A fingernail is produced by living skin cells in the finger. Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called alpha-keratin which is a polymer and found in the hooves, hair, claws and horns of vertebrates.

The fingernails grow two to three times faster than toenails. A finger replaces itself in about six months while the toenails takes a year. According to a study performed at the University of North Carolina, fingernails, on average, grow 3.47 mm a month. Toenails, on the other hand (or foot, rather), grow only 1.62 mm per month. Why fingernails are a speedier bunch, however, remains something of a mystery.

Your body assumes your fingernails are being worn down by the constant use of your fingers from scratching, typing, picking your nose so it calls for speedier growth to make up the difference. Meanwhile, your toenails are safe and sound in the comfort of your shoes.
The second theory suggests that the rate of nail growth corresponds directly with the amount of blood flowing through the digit. Since your hands are closer to the heart than your feet are, more blood is flowing through your fingers than through your toes. Thus, longer fingernails. These theorists also point out that nails in general grow slower in cold weather, when blood flow would be restricted.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *