Antarctic environment and nail growth

Abstract

Nail growth of all fingers was measured on 13 men wintering in Antarctica. A mean rate of 109-5 micrometer/day was found with the longer digits having faster growth. No significant difference was demonstrated between the warmer and colder months of the study period. Monthly variations suggested that subjects had an individual rate irrespective of environmental influences. Comparison with previous studies both in polar and temperature conditions showed growth rates in Antarctica have increased progressively; present values being comparable with observations in temperate climates.