Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: neilep on 14/01/2008 18:57:27

Title: Why Do Finger Nails Grow Faster Than Toe Nails ?
Post by: neilep on 14/01/2008 18:57:27

Dearest Nailologists,


Apparently, finger nails grow a lot quicker than toe nails !..is this correct ?

For those who have difficulty differentiating the two , here below is a piccy !

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

Would shoes have anything to do with this ?...also...I have heard that right handed people have longer nails on their right hand and consequently the reverse applies to left handed !....This surprises me !...I would have thought it to be the other way round i.e: right handed peoples finger nails on their right hands would be shorter....because of use etc !

Can ewe shed some light on this ?

Thanks

Neil
Finger and Toe Nail Investigator

Title: Why Do Finger Nails Grow Faster Than Toe Nails ?
Post by: Carolyn on 14/01/2008 19:14:13

It is the other way around for me.  I'm right handed, but my left hand has longer nails.

Title: Why Do Finger Nails Grow Faster Than Toe Nails ?
Post by: Karen W. on 14/01/2008 20:43:34

Mine is neither. My index fingernails and middle fingernails both break off and are always shorter. My thumbs and the pinky index all grow long, approximately the same on each side.

Toenails I think are hampered by lack of space in the sock and shoe, I suspect a certain amount is rubbed off or prevented from rather fast growth due to being in shoes and socks most all days.perhaps circulation plays a part or exposure to water and fresh air! Just guesses though!

Title: Why Do Finger Nails Grow Faster Than Toe Nails ?
Post by: JnA on 14/01/2008 23:37:09

Quote from: neilep on 14/01/2008 18:57:27

Dearest Nailologists,

..also...I have heard that right handed people have longer nails on their right hand and consequently the reverse applies to left handed !....This surprises me !...I would have thought it to be the other way round i.e: right handed peoples finger nails on their right hands would be shorter....because of use etc !

Can ewe shed some light on this ?

Thanks

Neil
Finger and Toe Nail Investigator

Neil (FaTNI)

I have found the opposite with my *huge* subject base of one. But perhaps I'm just clumsier with my right hand than my left. There could be something in the idea that if you are right hand dominate that hand gets more use and therefore more circulation, stimulating the nail bed.

That theory doesn't sit well with the toe nail thing though, since we walk a lot that would indicate that they should grow as fast with blood stimulation. I do note however (again with my small set) that my tow nails are generally thicker than my finger nails, so maybe that is why they take longer to grow??