Ava Monroe
Fingernails and toenails are composed of protein and fat and are not live tissue. They grow at a slow pace, typically about 2.5mm a month, and it can take 3-6 months for a completely new nail to grow. Nails are produced by the nail matrix, which is the area where your fingernails and toenails form. The nail bed is the layer of skin beneath your nails that supports and secures the nail in place. While nail beds do not become longer over time, they can grow back after an injury, usually within 6 months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time for a new nail to grow | 3-6 months for fingernails, 12-18 months for toenails |
| Nail bed growth | Nail beds can't grow longer, but the layer of skin regenerates after an injury |
| Appearance of longer nail beds | Growing out nails, consuming vitamins A, E, and D, using a nail brush instead of metal tools, etc. |
| Nail matrix | The area where nails form; if damaged, the nail may not grow back |
| Onycholysis | When the nail detaches from the nail bed; treatment includes cutting away the separated nail, antifungal medication, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Nail matrix injuries can cause nail loss
The nail matrix is the living part of the nail responsible for its growth. It creates new cells that become our fingernails and toenails. The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix contributes to about 90% of nail growth. The nail matrix and lunula are part of the nail's overall structure, which also includes the cuticle, lateral nail fold, nail plate, and nail bed.
Mechanical injuries are a common cause of nail matrix damage. This includes pinching or crushing the finger or dropping something heavy on the toe. Certain habits and improperly performed nail care procedures can also result in matrix damage, such as cuticle picking, improper use of a drill, and cuticle cutting with a cuticle pusher.
After a nail matrix injury, you may observe bruising, ridges, or discolouration. Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes to the nail's appearance, while more significant damage can result in permanent nail deformities. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of the nail may not grow back.
If you notice any nail changes, it is important to seek medical advice. Treatment for a nail matrix injury depends on the cause and severity of the damage. Minor nail bed injuries often heal on their own, but professional treatment can help ensure that the nail bed heals appropriately for the growth of a new nail. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a procedure called nail trephination, which involves draining trapped blood beneath the nail to provide pain relief and promote proper nail growth. For more severe injuries, surgery or nail reconstruction may be necessary.
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Nail bed injuries can cause whitish changes in new nails
Fingernails and toenails are composed of protein and fat and are not live tissue. They grow at a rate of about 2.5mm per month, with toenails growing more slowly than fingernails. Nails are produced by the nail matrix, which is the area at the base of the nail that produces new nails. The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix, which is responsible for about 90% of nail growth, and the sterile matrix.
The nail bed is the area under the nail plate, which is the hard part of the nail that is visible. The nail bed includes the hyponychium and the onychodermal, which are layers of tissue that prevent pathogens from infecting the skin underneath the nail plate.
Nail injuries are common, as nails are located on the tips of fingers and toes, making them prone to damage. Repeated trauma to toenails, caused by ill-fitting shoes, can lead to deformities in the nails. Nail biting and cuticle biting can also cause trauma to the nails.
A severe injury could cause the nail to fall off. After the nail matrix heals, the nail will usually start to grow again, although it may take several weeks for the new nail to appear. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of the nail may not grow back, and the nail may have permanent cosmetic changes.
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Nail separation (onycholysis) is irreversible
Fingernails and toenails are composed of protein and fat and are not made of live tissue. They grow at a rate of about 2.5mm per month, and it takes 3-6 months for a completely new nail to grow. Nails are produced by the nail matrix, which is the moon-shaped whitish area at the base of the nail called the lunula. The nail matrix creates new cells that become our fingernails and toenails.
Nail separation, or onycholysis, is when the nail separates from the skin beneath it, or the nail bed. It is common and usually lasts for several months or over a year. It is easy to recognise and typically does not cause any pain. However, the cause of onycholysis may be painful or irritating. Onycholysis may be caused by a nail injury, fungus, or psoriasis. It may also be caused by an iron deficiency, hyperthyroidism, or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which can develop after a stem cell transplant.
Once a nail has been torn or detached, there is little that can be done to replace or repair it. The concern then becomes any damage to the surrounding areas. If there is significant damage to the areas around the nail, a visit to a physician is necessary. In the case of onycholysis, the goal of treatment is to help a new nail grow. This involves keeping nails short and trimmed and avoiding activities that might harm them. It is also important to avoid creating a moist environment underneath the nail, as this is where bacteria can grow.
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New nail growth can take 6-18 months
Fingernails and toenails are made of protein and fat and are not live tissue. Nails grow at a rate of about 2.5 to 3.5 millimetres a month, or about a tenth of a millimetre per day. The speed of nail growth varies depending on the finger or toe. For instance, the nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster than those on the non-dominant hand. Nails on longer fingers also tend to grow faster. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, at an average rate of 1.62 millimetres per month.
If a nail falls off due to injury or illness, a new nail will usually start to grow once the nail matrix heals. However, in cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of the nail may not grow back. It can take up to six months for a fingernail to completely grow back, and 12 to 18 months for a toenail to grow back. Nail regrowth is slower in individuals with certain medical conditions, such as those who are immunocompromised, paralysed, malnourished, or undergoing specific drug therapies.
The nail bed is the area under the nail plate that supports the hard part of the nail as it grows. The nail bed includes the hyponychium and the onychodermal, which are layers of tissue that prevent pathogens from infecting the skin underneath the nail plate. The nail plate is the most visible part of the nail. The nail matrix, which is located at the base of the nail, produces new nail plate cells. This process involves the lunula, the white crescent shape at the base of the nail, which is the only visible part of the nail matrix. As new nail plate cells form and multiply underneath the skin, they push older cells upward, eventually surfacing from under the skin at the lunula.
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Nail growth can be encouraged by a healthy diet
A new nail will typically grow back after a nail injury, but this can take several weeks. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of the nail may not grow back. The nail matrix is where your fingernails and toenails form, and it is usually protected by the nail.
Zinc is also required for the healthy growth of nails, as it is necessary for the growth and division of cells. Animal proteins such as beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are rich sources of zinc, but it can also be found in soy, chickpeas, black beans, nuts, and seeds.
Vitamin D, found in eggs, helps regulate calcium levels, which will help your nails grow strong. Vitamin A, found in orange and yellow vegetables, is also essential for strong, healthy, and accelerated nail growth.
Biotin, found in eggs, liver, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower, may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. Vitamin B12, found in animal proteins, is also necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as long as there is no permanent damage to the nail matrix or nail bed, a new nail will grow back.
Fingernails grow at a rate of 0.13 inches or one-tenth of a millimeter per month, regrowing completely in 3-6 months. Toenails grow more slowly, at about half the rate of fingernails, and may take up to 18 months to fully regrow.
Prompt treatment can help the nail bed heal and ensure the nail grows back smoothly. If there is bleeding between the nail and the nail bed, a doctor may perform a procedure called trephination, where a small hole is made in the nail to drain the blood.
If there are signs of infection, swelling, increasing pain, or pus, it is mandatory to visit a physician.
Nails are prone to damage due to their location on our fingertips and toes. Longer nails are more likely to be damaged, so keeping them trimmed may help prevent injuries.
