Re: Why do fingernails grow four times faster than toe nails?

Hi Stefanie

The actual times for nails to regenerate are about 6 months for finger 
nails, and 12-18 months for toe nails, in humans.

Since nails serve a mainly protective function for the ends of the digits, 
and given that humans have evolved along the path of using hands for doing 
things and feet for walking, then it seems logical to think that finger 
nails, being subjected to more trauma than toe nails, will need to 
regenerate more quickly.

I suspect (although I'm not totally sure) that the nails of four-legged 
animals grow at the same rate. It would be interesting to know whether the 
nails of other primates grow at differential rates, reflecting the greater 
(or lesser) use of all four limbs to manipulate food, and for locomotion 
etc.

Best wishes

Doc C-P