Little mysteries of nail growth

Nail growth differs from person to person due to factors such as age, gender, health, weather, and hygiene. Fingernails grow much faster than toenails. A fingernail takes four to six months to grow from cuticle to tip, whereas toenails may take up to 12 to 18 months.

There is a discrepancy of growth rate even in our hands. It is a fact that the nails of the dominant hand grow faster than those of the other hand. The nails on our thumbs grow the slowest whereas middle fingernail grows the fastest. In a month, our fingernails grow up to 3 mm.

Mothers often complain that they have to clip the nails of their children every other day. Finger nails grow much faster in children who are yet to reach puberty. The growth slows a little for teenagers and goes down by 50 per cent in adults. With old age, nail growth becomes a long process.

Health is another factor that affects nail growth. The growth may slow down drastically in patients suffering from chronic illnesses. A cancer patient may even lose whole fingernails. It has also been observed that hormonal changes boost metabolism of pregnant women, accelerating their nail growth.

Studies conducted over the years have revealed that nails grow better in warmer temperatures. Our nails grow faster in summer than in winter. Also, nails grow better in the day time.