Anyone Ever Have Two Nails Growing at the Same TIme?
By Marsha
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
Midland, Michigan
September 25, 2015 10:31pm CST
I know there are many people of all ages that have stubbed their toes or something similar which causes a toe to be injured. Sometimes the nail will even fall off, but a new nail will always grow back even though it does take about a year, or so my doctor says.
I had one toe nail about nine months ago which was loose and my doctor offered to remove it for me. I was getting ready for my trip to Guatemala and wanted the nail intact since I didn't know what the conditions would be like. It's been nine months now and that nail never did come off, but there is a new nail growing underneath. The old nail seems to be attached only in the left and right corner. I don't really want to have the doctor remove it, but I'm wondering how long it might take to come off completely on it's own.
Has anyone else ever experienced this before? I don't know if this is more common the older we get for now I have three toes with loose nails, but only two that are growing new ones underneath. I never had the problem when younger. 
6 people like this
5 responses
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
26 Sep 15
mine certainly grow at different rates and I tend to cut them to the quick quite often
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@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
26 Sep 15
@MarshaMusselman I lost a big toe toenail which was very painful - also had an ingrowing toenail once which is horrible - cutting to the quick is just taking that which grows past the skin and can be reached with the scissors safely and easily
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@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
26 Sep 15
@arthurchappell So, I'm glad I didn't let the doctor cut it off last year before the new nail began to grow. I've let a few other toenails grow a bit too long, and now I can't reach them easily any longer. One especially is a problem because last year it became a hammer toe and is curled downward. I'll probably need to have a pedicure eventually to get them trimmed up easier than I can do it myself.
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@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
26 Sep 15
But have you ever lost a toenail completely, or had two growing on top of each other at the same time? I'd have to double-check my understanding, but I think cutting to the quick is only down to where it quits growing on the nail bed?
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@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
26 Sep 15
Toe nails grow slow, so it could actually be several more months before it's ready to come off. I've been hoping it would fall off on it's own, but it seems like the new nail is almost to the end of the one on top and that's what's so odd about it. But, since I never lost any nails growing up from injuries or anything, I don't really know what to expect.
The doctor did say it takes a year to grow a new nail, and i think I've heard that before, so I may have to wait a few more months at least. I suppose I could research this and see what others say.
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@LadyDuck (502189)
• Italy
26 Sep 15
@MarshaMusselman The important thing to check is that your new nail is growing well, do not wear shoes that can put pressure or you risk an ingrown toenail. I think you should show the nail to your doctor or to an orthopedist.
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@Rollo1 (16676)
• Boston, Massachusetts
26 Sep 15
The one underneath may just push to top one off eventually. Does it hurt if you pull on it? It sounds like the kind of situation that would have me pulling out a pair of pliers. But if you don't want the neighbors to hear you screaming, I would have the doctor remove it.
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@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
26 Sep 15
I've picked at the top nail and got a bit off that way, but the two nails are so close together and I don't know how firm the underneath nail is that I don't want to accidentally peel off that one too. I'll probably wait another month or two and see how it's going and then if needed have the doctor check it before the first of the year.
@Shellyann36 (11383)
• United States
27 Sep 15
When my 21 year was in his teens he had a severe ingrown toe nail. We took him to get it taken out. It was not that bad for him and it healed quickly. If it is not hurting you I would just let it go. Does it interfere with you wearing shoes at all?
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@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
27 Sep 15
No, it's not bothersome at all. Just looks awful, but I don't showcase my toes, so that's not a problem either. I lost my sandals purchased in the spring until about two weeks ago, so I've worn tennis shoes most of the summer. i don't like flip flops.
When your son had the work done, did they have to remove the nail completely to get relief from the ingrown toenail? I've never had one of those before either, nor have my kids.
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
11 Nov 15
I'm a bit slow, as I just saw your comment just now. And, I keep wanting to call you mimi, Marie.
