How to Regrow Toenails

Once your toenail separates from the nail bed, it can take up to 18 months to regrow. There are many reasons why a nail will separate from the nail bed, including injury, a fungal infection, chemotherapy and antimalarial medications, psoriasis, or chemicals and beauty products. To find the cause of the separated toenail, see a physician to receive a diagnosis. There are a few things you can do to encourage toenail regrowth.

Instructions

• 1

  Wear loose footwear or open-toe shoes. This will reduce pressure on the nail bed, and allow the nail to grow back.

• 2

  Remove moisture from your foot to discourage bacterial growth. Shake powder on your foot before placing it in a sock to keep it dry. Remove socks when possible to allow your foot to "breathe."

• 3

  Reduce the use any nail polish remover with acetone on that particular toe. Acetone can stunt the growth of the nail.

• 4

  Change your soap. Certain soaps can cause an allergic reaction that causes the nail to come off. If this is a possibility, try a different soap when bathing.

• 5

  Address the problem. If the nail fell off the toe due to fungus or viral infections, take the proper medication. Many over-the-counter sprays and creams are available for treating athlete's foot. For other problems, see a physician to receive the proper prescription medication.

• 6

  Remove the toenail. If the toenail is infected, a physician can remove it. As the new toenail is growing, apply the prescribed topical medication to the nail bed to encourage growth and discourage bacteria.