Caleb Foster
Toenails can fall off or get damaged due to several reasons, including trauma, fungal infections, or medical conditions. Trauma is the most common reason for losing a toenail, which could be due to stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Toenails protect the soft tissue beneath them and keep the tips of your toes safe. Toenails grow from the nail matrix, a small area beneath the skin at the base of the nail. When the nail is damaged or removed, the matrix continues to produce new cells, which form the new nail. Toenails can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to grow back, with the timeline depending on the reason for their loss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to grow back | 6 months to 2 years |
| Reasons for falling off | Trauma, fungal infections, medical conditions, psoriasis, surgery |
| Prevention | Wear well-fitting shoes and socks, keep nails trimmed |
| Treatment | Soak in warm water, apply petroleum jelly, bandage the area, antifungal treatments |
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What You'll Learn
Toenail regrowth after trauma
Toenails can fall off due to trauma, such as stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Toenails protect the soft tissue beneath them and the tips of your toes, and they can generally be expected to grow back after being lost to trauma.
The rate of toenail regrowth can vary from person to person and can depend on the reason for the nail loss. Toenails typically take longer to regrow than fingernails, with toenails taking up to 18 months to fully regrow, compared to 4 to 6 months for fingernails. However, the rate of regrowth can be faster or slower depending on the scenario. For example, nails tend to grow slower in older adults and in colder climates, and nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster.
In the case of trauma, toenail regrowth tends to be slower, taking anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. After a traumatic event, the nail may no longer be attached to the nail bed, and there may be bleeding between the nail and the nail bed, resulting in a subungual hematoma. This can cause intense pain and throbbing, and a doctor may relieve the pressure by creating a small hole with a needle to allow the blood to drain.
To care for a damaged nail and speed up the healing process, you can apply a cold compress for up to 20 minutes to reduce swelling and inflammation. Keeping the nail elevated can also help reduce blood flow to the injury, which can decrease swelling and bruising. It is important to keep the nail clean, dry, and protected during the regrowth process. Trimming the nail back accordingly can help prevent dirt and bacteria from getting trapped between the nail and the nail bed, reducing the risk of infection.
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Toenail removal
After toenail removal surgery, it can take up to 18 months for a nail to fully regrow. Nails tend to grow slower in older adults and in colder climates, and faster in the summer and on the dominant hand. It's important to follow the advice given to you after your nail surgery to avoid developing an infection. As you will have an open wound for some weeks, there is a small risk of infection occurring.
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Toenail fungus
Fungi thrive in warm, wet environments, and shoes and socks provide the perfect conditions for them to grow. Toenail fungus is contagious and can be spread by walking barefoot in a locker room or visiting a nail salon. Symptoms of toenail fungus include yellow or dark discolouration, brittleness, and thickening of the nails. The infection can spread to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails, and it can impair your ability to work or walk if left untreated.
To prevent toenail fungus, it is recommended to wear well-fitting shoes and socks, keep toenails trimmed, and avoid walking barefoot in damp areas such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. It is also important to treat athlete's foot if present, as it can contribute to toenail fungus. Disinfect instruments used to cut nails and avoid applying polish to nails suspected of infection.
Over-the-counter and prescription products can treat toenail fungus. A daily routine of cleansing over several months may temporarily suppress mild infections, and white markings can be filed off and treated with an over-the-counter liquid antifungal agent. However, even the best over-the-counter treatments may not prevent a fungal infection from returning. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the nail and stop the fungus from spreading.
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Toenail care
Trimming and Filing
It is important to keep toenails trimmed and well-maintained. Toenails should be cut straight across, avoiding cutting them too short, which can lead to ingrown toenails. After cutting, use an emery board to file the nails smooth, ensuring there are no jagged edges. The best time to trim toenails is after a shower or bath when they are softer and easier to cut. Remember to trim in small sections across the nail rather than trying to cut the entire nail in one go.
Cuticle Care
Avoid cutting or trimming the cuticles, as this can lead to bleeding and increase the risk of infection. Cuticles serve a protective purpose, shielding new nail growth from bacteria and bugs. Instead, use a cuticle stick or an orange stick to gently push the cuticles up and away from the nail bed.
Nail Polish
If you enjoy painting your toenails, ensure you remove old nail polish before applying a new colour. Leaving nail polish on for extended periods can cause discolouration, making your nails appear yellow. Give your nails a break between pedicures, allowing them to breathe and recover.
Footwear and Sock Choice
Choosing the right footwear is crucial for toenail health. Avoid shoes that are too tight or restrictive, as they can cause friction and lead to ingrown toenails. Visit a podiatrist to ensure your shoes fit correctly and address any concerns. Additionally, select socks made from natural, moisture-wicking fibres like wool or bamboo. These socks help keep your feet dry, reducing the risk of fungal growth.
Hygiene and Moisturizing
Maintain good foot hygiene by regularly washing your feet in the shower, bath, or with a foot basin. Gently dry your feet after washing, and apply lotion to the soles and heels, avoiding the areas between the toes. Keep your toenails clean and dry to prevent fungal and bacterial infections.
Preventing and Treating Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common issue, often affecting the big toe. They occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing tenderness, redness, and sometimes bleeding. To prevent this, ensure your nails are trimmed properly and smooth, without any jagged edges. If you develop an ingrown toenail, consider placing cotton or dental floss under the affected area to separate the nail from the skin. You can also apply petroleum jelly to the tender area and bandage your toe. If the pain persists or becomes severe, consult a podiatrist or healthcare provider for further treatment options.
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Toenail regrowth timeline
Toenails are made of keratin, the same protein that makes up your skin and hair. They protect the soft tissue beneath them and keep the tips of your toes safe. However, due to trauma, infection, or other scenarios, you might lose a toenail.
The good news is that toenails grow back. Toenail regrowth takes time, with an average of 12 to 18 months for a toenail to grow back completely. Regrowth may be slower in older adults and in colder climates. Nails grow faster in the summer and on the dominant hand.
Within the first few weeks, a thin, protective layer begins to form over the nail bed. Early signs of new nail growth become visible in about 2–3 months. However, a complete, healthy nail can take over a year to return.
The rate of toenail regrowth can be faster or slower depending on the scenario. Toenail regrowth tends to be slower after an injury or trauma, taking anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for the toenail to grow back. Minor injuries may heal in a few weeks, but severe trauma, especially if the nail bed is damaged, can take months for both healing and regrowth.
If you lose a toenail due to an injury, the nail bed must heal before regrowth begins. Toenail fungus is another common cause of toenail loss. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products can treat nail fungus, but it can take 12 to 18 months for the fungus to grow out.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for a big toenail to grow back.
Common causes include trauma, fungal infections, or medical conditions. Trauma includes stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or wearing ill-fitting shoes.
If your toenail falls off, it is important to keep the area clean and protected from further injury to promote faster healing. You can do this by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly and covering the area with a bandage.
In most cases, your big toenail will grow back. However, if the nail matrix, a small area beneath the skin at the base of the nail, is damaged, regrowth may be delayed or the nail may grow back misshapen. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to remove the nail and stop it from growing back.
