Proper care of regrowing nails and patience are crucial for healthy growth. We’ll show you effective tips and tricks for optimal nail care that also promotes natural growth.
Tips for proper care of regrowing nails
There are various reasons why nails grow back. On the one hand, an injury – e.g. due to strong pressure – can cause a new nail to grow back under the old one. Sometimes, the doctor may even have to remove a nail completely due to a fungal infection or skin disease. To ensure that the new nail grows back as quickly and smoothly as possible, it needs the right care.
- After a nail has been removed or a new nail has grown back under the old one, you should avoid putting unnecessary strain on your hand or foot for the first few days. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Do not wear shoes that pinch. Open shoes are best in the summer. You should also avoid high heels, at least during the initial growth phase.
- You should also see a doctor if a nail detaches due to an injury. Medical experts will investigate the cause and provide you with professional advice. For example, you may need dietary supplements or a medical ointment to promote healthy growth of your foot or fingernail.
- Without a nail, the nail bed is unprotected and particularly sensitive. To prevent infection, you should therefore disinfect it, keep it clean at all times, and protect it with sterile compresses and a non-adhesive bandage.
- There are also special toe caps that you can use to cover the injured toe. It is best to follow your doctor’s advice.
- Make sure to keep the nail bed as dry as possible. Moisture softens the sensitive skin and thus increases the risk of infection. Therefore, wear breathable shoes during the healing phase and avoid synthetic socks.
- During the growth phase, make sure that the new nail does not grow in. In general, you should always cut your nails straight across and not too short. The nail tip should always be covered.
- A foot massage can help improve blood circulation in your foot. This can help the nail grow back faster.
- Above all, be patient; it takes several months for nails to grow back completely. While fingernails grow about 3 mm per month on average, toenails grow about 1-2 mm per month.
Three recommendations for healthy nails
Brittle nails usually indicate not only a lack of care, but often also something about a person’s state of health. Certain diseases, such as lung or metabolic disorders, can lead to nail disorders. Poor nutrition, medication, or excessive stress can also damage your nails. Below are three tips for keeping your nails healthy:
- Protective clothing: Fingernails are particularly prone to damage in everyday life. Chemicals in dishwashing and cleaning products can attack your nails, causing them to crack and become brittle. For this reason, you should always wear protective gloves when doing household chores.
- Nutrition:If your nails break easily, this may be a sign of an unhealthy or unbalanced diet.
Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. Biotin, zinc, and iron are particularly important for healthy nails.
- Care: To prevent your nails from becoming brittle, you should rub them regularly with nail oils containing vitamin E or argan oil, or with hand cream. You should also use a file to shorten your fingernails and nail clippers for your toenails, as this is gentler on the nails. Treat yourself to a professional pedicure or manicure from time to time.
- Oil baths: Warm oil baths with lavender oil stimulate blood circulation and can accelerate regeneration. However, you should only do this if your skin is intact and your nails have already grown back.
