Caleb Foster
Sideways nail splits, or onychoschizia, can be caused by various factors, including nail biting, excess moisture, injury, infection, or underlying conditions such as psoriasis. While some splits may require medical attention, especially if they are severe or infected, others can be treated at home with remedies that mend or conceal the split, such as nail glue, clear nail polish, fake nails, or nail wraps. To prevent nail splits, it is recommended to keep nails trimmed, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and harsh chemicals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Physical stress, nutrient deficiency, wear and tear, nail biting, excess moisture, injury, infection, or psoriasis |
| Prevention | Maintaining a healthy diet, taking biotin supplements, wearing gloves while doing chores, avoiding harsh chemicals, using moisturizer and nail hardening products |
| Treatment | Home remedies such as reattaching the nail with glue, using a tea bag, gel and silk wrap, fake nail, or clear nail lacquer; medical treatment for severe cases |
| Healing Time | Fingernails: 4-6 months; Toenails: about a year |
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What You'll Learn
- Apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the nail together
- Use a fake nail to hide the split
- Soak the nail in saline water 2-3 times a day and bandage it
- Apply nail wraps to strengthen the nail and prevent further breakage
- Reduce exposure to moisture to prevent nails from becoming soft and prone to splitting
Apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the nail together
If you have a big split in your nail, applying nail glue or clear nail lacquer can hold the nail together until it grows out. This method can be used to mend the nail or to hide the split. Here are some detailed steps to help guide you through the process:
Prepare the nail
Before applying any adhesive, it is important to prepare the nail. Start by trimming the nail with clippers to remove any part that extends past the nail bed. Cutting the nail straight across will provide optimal strength. If the nail is very large, you may wish to cover it with petroleum jelly and a bandage until it grows back. Soaking the nail in saline water 2-3 times a day can also help.
Apply the adhesive
When applying nail glue, less is more. Use a very small amount of adhesive on the nail and gently push the nail back together. You can also use a tea bag to provide extra support. Cut a nail-sized portion from a tea bag and use a brush to apply adhesive to the nail. Then, place the tea bag on the nail and apply another layer of glue.
Finish with a coat of nail polish
Once the glue has dried, you can paint over the nail with clear nail lacquer or coloured nail polish. This will help to hold the nail together and improve its appearance. If you are using nail wraps, cut them down to the size of your nail and secure them with gel nail resin.
Aftercare
While your nail is healing, it is important to keep your nails clean and healthy. Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive moisture, as these can cause nails to become weak and brittle. Instead, opt for gentle manicures and use moisturizers to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated.
Remember, applying nail glue or clear nail lacquer is a temporary solution. If your nail is severely split or infected, it is important to seek medical attention.
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Use a fake nail to hide the split
If you have a split nail, you may want to conceal it while you wait for your nail to heal and grow out. One way to do this is to use a fake nail, also known as a press-on nail. You can apply a fake nail to just the broken nail, or to all of your nails.
Before applying a fake nail, you may want to trim any nail that extends past the nail bed. You can use nail clippers to cut nails straight across and then slightly round the tips of the nails for optimal strength.
When applying a fake nail, you may want to use a small amount of adhesive to secure it in place. You can then paint over the fake nail with nail polish if you wish.
While a fake nail can help to temporarily hide a split nail, it is important to address the underlying cause of the split to prevent it from happening again. Split nails can be caused by various factors, such as nail biting, excess moisture, injury, infection, or underlying conditions such as psoriasis or onychoschizia.
To prevent split nails, you can take certain precautions and make lifestyle changes. This may include wearing gloves while doing chores, avoiding harsh chemicals, maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, or taking supplements with a doctor's consent.
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Soak the nail in saline water 2-3 times a day and bandage it
If you have a split nail, it's important to take care of it to prevent further damage and infection. One way to do this is by soaking the nail in saline water 2-3 times a day and bandaging it. This can help to keep the nail bed clean and hydrated, promoting healing and preventing further splitting.
Preparing the Saline Solution
Start by preparing a saline solution by mixing a small amount of salt with warm water. Stir the solution until the salt is completely dissolved.
Soaking the Nail
- Take a small bowl or container and pour enough saline solution to cover your fingernail or toenail.
- Soak the affected nail in the saline water for a few minutes.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day to keep the nail bed clean and hydrated.
Bandaging the Nail
- After soaking the nail, gently dry the area with a clean towel or tissue.
- Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the nail and cuticle to provide extra moisture and protection.
- Cover the nail with a bandage, ensuring it is secure but not too tight.
Additional Tips
- You can also apply nail hardening solutions or nail polish with nylon fibre to help strengthen the nail and prevent further breakage.
- Keep your nails trimmed and maintained to reduce the risk of further damage.
- If the split is severe or causing pain, consider seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional.
Remember, it is important to identify the cause of your split nails to prevent further occurrences. Split nails can be caused by various factors, including physical stress, nutrient deficiency, nail biting, excess moisture, injury, or underlying medical conditions. Taking care of your nails and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent nail splitting in the future.
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Apply nail wraps to strengthen the nail and prevent further breakage
Applying nail wraps can be an effective way to strengthen a nail that has suffered a side split and prevent further breakage. This is a popular at-home treatment option, as it is inexpensive and easy to do.
To apply nail wraps, first ensure your nails are clean and free of any dirt, debris, or old nail polish. You can use nail polish remover to take off any old polish and then wash your hands with soap and water. If your nails are prone to moisture, you can also use an alcohol wipe or cotton swab to remove unseen debris and oil.
Next, trim your nails to the desired length and shape them with a nail file. Buff the tops of your nails with a nail buffer to ensure they are smooth and even.
Once your nails are prepped, select the right size of nail wrap for your nail. This is key to ensuring the wraps stay on for as long as possible. Firmly press the wrap onto your nail, just above the cuticle, avoiding any skin or cuticles, as this will cause the wrap to peel off. Smooth out any bubbles or imperfections with your thumbnail or a wooden cuticle pusher.
Finally, fold the excess wrap over the tip of your nail and let it sit for a few minutes to get a stronger seal. You can then use nail scissors or clippers to cut off the excess material, before filing the edges to prevent jagged edges. Applying a top coat can extend the life of your nail wraps, keep them shinier for longer, and provide added protection.
Nail wraps can be used in conjunction with other treatments for split nails, such as nail hardeners or strengtheners, and can be a good way to hide the break while your nail grows out.
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Reduce exposure to moisture to prevent nails from becoming soft and prone to splitting
Overexposure to moisture can cause nails to become soft and prone to splitting. This can occur when doing dishes, washing hands, or through repeated nail polish use. To prevent this, you can:
- Wear gloves when doing household chores involving water or chemicals, such as dishwashing gloves or rubber gloves for cleaning.
- Keep your nails short to minimize the nail surface area where water and chemicals can be absorbed.
- Avoid keeping your hands or feet in water for long periods.
- Avoid frequent use of nail polish, as it can weaken the nails and make them easier to split.
- Avoid harsh solvents and chemicals in cleaning supplies and nail polish, as these can dehydrate your nails, causing them to separate and crack. Opt for products labelled "hypoallergenic" as they typically contain milder or natural chemical agents.
Additionally, maintaining overall nail health can help prevent splitting. This includes keeping your nails clean and moisturized, using nail hardening products, and wearing gloves when going outside in cold, dry weather to protect your hands and nails from the elements.
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