Caleb Foster
There are many reasons why one side of your nail might not be growing. Nails are primarily made of keratin and require proper nutrition to grow. Zinc and iron deficiencies can lead to imbalances in the body that make it difficult for the body to grow nails. Severe eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infections can also affect your nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Additionally, physical trauma, such as a deep cut or heavy blunt impact, can injure your nail matrix and cause your nail to stop growing. In some cases, nail issues can be caused by lifestyle factors such as diet, drinks, or supplements. Identifying the cause of your nail issue is important to determine the appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Illnesses | Heart attack, COVID-19, pneumonia, peripheral artery disease |
| Injuries | Pinching, crushing, dropping heavy objects, nail trephination |
| Medication | Chemotherapy, antifungal medication |
| Conditions | Eczema, psoriasis, nail psoriasis, subungual melanoma, paronychia, onycholysis, onychomadesis, zinc deficiency |
| Lifestyle factors | Diet, drinks, supplements, nail biting, nail cleaning, nail products |
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Nail injuries
A nail injury occurs when any part of the nail, including the nail bed (skin underneath the nail), cuticle (base of the nail), or the skin around the nail, is injured. This can be caused by a blow to the nail, closing the finger in a door or drawer, or dropping something heavy on the toe. Nail injuries can also be caused by cutting, tearing, smashing, or bruising the nail, or by tearing it away from the skin.
Injuries to the nail matrix, the tissue inside the cuticle where new nail growth originates, can cause ridges or splits to develop. Nail matrix injuries can be caused by pinching, crushing, or dropping something heavy on the finger or toe. They can also result in bruising, discolouration, or the nail falling off. In some cases, severe nail matrix damage may result in permanent nail loss.
Subungual hematoma is a common condition resulting from nail trauma, where blood gets trapped under the nail bed. It is usually caused by the nail being crushed or hit by a heavy object. Symptoms include throbbing pain and discolouration of the nail, which may turn black and blue. Treatment for subungual hematoma involves draining the trapped blood to relieve pressure and pain. This can be done by creating a small hole in the nail, typically with a hot needle or paper clip, or by a medical professional through a procedure called nail trephination.
Nail bed lacerations are another type of nail injury caused by cuts to the nail and the underlying nail bed, typically from a knife or saw. These injuries may require stitches and, in some cases, removal of the nail. Nail bed avulsions occur when the nail and part of the nail bed are pulled away or torn from the finger, often requiring nail removal. In cases of severe nail trauma, a visit to an urgent care centre or emergency room is necessary.
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Skin conditions
Several skin conditions can affect nail growth and cause abnormalities in the nails. Here are some common skin conditions that can impact nail health:
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming thick, scaly patches. It can also affect the nails, leading to
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Serious illnesses
Nail abnormalities can sometimes indicate serious underlying illnesses. These can vary from conditions affecting the nail directly, such as nail psoriasis or nail fungus, to more systemic diseases like
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Nutritional deficiencies
Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency that can affect nail health. It is associated with koilonychia, where nails become thin, spoon-shaped, and curved inward, with raised ridges. Iron deficiency can also cause nails to become brittle and may be a factor in onychoschizia, or the lamellar peeling of the nail's free edge. Furthermore, iron deficiency anaemia can lead to a decrease in iron content in the nails.
Zinc deficiency is another nutritional deficiency that can impact nail health, resulting in Beau's lines, which are transverse linear depressions in the nail plate. Vitamin C deficiency may also contribute to the formation of splinter haemorrhages, manifesting as thin red, brown, or black lines under the nails.
Other nutritional deficiencies that may affect nail health include deficiencies in calcium, vitamins A, B, and E, and protein deficiency. A well-balanced diet that includes essential vitamins and minerals can help address nutritional deficiencies and promote healthy nail growth.
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Medication
If you are experiencing nail problems, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. A doctor can help identify any underlying causes and address them to encourage normal nail growth. In some cases, this may involve stopping or changing medication.
For nail infections, antibiotics may be prescribed. For fungal nail infections, oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine (Lamisil®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), and fluconazole (Diflucan®) are often used. Topical antifungal treatments in the form of creams, ointments, or gels are also available. It is important to complete the full course of antifungal medication to prevent a recurrence of the infection.
In the case of nail psoriasis, a common chronic disease, medications can help manage the condition. Treatment options include pills, injections, or topical treatments.
While topical treatments are generally ineffective in encouraging nail growth, maintaining adequate nutrition can provide the body with the necessary building blocks to produce healthy nails. A balanced diet can also help address conditions that lead to nail growth problems, such as nutritional deficiencies.
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