Why Do Nails Grow From the Bottom and Not From the Top?

The process of nail growth involves extrusion. New cells grow at the base of the nail plate, while the old cells push outward to the tip of the toe or finger. As the new cells emerge, they meet resistance as they attempt to join the established nail plate. They then grow longer and flatter. New cells contain fewer nuclei and produce more keratin protein, making them more complex and prolonged.

Paronychium

Paronychia, or the fact that the nail grows from the bottom and not the top, is caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria typically causes an infection in the fold of skin underneath the nail, which may lead to a yellow-green discharge. The condition may be accompanied by an underlying skin problem such as candida infection in some people.

The nail’s structure comprises six components, each with a specific function. When an element of anyone is disrupted, the nail’s appearance is affected, leading to the typical “bunched-up” formation we’ve all come to know and love. The nail’s root, also known as the germinal matrix, extends several millimeters into the finger. This layer is the source of the bulk of the nail’s volume, which is also responsible for its appearance.

The nail plate, also known as the nail bed, comprises two kinds of tissue: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis and dermis are attached by longitudinal grooves, which become visible with age. The nail bed is highly innervated; removing the nail plate can be painful. In addition, incorrect nail growth can result in split nails and ridges.

Sometimes the reason behind clubbing is a lack of oxygen in the blood. It can occur with lung cancer or many lung diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease. If it is not caused by any of these diseases, it is usually due to an iron deficiency. In rare cases, it could also be caused by a kidney disease that causes an excess of nitrogen waste products.

Germinal matrix

In humans, nails grow from the germinal matrix, the nail root. This is a spongy substance found under the fold of the nail and is primarily composed of keratin. The proximal portion is white, and the middle part is firmly adherent to the nail bed. The free edge of the germinal matrix is called the lunula and is visible in big toes and thumbs.

There are six parts to the nail, and any disruption to one of them can affect their appearance and healthy function. Approximately 90% of the pin is formed in the germinal matrix beneath the skin. The remaining 10% is made of the nail bed, composed of the dorsal root and ventral floor. The nail bed also contains capillaries and small blood vessels that supply blood to the nail plate.

The nail plate consists of six different parts, each with a specific function. If any of these components is damaged, the nail will appear abnormally. The germinal matrix extends several millimeters into the finger and produces most of the nail’s volume. Despite this, nails grow from the top and bottom due to disruptions to this structure. To fix this problem, you need to examine the nail bed with a medical professional.

The outer portion of the nail unit consists of keratin layers that make it flexible and rigid. The bed is a sterile matrix attaches to the distal phalanx and provides a smooth surface for the growing nail plate. The inner part of the nail is the germinal matrix, which is soft tissue. The germinal matrix offers the bulk of the nail plate, and the proximal portion provides the inferior two-thirds of the nail.

Koilonychia

In some people, their nails grow from the bottom, not the top. This condition is called paronychia, common among housekeepers, dishwashers, and swimmers. The disease is caused by a fungal infection of the toenail unit, called onychomycosis. It causes the nail to change shape and color and can also thicken the tissues beneath the nail and flake debris along the nail bed.

The reason the nails grow from the bottom is primarily related to the oxygen level in the blood. People with clubbed nails may suffer from various ailments, including heart disease, lung infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and iron deficiency anemia. While clubbing can be caused by several conditions, it is most commonly caused by a deficiency in iron. Other causes of clubbing nails include pulmonary diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and celiac disease. While it’s common to have spoon-shaped nails, there are other causes, including trauma during manicures and chemicals used to treat illnesses.

Paronychia may be a symptom of an underlying medical or skin condition or could be a simple side effect of certain medications. There are two types of paronychia: acute and chronic. Infective paronychia develops after minor trauma or infection to the nail fold, and pus may form around the nail. It can take months to heal completely, and it can take a year to completely restore the nail plate. It’s also essential to keep your hands clean and dry and not pick your nails.

In addition to being the visible part of the nail matrix, the toenail is also made up of a white crescent-shaped region called the lunula. This layer of tissue lies under the cuticle. It produces the cells that form the nail plate. If you notice, it’s white because the cells still have nuclei. The bottom layer is the “toenail matrix.”

Psoriasis

To get relief from this condition, the doctor will first recommend a combination of self-care and medical treatment. You should avoid doing water work because the Koebner phenomenon can cause psoriasis flare-ups. You should also avoid sharp objects in cleaning your nails. Alcohol is associated with a higher risk of developing psoriasis.

The best treatment for this condition is topical therapy, which may include corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs. You can also try other treatment options, such as tar, tazarotene, and vitamin D analogs. If topical treatment fails, you can try biological agents, such as tacrolimus, to treat the disease. These medicines inhibit the production of specific proteins in the body, responsible for the inflammatory process.

If the symptoms are severe, you may need to try different treatments. Corticosteroid injections into the nail bed can help. However, they may take several months or even a year to clear up. And sometimes, the condition can return after treatment is discontinued. Treatment options for nail psoriasis vary in duration and effectiveness, so it may take a while to see results.

When the condition is severe, your nails may develop an infection in the gap in the nail bed. The disease may even lead to the discoloration of the entire nail.

Tar is a traditional method for treating psoriasis, although more effective treatments are available today. Its mechanism of action is unknown, but it is thought to act on the aryl hydrocarbon receptors, inhibiting the growth of cells and stimulating immune responses. Tar products are available without a prescription in lotions, ointments, and shampoos. Newer tar products come as a foam and solution.

Thyroid disease

If you have thyroid disease, your fingernails may grow from the bottom instead of the top. The bottom portion of your nails may have vertical white ridging. The top of your nails may also be thin or even split. If your nails grow in a rounded, spoon-like shape, you may have hypothyroidism. However, if your nails grow unevenly, you may have other issues, including an underlying systemic disease.

If you have white or green spots on your fingernails, they could indicate another health issue. While white nails are typically a sign of a kidney, liver, or heart issue, they can also signify hypothyroidism. Thin and brittle nails could also mean aging, affecting any part of your body.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should see your doctor determine what you should do. A thyroid scan can help identify any thyroid issues. The thyroid produces both hormones and is responsible for nail growth. Therefore, an abnormally high-level hormone may cause your nails to grow from the bottom instead of the top. You should also consult a doctor if you have a prolonged period without a bowel movement.

Aside from the symptoms mentioned above, thyroid problems may also affect your mental state. People with hypothyroidism may experience depression, hyperactivity, and anxiety. They may also experience irregular periods. Some suffer from an increased heartbeat, resulting in a rapid heartbeat. Symptoms of thyroid disease include pale, dry, or darkened skin, swollen fingers, and irregular periods.

Natural Remedies For Slow Nail Growth

Luckily, there are many natural remedies for slow or uneven fingernail growth. Biotin, Vitamins, Diet, and Conditions that can affect the development of your nails are just a few of them. Read on to learn more about how you can improve the strength of your nails and prevent brittle nails. And remember: there is no one solution for slow or uneven nail growth.

Biotin

The use of biotin supplements may result in more robust and thicker nails. While biotin is found in sufficient amounts in many foods, a deficiency can lead to brittle, darkened nails. Fortunately, biotin is not the only vitamin that affects nail growth – it’s also essential for the health of your skin and hair and can even help prevent brittle nails.

According to a study, 45 patients who took 2.5 milligrams of biotin a day showed firmer fingernails after five months. Despite this, biotin does not appear to promote nail growth. This vitamin has been linked to lower blood glucose levels and has been shown to increase insulin secretion. Thus, it’s beneficial for people who suffer from diabetes or other blood glucose issues.

In addition to stopping or slowing down your nail growth, biotin can strengthen brittle nails, so they are less likely to break or split. Biotin is often sold as a dietary supplement, and many vitamins contain significant amounts of biotin. However, it’s best to check with a doctor if biotin supplements are right for you. Fortunately, biotin can have many other beneficial health benefits besides slowing down your nail growth.

To get the maximum benefits from biotin supplements, you should get enough water and zinc through a diet rich in these nutrients. Aim for three to four glasses of water per day. This should keep your nails hydrated. You can also include water-rich foods in your diet. Foods that contain high water levels include cucumbers, watermelon, and fortified breakfast cereals. You can also consult a vitamin specialist for the right formula for your specific needs.

Vitamins

It is known that Vitamins A and C help in the production of collagen, which gives shape and strength to many tissues. Collagen is an essential nutrient for our bodies, and without it, our nails will grow brittle and slow. Men and women both need about 90 milligrams of vitamin C per day. Some of the best sources of vitamin C are bell peppers and citrus fruits, which contain high amounts of this vital vitamin. Other significant sources of vitamin A include spinach and oats.

One way to check if your nails are healthy is to examine them closely. If you notice any discoloration or cracking, you may have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Although a supplement won’t hurt, you may need to increase your B12 intake. Foods rich in B12 include eggs, dairy products, fish, meat, and poultry. You can also purchase vitamin supplements that are specifically for the nails. If you’re a vegetarian, there’s no need to worry – there are plenty of vitamin supplements for vegetarians on the market.

Eating foods high in vitamin B and zinc can help strengthen the nails. Eating foods high in zinc, especially oysters, is also beneficial to the nails. Beef, oysters, and fortified cereals are also rich in zinc. Getting plenty of these nutrients every day can make all the difference in the quality of your nails. However, you must be careful not to overdo it. It’s unnecessary to have a full-blown diet that includes tons of dairy products or meat, but it is essential to add it in moderation.

Diet

If you’re wondering if your diet can slow or stop nail growth, consider that the nail is an essential indicator of your overall health. If your nails are dry and brittle, this may be due to a lack of essential vitamins and nutrients. Here are some suggestions to improve the health of your nails:

Eat plenty of red and orange vegetables. These are high in Vitamin C, which is great for nails. They also provide antioxidants. These foods can help you get more collagen. Also, add more bone broth to your diet, which is high in collagen. Vitamin C is also an essential nutrient for strong nails. Also, try to include foods high in protein in your diets, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and beans.

Orange and yellow vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, essential for skin health. It’s also good for your nails because it helps keep them glossy and prevent dryness. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, so eating a diet rich in these vegetables can generally benefit your health. And if you’re wondering if your diet is slowing down nail growth, try some almonds.

Foods with a high glycemic index are another cause of slowing down nail growth. High glycemic index foods, such as pizza and white bread cause spikes in blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can lead to yellow nails and slow the natural growth of your nails. A good diet plan should include plenty of iron-rich foods and other nutrients. However, you should consult a doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

Conditions that affect nail growth

If you’ve noticed that your nails are growing slowly, you might be dealing with yellow nail syndrome. Symptoms of this condition include slow growth and a thickened appearance. The lunula, the part of the nail that provides color, disappears from the proximal edge of the nail bed. The yellowish hue is caused by several conditions. These diseases are generally harmless. Consult your doctor to rule out more severe conditions.

Although it is difficult to determine the exact cause of nail growth and changes, doctors can usually diagnose the problem by checking your fingernails in conjunction with your symptoms and performing a physical exam. If you have any concerns about the changes you’ve noticed in your nails, consult a physician to determine the proper course of treatment. These changes can occur as a result of several different medical conditions. To determine the exact cause of your nail growth and change, you must first consult a dermatologist.

Some other conditions that affect nail growth can also cause the development of your nails to slow down. A common skin disease associated with dry, brittle nails is thyroid disease. If this condition is combined with a yellowish hue, it’s more likely to be fungal than a bacterial infection. Inflammation of the fold under the nail can signify other illnesses, including lupus and connective tissue disorders. Lastly, if you notice a dark line under your nail, it may represent melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Symptoms

Many conditions can affect the growth of your nails, including an underlying condition, age, and medications. Other factors that can slow down nail growth include advanced age, pregnancy or lactation, and certain times of day and seasons. Vitamin deficiency can also lead to the slowing down of your nails. Consult your doctor for the correct diagnosis to avoid unnecessary medical expenses and discomfort. Here are some symptoms to look for.

Horizontal lines on your nails: This symptom is harmless but signs that your nail growth is slowing down. Stress, high fever, or inflammatory bowel disease may also cause the lines to appear. Other health conditions such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease can also cause nail pitting. If your nails turn clubbed or are thickened, you may have an underlying health problem. Inflammatory bowel and liver disease may also cause clubbing.

Yellow nails: A yellowish or greenish color on your fingernails is one symptom of poor circulation. If you notice dark lines underneath your nails, you may have diabetes, melanoma, or thyroid disease.

Prevention

Prevention of nail growth requires proper nutrition. Protein is an essential component of nails. Too little protein in the diet can negatively affect the health of the nails. To get adequate amounts of protein, eat foods rich in protein, such as eggs, meat, poultry, fish, lentils, nuts, and dairy products. Ensure you drink plenty of water as well. Vitamins and minerals are essential for nails as well. People with low iron levels may have brittle nails.

Another way to prevent ingrown nails is to avoid infection using natural remedies. Oregano oil has antimicrobial properties and is a natural treatment for fungal infections. It can be applied topically to infected nails and mixed with a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, or jojoba oil. Tea tree oil is an effective treatment for discolored nails. Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can inhibit the growth of common fungus strains. Applying the oil to the pin is an effective remedy for ingrown nails.

Proper nail care is crucial in the prevention of a variety of infections. Avoid biting your nails, as this can spread cold-causing viruses and cause infections. Also, avoid puncturing your nails. Grinding and snagging can negatively impact the growth of your nails. In addition, soaked nails are more likely to break and split. To avoid this problem, make sure you dry your hands thoroughly after cleaning and wearing breathable shoes. When your feet are damp, change your socks.