How Nails Grow
Finger- and toenails are made from keratin cells that originate in the matrix, the part of the nail that you can't see because it's hidden under the skin. As keratin cells grow, they flatten and are pushed forward, creating the nail plate.
Things That Might Affect Nail Growth
Fingernails tend to grow faster than toenails, with an average monthly growth of 3mm. Nails usually grow faster when we're young and during summer months and pregnancy, and when we sleep. Nail growth and appearance are affected by weather, nutrition, blood circulation and some medications. They are also often affected by a person's health.
Changes in Nail Growth or Appearance May be Due to Illness
Besides the frequency of disorders of the nail, such as thickening or fungal infections that increase with age, some systemic diseases may lead to changes in the growth or appearance of the nails. This is why your doctor may examine your fingernails during a visit, especially if you have associated symptoms.
Among changes in nail appearance that warrant a doctor's appointment are:
•Yellowing: Most often associated with lung conditions or poor lymph drainage
•Clubbing, or thickening and sponginess of the skin beneath the nail plate: Often associated with lung disease or irritable bowel syndrome, it may also indicate congenital heart disease or endocarditis---inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart---or may be indicative of a neoplasm or tumor
•Pitting: Generally associated with psoriasis but may indicate other connective tissue disorders
•Splinter hemorrhages, or fine reddish lines that look like a splinter under the nail: May be due to injury but is also seen with some rheumatoid conditions or in conjunction with taking some kinds of medications
•Half and half, or a nail that is half pink and half white: Indicates kidney disease
Caring for Your Nails
How your nails grow and change is likely to be different from how someone else's nails grow and change, so what may appear to be quite slow nail growth may be normal for you. Our nails also change with age and how we use them, but there are a few steps you can take to maintain healthy nails:
•Don't bite your nails: Nail-biting may damage the skin around your nails and can lead to infection
•Keep nails clean and dry
•Use scissors or clippers to cut nails: A file can be used to smooth the rough edges of your finger- or toenails after cutting, but filing them into a point weakens them.
•Keep toenails trimmed, but don't try to dig out ingrown nails: If your toenails have become too hard and thick to trim, try soaking your feet in warm salt water first or get professional assistance
•Good nail care is especially important for those with diabetes or poor circulation, as injuries to the feet are among the most difficult to heal
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