If you have lost your toenail, you may be wondering how long it takes to grow back. Usually, new nails take between six and twelve months to regrow. However, it’s important to know that the length of time it takes to regrow depends on several factors.
Toenails are composed of keratin, which is a protein found in the skin and hair. Keratin helps to keep the nail in place, protecting the soft tissue below. They also protect your toes from injury.
When a toenail gets injured or infected, the infection can spread to the nail bed. If the nail bed is damaged, it may be difficult to reattach the nail. In this case, you will need to see a doctor.
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Once a toenail is separated, it’s usually painful. You may experience red streaks or bleeding from the wound, and the nail bed might become swollen. Your health care provider may scrape away debris under the nail and create a hole to allow the blood to drain.
Although the visible portion of the toenail can grow back on its own, it might be painful to do so. To treat the pain, you can use an anti-inflammatory drug or over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory cream. This will help to lessen the pain and allow you to keep the nail in place until the area heals.
If the wound or infection has healed, you can wait a few weeks before clipping the toenail. During this time, you can try placing cotton under the nail to prevent it from injuring the nail bed. It’s also a good idea to keep the area clean and dry to speed up healing.
Depending on the severity of the nail’s separation, it might take as little as two to four months to regrow. But it could take a year or more to fully recover. The length of time it takes to regrow depends largely on your personal history, metabolism, nutrition, and the condition of your immune system.
You can slow down the regrowth of your nails by reducing the thickness of the nail. Alternatively, you can take a biotin supplement, which aids in regrowth. Biotin is a natural compound that’s found in avocadoes and nuts. Using a vitamin E oil on the nail can also help to stimulate regrowth.
Toenails can be affected by diseases, such as psoriasis and fungal infections. Psoriasis causes the skin to produce excess skin cells. The psoriasis can cause scaly, red patches to appear.
People with psoriasis should avoid wearing shoes that are too tight, and should wear comfortable footwear. Soaking your feet in warm soapy water can help to relieve pain. A soak in a saltwater solution can also promote regrowth.
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In addition to soaking, you can massage your foot to promote circulation in the area. Also, keep your toenail clean and free of dirt and bacteria. Keep your nails well-trimmed.
When your toenail grows back, it should be healthy and not chipped or misshapen. It should grow at a rate of one tenth of an inch each month.
