Toenails: Often we don't think about them much until they become a problem-that is, when an ingrown toenail strikes, or you stub your toe. These deceptively straightforward structures perform an important service in protecting our toes and providing stability and balance. Ever wonder how toenails grow and what factors influence their health and speed of growth? Whether you are one of the curious ones or you have nail problems, understanding the toenail growth science may give insight into general foot health.
Are you tired of hiding your feet in embarrassment because of unsightly toenail fungus?
What do toenails consist of?
Toenails are composed of a hard protein called keratin, which also composes your hair and the layer of skin covering your body. Each toenail consists of a nail matrix, a small portion of sensitive tissue placed beneath the root of a nail. This is responsible for the production of new cells of keratin, which start to harden and build up, forming the plate of the nail.
Key Parts of a Toenail:
Nail Matrix: The origin of nail growth, it produces new cells, which in turn push the older cells forward, causing growth of the nail.
Nail Bed: The skin underneath the nail plate that keeps the nail nourished by providing it with oxygen and other necessary nutrients.
Nail Plate: The hard, visible part of the nail is what you generally trim when you go for nail grooming.
Cuticle: This is a thin layer of living skin that overlaps onto the nail plate at its base to protect the matrix from infections.
Lunula: This is the white, half-moon shaped structure at the bottom of the nail and is the visible part of the matrix.
How Do Toenails Grow?
Toenails grow rather slowly, but they do grow steadily. The average toenail is said to grow at about 1.5 millimeters a month, which is quite a lot slower when compared with the average fingernail growth at 3.5 millimeters a month. New cells produced by the nail matrix continuously harden as they go along from the base of the nail. This process goes on throughout one's life, although the rate of growth may change because of so many factors.
Why Do Toenails Grow Slower Than Fingernails?
One reason is due to blood circulation. The fingernails get more blood supply, which helps in growing faster. The toes are far from the heart and, therefore get less blood supply, making them grow slow.
Factors Affecting Toenail Growth
There are several aspects that affect the growth of your toenails regarding the rate and efficiency:
1. Age
The growth of toenails slows down with increasing age due to poor blood circulation and the nail matrix becomes idle.
Example: As one gets older, toenails thicken and grow more slowly than in younger years.
2. Nutrition
Good intake of all the essential vitamins and minerals contributes to the good health of the nails. Deficiency results in brittleness or slow growth of the nails.
Nutrient Key to Nail Growth:
Biotin: Supplements containing biotin harden the keratin. Food sources containing biotin include eggs, nuts, beans.
Iron: Helps carry oxygen to the nail matrix. Iron is effectively available in spinach, lean meat, and beans.
Zinc: Seeds, nuts, and dairy are all good sources for zinc, which contributes to growth and replacement of your nails.
Protein: Since nails are made up of keratin, a type of protein, optimal consumption of proteins is necessary for healthy nail growth
3. Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid conditions, and circulatory disorders cause your toenails to stop growing or affect its shape in some way.
Example: Diabetic patients may have poor nail growth and are frequently susceptible to infection.
4. Trauma and Injury
stubbing your toe, stepping on something heavy, or putting on shoes that are too tight can damage the nail matrix, ultimately causing a failure in nail growth.
Runner's Toenail: Many athletes, especially runners tend to suffer from toenail trauma. Pounding against toenails during running causes blackened toenails or temporarily stunted nails.
5. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes, such as occur during pregnancy or puberty, may accelerate nail growth. Menopause is a common time in which the nail growth slows.
6. Seasonal Changes
Toenails are also claimed to grow faster in summer than in winter, and this may be due to the greater flow of blood in warm weather.
Common Toenail Problems and How to Deal with them
Toenail growth may be disrupted or affected by certain problems. Here is how to deal with some of the most commonly occurring ones:
Ingrown Toenails
When the nail succeeds in growing into the surrounding skin, it is an ingrown toenail, that causes pain, swelling, and infection at times.
Prevention: Never cut your toenails diagonally; rather always cut them straight and not too short. Wear shoes that don't squeeze your toes.
Treatment: Soak your foot in warm water, then lift the nail using clean cotton. In case the problem still exists, go see a health provider.
2. Fungal Infections
Infections may be caused in your toenails because of fungi, and it makes them grow thick or yellow, crumbly.
Prevention: Clean and dry feet, breathable shoes, and change of socks regularly can help prevent the situation.
Treatment: For common cases, some antifungal OTC products will do. In really serious cases, a prescription is necessary.
3. Brittle Nails
Brittleness of the nails may be due to advanced age, dehydration, or chemical exposure.
Solution: Hydrate your nails with vitamin E oil. Avoid using of acetone-based nail polish removers.
Tips for Healthy Toenail Growth
While one really can't expedite toenail growth more than naturally, these tips can give you the satisfaction of having your nails grow healthier:
1. Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods
Eat foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein because all are great for your nails. If you feel you might be lacking in anything, consult with a healthcare professional about supplements that can help.
Take Biotin Supplements: You can take a biotin supplement if you have brittle nails. However, it is advisable to consult with your doctor first prior to taking any medication.
2. Maintain Good Foot Hygiene
Clean and Dry: Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, as fungal infections can arise if the moisture builds up between the toes.
Moisturize: Apply a hydrating foot cream to maintain healthy-looking nails and cuticles.
3. Cut Your Nails Correctly
Use a sharp nail clipper and trim your nails straight across not to develop ingrown nails.
Smooth the edges using a nail file not to snag or split.
4. Comfortable Footwear
Wear shoes that don't make your toes crowded. Crowded toes may cause trauma and alter nail growth.
5. Keep Your Nails Protected
If you participate in sports or run frequently, use protective shoes or orthotics to reduce further trauma to the toenails.
When to seek help from a Health Care Provider
Though most toenail disorders are treatable with good care, there are instances that really need professional intervention. Seek medical attention in the following:
You have intense coloration or change in shape of the toenail
You contain warning features of infection, such as redness, puffiness, or pus
pain that does not go away
Conclusion
Toenails might be the last thing on your mind until they become a bother. Knowing how they grow and how to care for them can help prevent a host of problems. From dietary intake to good hygiene of the feet, small steps taken every day can create a large difference in the health of your nails. Healthy toenails are not only more good-looking, but it also speaks volumes about one's health.
So, the next time you cut them or slide into a pair of shoes, pay a little respect to your toenails—and take care of them properly.
Are you tired of hiding your feet in embarrassment because of unsightly toenail fungus?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what rate do toenails grow?
On average, toenails grow 1.5 millimeters per month. It may take 12 to 18 months to grow out a toenail totally.
2. Can one speed up the growth of toenails?
Although growth can't be hugely accelerated, eating and drinking healthy while taking care of your feet and paying attention to their hygiene will promote healthier nails.
3. Why are my toenails fragile?
Brittle toenails are a side effect of the aging process, deficiencies in nutrients, or exposure to much water and chemicals.
4. How to avoid fungal infections in the toe?
Avoid wetting your feet, and change the socks frequently. Avoid going barefoot in public. Wearing breathable shoes is also helpful.
5. What should I do if my toenail falls off?
Keep the area clean and dry. If the matrix is intact, the nail should regrow, but it can take as long as 18 months. If you see any of the above signs of infection, you should seek medical attention.
0 comments
Post a Comment