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A saltwater soak can help clean your toe, kill bacteria, and promote healing. Make a solution of 1 teaspoon (about 5 g) of salt and 4 cups (0.95L) of warm water and place it in a large bowl or shallow tub. Soak your toe in the solution for 20 minutes, 2-3 times daily. This treatment is most effective during the first few days after you lose your toenail. You may need to wait 24-48 hours after the initial injury before you can safely do a soak, so ask your doctor for instructions. You can also make an Epsom salt soak using 2 teaspoons (10 g) of Epsom salts with 2 US quarts (1.9L) of warm water. Studies show that topical vitamin E solutions can improve the health of your nails and help them grow more quickly. Once your new nail starts growing in, add a thin layer of vitamin E oil or ointment to the affected area each day. If you're using vitamin E oil as opposed to a cream or ointment, consider mixing it with a little petroleum jelly or a gentle moisturizer to prevent irritation and help hydrate the area. Wear open-toed shoes (or no shoes) for an hour after application, or until the oil has soaked into the skin. The effect will be stronger if you give your skin time to absorb the moisture. Hair and nails may grow more quickly when you take biotin as a dietary supplement. Indeed, weak and slow-growing nails are often linked to a biotin deficiency. Talk to your doctor about using a biotin supplement to help your new nail come in strong and healthy. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new dietary supplement. Let them know about any other supplements or medications you are currently taking. While it probably won't make a huge difference in how fast they grow in, eating a nutritious diet can help keep your nails strong and healthy. To help your missing nail heal as well as possible, try to eat plenty of the following: Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, canned fish with bones (such as sardines), beans and lentils, almonds, and leafy greens. Healthy sources of protein, such as poultry breast, fish, nuts, and dairy. Sometimes poor circulation in your feet can inhibit healthy nail growth and make your nails weak. Consider going to a massage therapist or massaging your own feet at home using your hands or a foot roller. Foot massage can be especially helpful if you have a condition like diabetes that interferes with circulation in your feet. If you have any underlying conditions that might make it harder for your nails to grow in properly, see your doctor to make sure they are being treated properly. There are many conditions that can weaken or damage your nails, including: Diabetes Psoriasis Toenail fungus Repetitive toe injuries (e.g., from running or playing sports)
Soak the nail in warm saltwater 2-3 times a day to prevent infection. Treat the nail with vitamin E ointment to encourage growth. Try taking a biotin supplement. Eat a diet rich in calcium and protein to promote better nail growth. Get a massage to promote better circulation in your feet. Manage any health conditions that might affect your nail growth.