Will my toe nail ever grow back?

Dear Doctor: I lost one of my foot nails while in primary school. I prefer open shoes, but sometimes feel uncomfortable when people stare at the nail-less toe. Is there a way one can recover a nail? — Bonnie

Dear Bonnie: Human nails correspond to claws, hooves, or talons of other

animals. Apart from protecting the tips of the toes, especially in women, toe nails seem to be a mere evolutionary leftover which people can do without.

Apparently you lost the root of your nail from which it would have sprouted, and therefore, you cannot grow another nail again even if you took magic tablets. So you may need to keep wearing closed shoes to avoid prying eyes or fix an artificial nail.

However, the less-conscious you are of the missing nail, the less others will notice it as well.