The Normal Growth Rate of Human Fingernails in Indian Population

Background:  India, with a large population working in industries, has a considerable amount of nail bed injuries day to day as well as infections and other issues with nails. However, there are no normative data for nail growth in our population. This study aims to measure and analyze the rate of nail growth in the Indian population, which will be a valuable tool for clinical assessment and treatment. Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the average rate of nail growth of all fingers in the Indian population between the age group of 18 to 40 years. Materials and Methods: Fifty young adults whose 500 fingernails were painted with three coats of nail polish following a standardized protocol, and the rate of the growth of the nails was recorded with a digital Vernier caliper from the nail fold every 10 days for 1 month. Results: The average fingernail growth is 0.103 mm/d. There is no correlation of nail growth with sex or hand dominance. Nail growth is more in the left index finger (0.13 mm/d) and the left thumb, while it is the least in little fingers (0.101 mm/d). Initial fingernail growth was higher in older individuals, however. At the end of the study period, nail growth was equal. The nail growth rate reduces as the days progress. Conclusion: We have reported the normative data of nail growth as 0.103 mm per day. In the majority of the healthy population, this rate would hold true.