Ava Monroe
Fingernails can reveal a lot about a person's health, and nutrient deficiencies may affect their appearance. Nails can crack for many reasons, including aging, exposure to water, and underlying illnesses. For example, if your body doesn't get enough iron, you may develop anemia, which can cause cracked nails. Additionally, vitamin B and calcium deficiencies can lead to nail issues. Overexposure to moisture can cause nails to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to breaking, bending, or splitting. Certain habits, such as nail biting or picking, can also increase the likelihood of nail cracks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | As a person ages, fingernails become thinner and more prone to cracking |
| Gender | Women are more likely than men to have cracked nails |
| Job | Jobs that require frequent hand-washing or submerging hands in water increase the risk of nail cracking |
| Nail cosmetics | Nail polish, removers, and gel acrylics can weaken nails and lead to cracking |
| Skin conditions | Psoriasis can cause nail changes, including nail cracking |
| Vitamin deficiencies | Deficiencies in vitamins, such as B vitamins, and minerals like calcium, can contribute to nail cracking |
| Medical conditions | Various medical conditions, such as thyroid issues, anemia, and cancer treatment, can cause nail cracking |
| Nail injuries | Traumatic events, such as catching nails in doors or biting nails, can lead to nail cracks |
| Nail fungus | Infections by fungi, yeast, or bacteria can cause nail cracking and discoloration |
| Water exposure | Frequent exposure to water can weaken nails and make them more prone to cracking |
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What You'll Learn
Cracked nails can be a sign of vitamin deficiency
Cracked nails are often a sign of aging, as nails become thinner and more prone to cracking with age. However, in some cases, they could be a sign of vitamin deficiency. Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is essential for nail health, and a deficiency can lead to brittle nails that crack easily. While rare, a lack of vitamin A, C, and D can also contribute to nail problems.
Iron deficiency is another common nutritional cause of cracked nails. Iron is crucial for nail health, and insufficient intake can result in brittle, weak nails that are susceptible to cracking. Additionally, not getting enough B vitamins like biotin or B12, zinc, protein, or magnesium in your diet may also contribute to nail brittleness and cracking.
To address cracked nails due to vitamin deficiency, it is important to focus on eating a variety of nutritious foods. Include vitamin- and mineral-rich sources in your diet, such as beef liver, meats, poultry, fish, clams, oysters, eggs, cheese, milk, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli. These foods provide the necessary nutrients for nail health and can help strengthen your nails over time.
If dietary changes do not improve nail health, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist. They may suggest taking dietary supplements, such as biotin supplements, to promote nail strength and improve overall nail health. However, it is important to note that supplementation should be done under medical supervision, as certain supplements can interfere with lab test results.
In addition to addressing vitamin deficiencies, it is crucial to protect your nails from external damage. Avoid frequent exposure to water, as it can weaken nails over time. When performing tasks that require prolonged submersion of the hands in water, wear protective gloves. Also, be mindful of the products you use on your nails, as nail polish, nail polish remover, and the glues and dyes in acrylic nails can contain strong chemicals that dry out and weaken the nails, making them more prone to cracking.
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Prolonged exposure to water can cause nail cracking
If your job or daily activities involve prolonged exposure to water, such as washing dishes or swimming, your nails can start to crack or split. The constant cycle of expansion and contraction caused by water exposure weakens the nails over time, leading to increased breakage, thinning, and overall weakening of the nails.
To prevent water damage to your nails, it is essential to minimize prolonged exposure to water. If your daily tasks involve water, consider wearing protective gloves, especially cotton-lined rubber gloves, to create a barrier between your nails and the water. Additionally, keeping your nails short reduces the surface area available for water absorption.
Moisturizing your nails and cuticles is also crucial in preventing water damage. Apply lotion or cream to your hands and nails after water exposure to replenish moisture and protect against dryness. Using an emollient, non-greasy hand cream with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil can help nourish and strengthen your nails.
If you notice that your nails are already damaged, trim or file away any rough or uneven edges to prevent further tearing and snagging. Applying a clear nail polish with nylon fibers can also help strengthen the nail and prevent further cracking.
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Cracked nails can be a result of physical trauma
Cracked nails can be the result of physical trauma, such as a blow to the nail, trapping the finger in a door or drawer, or even a splinter getting under the nail. This can cause blood to pool underneath the nail, a condition known as subungual haematoma. If the injury is severe, it may affect the nail bed, leading to potential cosmetic changes that can be permanent.
In the case of nail bed damage, a ridge or split can develop, and the nail may need to be removed. The outlook for such injuries is generally positive, and the nail will typically regrow within about two months for fingernails and four months for toenails. However, if the injury involves the base of the nail, some cosmetic changes may be irreversible.
To treat a subungual haematoma, it is essential to relieve the pressure by draining the blood trapped under the nail. For smaller haematomas, this can be done by heating a needle or paper clip and using it to burn a small hole in the nail, allowing the blood to drain out. If the injury is more extensive, a physician may need to evaluate it, especially if there is a potential underlying bone fracture or tissue tear.
Additionally, nail biting and cuticle biting can also cause trauma to the nails. Nail biting can lead to acute paronychia, a bacterial infection causing swelling and irritation around the nail. Repeated nail picking can also produce horizontal hatch marks in the middle of the nail.
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Nail fungus can lead to nail cracking
Fingernails can crack due to various reasons, and one of the most common causes is a fungal infection. Fungi, such as Scytalidium, Alternaria, and Exophiala, can invade the skin through existing cracks or injuries and lead to nail fungus or onychomycosis. This infection causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and brittle, making it more susceptible to cracking. Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails due to the warm, wet environment created by wearing shoes.
Fungal nail infections can develop when the fungi that cause athlete's foot infect the nails. Walking barefoot in communal areas like showers, locker rooms, and gyms can increase the risk of contracting these fungi. Additionally, having a weakened immune system, blood circulation problems, a nail injury, or a history of nail surgery can make individuals more susceptible to nail fungus.
The treatment for nail fungus involves addressing the underlying fungal infection. Topical antifungal medications are often ineffective, and oral antifungal pills or laser treatment may be recommended. In severe cases, surgical removal of the affected nail may be necessary, and a new nail should eventually grow back. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
To prevent nail cracking due to fungal infections, it is essential to maintain proper nail and hand care. Keeping the hands and nails dry and wearing gloves when exposed to wet conditions can help reduce the risk of fungal growth. Additionally, avoiding nail cosmetics, such as nail polish and acrylics, can prevent the nails from weakening and becoming more prone to cracking.
While nail fungus is a common cause of nail cracking, it is important to note that other factors, such as vitamin deficiencies, skin conditions like psoriasis, and certain medical treatments, can also contribute to nail cracking. Therefore, if nail cracking persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
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Cracked nails can be a symptom of thyroid problems
Nail changes associated with thyroid disorders can be an early indicator of thyroid disease. Onycholysis, or the separation of the nail from the nail bed, is specifically linked to hypothyroidism, along with slow-growing and thin nails. In contrast, onycholysis, koilonychia, and brittle nail changes are associated with hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid.
Thyroid dysfunction can lead to a variety of nail issues, including thickened, dry, and brittle nails with visible ridges, as well as soft, shiny nails that crumble easily. These nail changes may also be accompanied by changes in the skin and hair, such as thinning eyebrows, coarse hair, and itchy skin.
If you suspect that your cracked nails are related to thyroid problems or any other underlying health issues, it is important to consult a doctor or a dermatologist. A simple blood test can check how well your thyroid is functioning, and treatment can be prescribed to address any hormone imbalances.
In addition to thyroid problems, cracked nails can also be caused by various other factors, including aging, frequent exposure to water, and the use of harsh nail products. Maintaining proper nail care practices and a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help strengthen nails and prevent cracking.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails can crack due to various reasons, including aging, frequent washing of hands, vitamin deficiency, and underlying health issues such as thyroid problems, anemia, or psoriasis. If you notice any of these issues, consult a doctor or dermatologist for advice.
Nails about to crack may feel soft or brittle and may split horizontally or vertically. They might also have existing cracks or injuries, making them more susceptible to fungal infections.
To prevent fingernails from cracking, avoid using nail polish and nail polish removers, which can weaken and dry out your nails. Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and consider taking biotin supplements with a doctor's recommendation.
If your fingernail cracks, you can try home repair methods such as using nail glue, a tea bag, or a nail silk wrap to mend the break. However, if the crack is severe or affects the nail bed, consult a healthcare professional for medical treatment.
