Toenails are formed by living skin cells in the toes and are made up of several components. These include the nail plate, which is the visible section of the nail; the nail bed, or the skin underneath the plate; the cuticle, which overlaps and borders the nail base; the nail folds, which are the skin folds that enclose and support the nail on three sides; the lunula, which is the whitish crescent seen at the nail’s base; and the matrix, which is the hidden part of the nail under the cuticle where growth begins. The nails primarily consist of keratin, a tough protein also present in skin and hair. As new cells develop in the matrix, older ones are pushed out and compressed, forming the recognizable hard and flat structure of the toenail. On average, toenails grow at a rate of 0.1 mm per day, or approximately 1 mm every 10 days. Growth rates can vary based on factors such as age, gender, and season, with toenails tending to grow quicker in younger individuals, males, and during the summer months. However, toenails grow more slowly than fingernails.Ingrown toenails, especially on the big toe, are common and occur when the nail's edge curves into the surrounding skin. This can be caused by improper trimming or wearing shoes that are too snug, leading to pain and potential infections.
