Nails are essential parts of our body that play a significant role in protecting the fingertips and toes from injuries. They also serve an aesthetic purpose, enhancing the appearance of our hands and feet. While they may appear small, they have a remarkable ability to provide insight into our overall health. Therefore, it's essential to understand how nails grow, what factors can cause their loss, and how to promote their growth. In this article, we will explore the factors that affect toenail and fingernail growth and what you can do to supercharge their growth.
How long does it take for nails to grow?
Your fingernails grow faster than your toenails. Fingernails can grow up to 3-4 millimeters per month, while toenails grow at a slower rate of 1-2 millimeters per month. To put this into perspective, it takes about two months on average for your fingernails to grow a grain of rice, while it can take three to six months for your big toenail to grow an equivalent length. That means it can take 12-18 months to grow a big toenail completely.
Causes of Toenail Loss and Inhibition of Growth
There are several reasons why your toenail may fall off and fail to grow. The most common cause is a traumatic injury or damage to the toenail or fingernail. Jogger's toe, toenail fungus, and medical conditions like psoriasis are also common causes of toenail loss and inhibition of growth.
Treatment for Toenail Loss and Inhibition of Growth
If you experience toenail loss, you should clip and trim the remaining toenail and file it down. You may also need to put an antibiotic ointment on the exposed toenail bed to prevent infection. Ensure that you speak to your podiatrist first to avoid any potential allergies to the medication. You should protect the affected area with a band-aid for seven to ten days to prevent further damage. Within two weeks, the toenail should start to grow back.
Supercharging Nail Growth
If you want to boost the growth of your nails with supercharging, there are several things you can do. These include taking biotin supplements, grooming your nails regularly, eating a healthy diet, avoiding toxic nail polishes and removers, and nurturing dry nails.
Here are 5 tips to Help Toenails Grow Back Quicker
1. Taking Biotin Supplements: Biotin is a vitamin supplement that can promote healthy nail growth. A 2007 study showed that taking biotin supplements can help fingernails and toenails grow back more quickly. Although there is no harm in taking biotin supplements, ensure that you speak to your doctor first, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
2. Grooming Your Nails: Grooming your nails is essential to maintain their health and promote growth. Regular clipping and filing stimulate blood flow to the nails, promoting growth. However, avoid biting your nails as it can lead to cracks and damage.
3. Eating a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial to promote healthy nail growth. Ensure that you include food rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E, biotin, iron, and zinc in your diet.
4. Avoiding Toxic Nail Polishes and Removers: Acetone-based nail polish removers can dehydrate and damage your nails. Use non-acetone nail polish removers and nail polishes containing antifungal elements like tea tree oil or medications to promote healthy nail growth.
5. Nurturing Dry Nails: If you have dry nails, you should nurture and protect them to promote growth. Moisturize your nails, ensure your shoes fit well, wearing comfortable shoes, avoiding jamming or rubbing toes, and preventing cracking can all help promote healthy nail growth.
In conclusion, nails are not just a small part of our body but play a significant role in our overall health and appearance. They protect our fingertips and toes, provide insight into our health, and enhance our aesthetics. Understanding how nails grow and factors that affect their growth is crucial to maintaining their health. In case of toenail loss, proper care, and medication can ensure quick regrowth. To supercharge nail growth, taking biotin supplements, grooming regularly, eating a healthy diet, avoiding toxic nail products, and nurturing dry nails can help promote healthy nail growth. By following these tips, you can maintain healthy and strong nails that not only enhance your appearance but also indicate your overall well-being.