail will often grow back.
Certain illnesses can also affect nail growth. Conditions such as a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia can interrupt nail growth and cause horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, or other changes in nail appearance. Additionally, medications, such as chemotherapy, can temporarily affect the nail matrix, leading to slow nail growth or changes in nail colour.
In some cases, nail growth can be affected by underlying conditions such as onycholysis, where the nail separates from the nail bed, or retronychia, where new nail plates grow on top of each other under the old nail plate. Proper diagnosis and treatment of these conditions can help promote healthy nail growth.
Overall, the nail matrix is a vital part of nail growth and health, and any injuries or illnesses that affect it can have noticeable effects on the appearance and growth of new nails.
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Illnesses, injuries, and medications can affect nail growth
Illnesses, injuries, and medications can all impact the nail matrix, which is the part of the body responsible for creating new nails. Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes in the appearance of the nail. More severe injuries can cause the nail to fall off, and in rare cases, the nail matrix may be permanently damaged, preventing the nail from growing back.
Illnesses
Several illnesses can affect nail growth. For example, serious health events such as a heart attack, COVID-19, or pneumonia can interrupt nail growth and cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges on the nails). Iron deficiency can also cause nails to become brittle and break easily. Other illnesses that can affect nail growth include psoriasis, ichthyosis, and circulation problems. Lung disease and rheumatoid arthritis can cause yellow nails, which is known as yellow nail syndrome.
Injuries
Injuries to the nail matrix can result from pinching or crushing the finger or dropping something heavy on the toe. This can cause bruising, ridges, or discolouration of the nail. In some cases, the nail may fall off. Additionally, injuries to the nailbed or cuticle area can lead to nail infections, such as paronychia, which is an inflammation of the nail that can be treated with antibiotics. Another condition caused by injury is onycholysis, where the nail separates from the nail bed. This can be caused by trauma to the nail and usually lasts several months as the nail must regrow to resolve the issue.
Medications
Certain medications can also affect nail growth and appearance. For instance, chemotherapy can cause Beau's lines or slow nail growth. Medications may also cause Mees' lines (white bands across the nails) and nail colour changes, although these changes usually disappear once the medication is stopped. Other medications that can cause nail issues include retinoids, anti-cancer medications, HIV medications, and some antibiotics, which have been linked to paronychia.
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Onycholysis occurs when the nail separates from the nail bed
Onycholysis is a condition that occurs when a nail separates from the nail bed. It is not a reason for an emergency medical appointment, but it is important to find out what's causing it. The condition usually lasts several months, and during this time, a new nail should grow to replace the old one. Fingernails typically take 4 to 6 months to fully regrow, while toenails can take 8 to 12 months.
The portion of the nail that has separated from the nail bed cannot reattach itself. Hence, the goal of treatment is to allow new, healthy nail growth and prevent the condition from worsening. It is important to keep nails short and trimmed and avoid activities that might harm them. In the case of fingernail lifting, it is advisable to refrain from using harsh products that may be causing the nail lifting, such as artificial nails and nail polish remover. For toenail lifting, ensure that you wear shoes that fit well and are not too tight. Applying an adhesive bandage to cover the nail can help prevent it from catching on things and making the condition worse.
There are several possible causes of onycholysis. One common cause is trauma or injury to the nail or the nail matrix, the area where nails start to grow. This can include pinching or crushing your finger or dropping something heavy on your toe. Another cause could be a fungal or yeast infection, which can cause nails to become thick and yellow, with white spots or streaks. It is important to take proper care of your nails if you have a fungal or yeast infection, as biting your nails can spread the problem and possibly affect your mouth. Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, oral contraceptives, and drugs made from vitamin A, have also been linked to onycholysis. Additionally, nail products such as nail polish, nail gloss, nail hardener, and fake nails can cause onycholysis due to an allergic reaction or sensitivity to chemicals.
If you are experiencing onycholysis, it is recommended to see a dermatologist, especially if it affects more than one digit of your fingers or toes. A blood test may also be necessary to check for any systemic diseases that could be causing the condition. With effective treatment, your nail will reattach to the nail bed as new growth occurs.
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Retronychia is when new nails grow on top of old ones
Retronychia is an uncommon nail condition where a new nail grows on top of an old one. It occurs when the nail plate (the hard part of the nail made of the protein keratin) grows into the nail fold. This is caused by a disruption to the growing nail plate, usually some form of trauma or injury to the toe or nail plate. This can be a direct impact or repeated micro-trauma from ill-fitting shoes or repetitive activities like dancing and jogging.
The nail matrix is the "factory" where the body makes new nails. When the nail matrix is injured, it can cause the distal emerging edge to stop growing forward. To compensate, a new nail plate grows beneath it, which can either grow forward or get stuck. Eventually, the proximal nail fold can lift up, become inflamed, and irritated. This is when retronychia occurs, with multiple generations of new nail plates growing on top of one another in a stack under the old nail plate. The growth of the new nail plate pushes the old nail upwards.
Retronychia is more common in women and usually affects the big toes. It can be treated conservatively in the early stages with taping, orthosis, and topical steroids. In more severe cases, surgery is required to remove the nail and allow the nail bed to heal, after which a new nail can grow forward.
It is important to note that retronychia can be misdiagnosed, and proper treatment is necessary to ensure healthy nail growth. With proper treatment, nails can usually grow back even if they fall off due to injury.
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Healthy nails can grow back with proper medical care
The nail matrix is the "factory" where your body makes new nails. It has two parts: the germinal matrix, which contributes to about 90% of nail growth, and the sterile matrix, which is responsible for the remaining 10% of cells and keeps the nail attached to the underlying skin. Certain injuries and illnesses can damage the nail matrix and affect how your nails look or grow. For example, severe eczema can interfere with nail growth, and a heart attack or illness like COVID-19 or pneumonia can cause horizontal ridges in your nails. Chemotherapy and other medications can also cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges) or slow nail growth.
However, with the right treatment, you can often see healthy nails grow back. Minor damage to your nail matrix may only temporarily change your nail's appearance, and your nail will usually start to grow again within a few weeks. In the case of more severe damage, some or all of your nail may not grow back, but this is rare. If your nail falls off, it usually grows back with proper medical care.
To speed up the healing process, you can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and inflammation, keep your nail elevated to reduce blood flow to the injury, and take biotin supplements to promote cell growth. It is also important to keep the wound dry and covered, cleaning and bandaging it daily, and applying antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
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Frequently asked questions
A new nail grows when the old one falls off due to injury or illness.
Fingernails take 4 to 6 months to fully regrow, while toenails can take 8 to 12 months.
Keep your nails short and trimmed, and avoid activities that might harm them.
Changes in colour, texture, or shape can be harmless, but they can also indicate an infection or an underlying disease. See a dermatologist if you notice any of these changes.
