What are fingernails made of. How long does it take for fingernails to grow back after an injury. Which nutrients promote healthy fingernail growth. What factors influence fingernail growth rates. How can you protect your fingernails from damage and promote faster regrowth.

The Anatomy of Fingernails: More Than Meets the Eye

Fingernails are fascinating structures that play a crucial role in our daily lives. But what exactly are they? Contrary to popular belief, fingernails are not bones, ligaments, or simply thickened skin. They are actually composed of a protein called keratin, the same substance that makes up our hair.

The visible part of the nail, known as the nail plate, is made up of dead cells. However, beneath the surface lies the living tissue responsible for nail growth and health. This area, called the matrix or nail root, is located under the skin at the base of the nail. It’s here that new nail cells are produced, gradually pushing older cells outward to form the visible nail plate.

The Protective Role of Cuticles

Cuticles, often overlooked, serve a vital purpose in nail health. These thin layers of skin at the base of the nail act as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria and other harmful substances from entering the sensitive matrix area. While some manicurists remove cuticles for aesthetic reasons, it’s important to understand that this practice can increase the risk of infection and compromise nail health.

The Process of Fingernail Loss and Regrowth

Can you truly “lose” a fingernail? The answer is both yes and no. While it’s possible to lose the visible nail plate due to injury or trauma, the underlying matrix typically remains intact. This means that even if your entire nail comes off, it will generally grow back over time.

However, severe injuries to the nail bed or matrix can result in permanent changes to nail growth or appearance. In such cases, seeking prompt medical attention can help prevent long-term damage and ensure proper healing.

Timeframe for Fingernail Regrowth

How long does it take for a fingernail to grow back completely after an injury? On average, fingernails grow about 3.5 millimeters (approximately 1/10 of an inch) per month. This means a full regrowth cycle can take up to six months for most adults.

It’s worth noting that this process is significantly slower for toenails, which can take up to 18 months to regrow entirely. This difference in growth rate is due to various factors, including blood flow and exposure to environmental stimuli.

Essential Nutrients for Healthy Fingernail Growth

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining strong, healthy nails and promoting faster regrowth after injury. Several key nutrients have been identified as particularly beneficial for nail health:

• Biotin (Vitamin B7): Found in liver, nuts, salmon, avocados, and sweet potatoes
• Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Abundant in leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, and cereals
• Vitamin D: Present in dairy products, fatty fish, and eggs
• Vitamin B12: Found in organ meats, beef, clams, and dairy products
• Iron: Plentiful in shellfish, spinach, legumes, and red meat
• Magnesium: Available in bananas, dark chocolate, avocados, and nuts
• Vitamin C: Abundant in kakadu plums, cherries, chili peppers, and kiwi
• Zinc: Found in meat, shellfish, legumes, and seeds

Incorporating these nutrients into your diet can help support overall nail health and potentially speed up the regrowth process after an injury.

Factors Influencing Fingernail Growth Rates

Several factors can affect how quickly your fingernails grow. Understanding these can help you set realistic expectations for nail regrowth and take steps to optimize the process:

Age and Growth Rate

Did you know that age plays a role in nail growth speed? Children and teenagers typically experience faster nail growth compared to adults. This is due to higher metabolic rates and increased circulation in younger individuals.

Seasonal Variations

Interestingly, fingernails tend to grow faster during the summer months than in winter. While the exact reason for this phenomenon is not fully understood, it may be related to increased vitamin D absorption from sunlight exposure.

Gender Differences

On average, men’s nails grow slightly faster than women’s nails. This difference is thought to be related to hormonal factors and overall metabolism.

Protecting Your Nails: Prevention and Care Tips

While accidents can happen, there are steps you can take to protect your nails from damage and promote healthy growth:

1. Keep nails moisturized to prevent brittleness
2. Avoid using nails as tools to open cans or scratch surfaces
3. Wear protective gloves when working with harsh chemicals
4. Trim nails regularly to prevent snagging and breakage
5. Be cautious when getting manicures to avoid damaging the cuticles
6. Address any underlying health conditions that may affect nail growth

When to Seek Medical Attention for Nail Injuries

While minor nail injuries often heal on their own, certain situations warrant professional medical care. Seek immediate attention if you experience:

• Severe pain or throbbing in the nail area
• Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus
• A deep cut or laceration to the nail bed
• Complete separation of the nail from the nail bed
• Persistent changes in nail color or texture

Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and ensure proper healing, potentially reducing the risk of permanent nail deformities.

Debunking Common Myths About Fingernail Health

There are many misconceptions surrounding fingernail health and growth. Let’s address some of the most common myths:

Myth: White spots on nails indicate calcium deficiency

Contrary to popular belief, white spots on nails (leuconychia) are usually caused by minor trauma to the nail matrix, not a lack of calcium. These spots are harmless and will grow out over time.

Myth: Gelatin supplements promote nail growth

While gelatin contains protein, there’s no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in promoting nail growth. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is more beneficial for nail health.

Myth: Nail polish prevents nails from “breathing”

Nails don’t actually “breathe” as they receive nutrients and oxygen from the bloodstream. However, constant use of nail polish, especially without proper removal and breaks, can lead to nail discoloration and weakening.

The Future of Nail Care: Innovations and Treatments

As our understanding of nail biology advances, new treatments and technologies are emerging to address various nail concerns:

Laser Therapy for Fungal Infections

Laser treatments are showing promise in treating stubborn nail fungal infections, offering a non-invasive alternative to oral medications.

Bioengineered Nail Replacements

Research is underway to develop bioengineered nail replacements for individuals with severe nail damage or congenital nail abnormalities.

Personalized Nail Care Products

Advances in genetic testing and personalized medicine may lead to the development of customized nail care products tailored to individual needs and genetic predispositions.

As we continue to unravel the complexities of nail biology, these innovations hold the potential to revolutionize nail care and treatment options for various nail-related issues.

What They Are and How Long It Takes for Fingernails to Grow Back after an Injury

Blog // All About Fingernails: What They Are and How Long It Takes for Fingernails to Grow Back after an Injury

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Fingers General

It’s amazing how something so basic can be so mysterious. Of course, we’re talking about fingernails. We were all born with them, we have them with us for every second of every day, we clip them, we have fun polishing them, and yet most of the general population doesn’t actually know what they are.

What are Fingernails, Really?

Do you really, truly know what fingernails are? Are they bones? Ligaments? Tissue? Really thick skin? Are you using them to scratch your head right now?

If you said tissue, you’re on the right track. Fingernails are made of keratin, a protein that forms the cells that make up the tissue in nails. Nails form under your skin and push old cells through as they start to grow. The nails you see, therefore, are essentially dead cells. While the visible part of your nails have no feeling, the inner part of your nails under your skin do. That’s why you can feel pressure near your cuticles but feel nothing when you clip your nails.

Your cuticles are there, by the way, to protect the growth of the cells and prevent infection. Most nail technicians remove them during a manicure for cosmetic purposes. While that’s relatively harmless, it means the cuticles won’t be as effective at their job of protecting your nails and fingers from fungus and other infections.

Can You Completely Lose a Fingernail?

You often hear people talking about “losing a fingernail,” but is that really possible? The answer is yes and no.

You can completely lose the dead cells, the visible part of your nail. But truly, the heart of your nail is under your skin in what is called the matrix or nail root, and you generally won’t lose that. You can, however, damage the matrix, resulting in deformation of the fingernail as it grows back.

How Long Does it Take for Fingernails to Grow Back after an Injury?

If the visible part of your fingernails becomes detached due to an injury, the nail will grow back on its own. But it will require some patience on your part. For the average adult, fingernails grow about 1/10 of an inch a month. That means it can take up to six months for your fingernail to grow back to its full size.

But if you’ve recently lost a fingernail, look at the bright side: At least it wasn’t a toenail. Toenails grow back three to four times slower than fingernails, so it could take up to 1 1/2 years for a toenail to grow back completely.

Nutrients for Healthy Fingernails

Vitamins that are believed to be beneficial for nails include:

• Biotin, naturally found in foods including liver, nuts, salmon, avocados, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower.
• Folic Acid/Vitamin B9, naturally found in foods including leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, cereals, and rice.
• Vitamin D, naturally found in dairy products, fatty fish, and eggs.
• Vitamin B12, naturally found in organ meats, beef, clams, sardines, tuna, trout, salmon, eggs, and dairy products.
• Iron, naturally found in shellfish, spinach, legumes, red meat, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, turkey, broccoli, tofu, and dark chocolate.
• Magnesium, naturally found in bananas, dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, legumes, tofu, seeds, whole grains, some fatty fish, and leafy greens.
• Vitamin C, naturally found in abundance in kakadu plums, as well as cherries, chili peppers, guava, persimmons, thyme, kiwi, and kale.
• Zinc, naturally found in meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts, eggs, some vegetables, and dark chocolate.

Other Interesting Facts about Fingernails

1. Children’s and teenager’s fingernails grow faster than that of adults.
2. Fingernails grow faster in the summer than in the winter. It’s unclear why this is so, but it’s possibly related to the additional absorption of Vitamin D into your body as a result of more time out in the sun.
3. Your hair is made out of the same substance.
4. Men’s nails tend to grow faster than women’s nails.

One More Thing We Have to Say

While all of the above refers to relatively minor fingernail injuries and basic fingernail regrowth, some situations could be more serious and require immediate care. If you have a serious injury, acting quickly can prevent permanent damage to your nail bed or fingers. For assistance, visit an urgent care facility or make an appointment to see Dr. Arora in Howell, West Bloomfield, Warren, or Macomb Township.

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  Cuticles, Facts about Fingernails, Fingernail Deformation, Fingernail Grow Back, Fingernail Injuries, Fingernail Regrowth, Fingernails, Healthy Fingernails, Lose a Fingernail, Lost a Fingernail, Nail Bed

Nail injuries Information | Mount Sinai

Nail laceration; Nail avulsion; Nail bed injury; Subungual hematoma

More About Nail Injuries

Smashing your finger in a door, hitting it with a hammer or other heavy object, or cutting it with a knife or other sharp object can cause a nail injury.

Depending on the type of injury, you may notice:

• Bleeding underneath the nail (subungual hematoma)
• Throbbing pain
• Bleeding on or around the nail
• Cuts or tears to the nail, cuticle, or other skin around the nail (nail lacerations)
• The nail pulling away from the nail bed partly or completely (nail avulsion)

Treatment depends on the type and seriousness of the injury.

Self-care

You may be able to care for a nail injury at home if you can stop the bleeding quickly and:

• The nail is not cut or torn and is still attached to the nail bed
• You have a nail bruise that is less than one fourth the size of your nail
• Your finger or toe is not bent or misshapen

To care for your nail injury:

• Remove all jewelry from your hand. Apply soap, if needed, to help rings slip off your fingers. If you cannot remove a ring because your finger is swollen, call your health care provider.
• Gently wash any minor cuts or scrapes.
• Apply a bandage if needed.

Treatment

For more serious nail injuries, you should go to an urgent care center or the emergency room. They will stop the bleeding and clean the wound. Usually, the nail and finger or toe will be numbed with medicine before it is treated.

Nail bed injuries:

• For a larger bruise, your provider will create a small hole in the nail.
• This will allow fluid to drain out and relieve the pressure and pain.
• If the bone is broken or the bruise is very large, the nail may need to be removed and the nail bed repaired.

Nail lacerations or avulsions:

• Part or all of the nail may be removed.
• Cuts in the nail bed will be closed with stitches.
• The nail will be reattached with a special glue or stitches.
• If the nail cannot be reattached, your provider may replace it with a special type of material. This will remain on the nail bed as it heals.
• Your provider may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

If you have a broken bone, your provider may need to place a wire in your finger to keep the bone in place.

Pain Management

You should:

• Apply ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours on the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day after that.
• To reduce the throbbing, keep your hand or foot above the level of your heart.

Take prescription pain relievers as directed. Or you can use ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling. Acetaminophen helps with pain, but not swelling. You can buy these pain medicines without a prescription.

• Talk with your provider before using these medicines if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or have had stomach ulcers or internal bleeding in the past.
• Do not take more than the amount recommended on the bottle or by your provider.

Wound Management

You should:

• Follow your provider’s recommendations to care for your wound.
• If you have an artificial nail, it should stay in place until your nail bed heals.
• If your provider recommends it, change the dressing every day.
• If your provider says it is OK, you can apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to keep the dressing from sticking.
• You may be given a splint or special shoe to help protect your nail and finger or toe as they heal.
• Often, a new nail will grow in and replace the old nail, pushing it off as it grows.

Getting Active Again

If you lose your nail, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal. A new fingernail will take about 4 to 6 months to grow to replace the lost nail. Toenails take about 12 months to grow back.

The new nail will probably have grooves or ridges and be somewhat misshapen. This may be permanent.

If you broke a bone in your finger or toe along with the nail injury, it will take about 4 weeks to heal.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your provider if:

• Redness, pain, or swelling increases
• Pus (yellow or white fluid) drains from the wound
• You have a fever
• You have bleeding that does not stop

Stearns DA, Peak DA. Hand. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 43.

Stone DB, Scordino DJ. Foreign body removal. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges’ Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 36.

Last reviewed on: 11/4/2021

Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

How long does it take for a nail on a hand or a leg to grow after an injury or illness, per week and month

November 11, 2022

Nails – dense plates of keratinized tissue on the back of the upper phalanges of the fingers and toes, protecting soft tissues, where a large number of small blood vessels and nerve endings are concentrated, from damage and penetration of pathogenic bacteria, and performing a decorative function. Often, nails are subject to injuries, infectious and non-infectious diseases, as a result of which cracks and hematomas appear on them, the periungual space becomes inflamed and swells, after which they gradually peel off, breaking away from the nail bed, their decorative function is lost for a long time, and a person has to endure pain and inconvenience. , since the motor functions of the arms and legs are significantly limited.

In case of any injury and diseases of the nails, it is necessary to consult a podologist, since self-treatment or ignoring the problem in the hope that everything will go away naturally can lead to unpleasant consequences in the form of complications, deformities, loss of the aesthetic appearance of the fingers and toes, periodic relapses diseases.

Growth rate of fingernails and toenails

Nail plates grow throughout life, constantly renewing and regenerating, except when the nail matrix is ​​damaged. On average, the growth rate of a healthy plate on the hands is 0. 7-1 mm per week. Accordingly, it takes at least six months to completely update the nail. The nail plates on the fingers naturally receive enough light, moisture, oxygen and heat, which has a positive effect on their growth. An important factor is the care of nails and skin of the hands, which accelerates the process of keratin formation. At the same time, fingernails are more likely to be bruised, cut, pinched, and affected by fungal infections.

Toenails grow about 1.5-2 times slower, because they are in less comfortable conditions compared to hands. They do not receive enough air and light, constantly being in shoes, tights, socks, they are less likely to come into contact with water, which has a beneficial effect on growth processes, they are subjected to compression and pressure, especially when wearing tight uncomfortable shoes, which contributes to the development of chronic injuries that lead to complications. in the form of the development of onycholysis, onychodystrophy, onychomycosis and other diseases. Thus, toenails are completely renewed within at least 12 months. In advanced cases – up to 18 months.

What influences the growth of nail plates?

The growth of a new nail plate after traumatic avulsion or surgical removal from the nail bed depends on a combination of many factors, including:

• heredity;
• immunity;
• individual characteristics of the organism;
• speed of regeneration processes;
• complexity, nature and degree of neglect of injury or illness;
• complexity of the transferred surgical intervention;
• sex – women’s nails grow faster than men’s;
• age. In childhood, regeneration processes are several times faster than in adults, while in old age the nail plates grow very slowly, while undergoing various changes in structure, color and shape;
• location of the nail plate – nails grow faster on the hands than on the legs;
• diet;
• chronic cardiovascular, oncological, systemic or autoimmune diseases, pathologies of the digestive system, neuropsychiatric disorders, diseases of the epidermis and bone tissues that have a negative impact on all natural processes of the body;
• seasons. In spring and summer, when the daylight hours increase and the air temperature rises, nail growth accelerates. In autumn and winter, with a reduction in natural light and temperature, the growth of nails also slows down, in addition, their traumatism increases due to the need to wear gloves on the hands, thick socks and heavy warm shoes on the feet.

Indications for removal of the nail plate

Surgical removal of the nail is performed in the following situations:

• contusion of the phalanx of the finger with the formation of a subungual hematoma on more than 70% of the surface;
• dissection of the nail plate with damage to the nail bed;
• fracture of the phalanx of the finger;
• deformation of the nail as a result of improper extension or coating with low-quality gel polish;
• infection of the root of the nail plate with damage to the matrix;
• stratification of nails and the formation of deep longitudinal and transverse cracks in fungal diseases.

Stages of removal of the nail plate

The operation to remove the nail is performed in a hospital after treatment with antiseptic preparations under local anesthesia, which is injected into the soft tissues of the periungual space.

A tourniquet is applied to the finger joint to minimize blood loss.

Complete or partial removal of the nail with scalpel or scissors, preserving the matrix.

The surface of the wound is thoroughly cleaned of blood and pus, after which antiseptic and wound-healing ointments or gels are applied to it, over which a gauze bandage is fixed.

Medical treatment is prescribed, consisting of a complex of external agents and oral preparations.

Recovery period

During the recovery period, it is recommended to follow all doctor’s prescriptions:

• dressings daily until complete recovery;
• periodically ventilate the wound to accelerate the formation of a crust and protect against the penetration of pathogenic bacteria;
• to ensure complete sterility of the wound;
• avoid strenuous exercise on the operated arm or leg;
• avoid contact with water and detergents until the wound has healed;
• observe bed rest for at least a day if the operation was performed on the toe;
• do not wear shoes;
• postpone sports;
• refuse to visit the pool, beach, baths, saunas.

Restoration of nails after fungal infections

The main condition for the successful restoration of a fingernail affected by mycosis is regular surface treatment with antifungal agents, the use of systemic drugs that help destroy fungal microflora, a diet that excludes products for the growth of fungal microorganisms, and the rejection of alcohol. A healthy plate grows from 6 to 12 months.

When a fungal infection of the toes is affected, it is important to cure the fungus of the foot, get rid of clothes and shoes in which the foci of infection could remain. Restoration of a healthy nail plate can last from one and a half to two years.

How to speed up the growth of nails?

To accelerate the process of growth of a new healthy nail plate, it is necessary: ​​

• to eat properly and fully;
• take vitamin-mineral complexes rich in vitamins A, groups B, D, PP, C, calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, iron;
• systematically carry out complexes of healing procedures – warm baths with the addition of sea salt, fruit oils, extracts of medicinal plants;
• to do massages that enhance blood microcirculation.

How to quickly grow nails? | 7 Tips from Kodi Professional

Many girls dream of long natural nails, but due to frequent nail extensions, constant shellac coating, household chores, it takes a long time to grow nails to the desired length. How to speed up this process and protect nails from brittleness?

How fast do nails grow?

The average growth rate of fingernails per week is 1-2 mm. It takes up to 6 months for a complete renewal of the nail plate. It has been proven that in men the nail plate grows faster than in women, and that nail growth is most intense in the summer.

What factors influence growth rate?

• Hormonal changes. Adolescence, pregnancy, the menstrual period make their own adjustments to nail growth, accelerating or slowing it down.
• Work that contributes to the grinding of nails (typing on the keyboard, massage, other types of manual labor).
• Too strict diet with low intake of fats, carbohydrates, vitamins.
• Regular contact with chemicals (detergents).
• Diseases associated with metabolic disorders in the body, problems with blood circulation.
• Bad habits, such as biting your nails.

The rapid growth of nails is provided by vitamins obtained from a complete and varied diet, as well as maintaining the health of the body as a whole. But there are also ways to speed up the natural process when you need to quickly grow your fingernails for a flawless manicure.

What can I do to make my nails grow faster?

There are several ways to speed up nail growth. For this purpose, you can use pharmacy products: special enamels and products enriched with vitamin E, D. The second way is to use special baths and nail masks that help heal, strengthen and grow the nail plate.

Hand bath recipes or what to do to make nails grow fast

These baths accelerate the growth of nails, give them shine, strength.

Bath of burdock decoction

Boil a glass of water (200 ml) and pour 2 tablespoons of burdock root with boiling water. Infuse the broth for an hour, then heat it to a warm temperature. Pour the heated liquid into a convenient container and dip your fingers. Soak your hands in water for half an hour. It is recommended to do this procedure every day.

Tray with lemon juice

Lemon juice strengthens the nail plate, making it strong and elastic. You can use lemon juice in its pure form, rubbing it into the nail plate. In the form of trays, lemon juice is used together with water in a ratio of 1: 1. The effect of the baths is the clarification of the nail plate, softening the skin of the hands, cuticles.

Iodine bath

Iodine can be used in its pure form, but this method is not suitable for everyone. The brown border around the nail looks unaesthetic, so most often iodine is added to nail baths. A bath with iodine and sea salt provides a firming and stimulating effect.

Masks for nail growth

A few recipes for simple masks that you can make at home from the available ingredients will help you achieve your goal faster.

Pepper mask

The condition of the nail plate depends on the blood circulation in the fingertips. Red pepper stimulates blood circulation well. Mix half a teaspoon of red pepper with a teaspoon of honey and add five drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture on your nails and hold for 20-25 minutes. Wash off with warm water. For maximum effect, use the mask every other day.

Oil masks

You can grow your nails with the help of oil masks. What to do to make nails grow? Buy oil vitamin A and E at the pharmacy, mix them and rub them into the nail plate every night before going to bed. Keep the oil on your nails for at least 10 minutes. This time is enough for it to be absorbed.

Essential oils can be used for oil masks. Shea butter and cocoa butter stimulate nail growth well. They nourish the nail plate and the skin around it, protect and restore water balance. Thanks to oils, you can grow your nails to the desired length in 2-2.5 weeks.

How to grow beautiful nails?

You can use a tool for the rapid growth of nails, such as paraffin. Warm cosmetic wax (paraffin) in a wax machine or in a water bath and apply it on the cuticle. When the wax hardens, put on thin cellophane gloves on your hands. Warm wax stimulates blood circulation in the fingertips. Try to hold the wax on your hands for up to 2 hours. Try to do the procedure every day so that your nails grow faster.

How long does it take to grow nails?

Nails grow much slower than hair, so it will not work to speed up the growth of nails so that in just a week you have beautiful long nails.

No matter how various cosmetics and folk recipes promise, it is impossible to radically speed up the natural process in the body. If you need to grow your nails very quickly, when there is an important event on your nose, and one or two nails treacherously broke at the most inopportune moment, only extension will help fix the defect.

What can I do to make my nails grow faster?

To prevent nails from breaking and growing back quickly, try:

• adhere to the principles of a healthy diet. This will positively affect the state of the whole organism and affect the health of the nails.
• observe the rules of hygiene. Timely remove the cuticle, file the nails only in a dry state so that they do not exfoliate, carefully give the plate the desired shape.
• make baths, masks. Use oils and creams.
• give rest to the nail plate between extension procedures.
• use high-quality varnishes that do not contain formaldehyde, toluene and other harmful substances that can damage the structure of the nail plate.
• Do massage. If your work involves typing on the keyboard, playing musical instruments, massage your fingers at the base of the nail every evening. Massage can be supplemented with vegetable oil or essential or nourishing cream.