Noah Sinclair
Split nails can be caused by a number of factors, from vitamin deficiencies to nail injuries. Nails can split horizontally or vertically, and sometimes they can even become brittle or break easily. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of nail splitting and provide some tips on how to fix and prevent it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Peeling or cracked |
| Cause | Repeated wetting and drying of the nails |
| Cause | Nail injury |
| Cause | Ringworm infection |
| Cause | Vitamin deficiency |
| Cause | Ageing |
| Cause | Health condition |
| Treatment | Trimming or filing down jagged edges |
| Treatment | Applying nail glue or clear nail lacquer |
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What You'll Learn
Horizontal nail splitting
Onychoschizia involves the nail plate peeling off in layers. When a nail splits, some of the keratin layers separate from the rest, making your nail look like it's splitting or peeling.
If you have a small horizontal split at the edge of your nail, you can trim or file down the jagged edges and let your nail grow back naturally. If you have a bigger split, you can apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the keratin together until your nail grows out. Then you can trim or file off the split.
If all your nails are splitting or you notice that they are brittle or fragile, it could be a sign of a medical condition or vitamin deficiency, so you should see your primary care provider.
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Vertical nail splitting
If your nail is split vertically, you can apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the keratin together until your nail grows out. Then you can trim or file off the split. If all your nails are splitting or you notice that your nails are brittle or fragile, that’s a good reason to see your primary care provider. It could be a sign that a medical condition or vitamin deficiency is causing your nail splitting.
Nail splitting can also be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails. This is known as onychoschizia, which is commonly known as nail peeling or nail splitting. It causes horizontal splits across the width of the nail. Onychoschizia may be seen along with onychorrhexis.
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Onychorrhexis
A split running up your nail could be a sign of onychorrhexis, a condition that causes ridges and splitting in the nail. These ridges often look like thin grooves running vertically along the length of the nail. Onychorrhexis can also cause nails to become brittle, break easily and split at the edges. It is caused by issues with making skin cells and a skin protein called keratin, which can change how your nails grow.
If you have a split nail, you can fix it by trimming or filing down the jagged edges and letting your nail grow back naturally. If you have a bigger split, you can apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the keratin together until your nail grows out. Then you can trim or file off the split.
If all your nails are splitting, or you notice that they are brittle or fragile, it is a good idea to see your primary care provider. It could be a sign that a medical condition or vitamin deficiency is causing your nail splitting.
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Onychoschizia
A split running up your nail is known as onychoschizia, or nail peeling/nail splitting. It is a condition that causes horizontal splits across the width of the nail plate. The nail plate peels off in layers, and the nail looks like it is splitting or peeling. Onychoschizia is most often caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails.
If your nail is split horizontally at the edge, you can trim or file down the jagged edges and let your nail grow back naturally. If you have a bigger split, you can apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the keratin together until your nail grows out. Then you can trim or file off the split. If all your nails are splitting, or you notice that they are brittle or fragile, you should see your primary care provider as it could be a sign of a medical condition or vitamin deficiency.
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Nail fungus
A split running up your nail could be caused by nail fungus, or less commonly, psoriasis. Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that develops when ringworm infects your nails. It damages the nail by destroying keratin, a protein that makes up the layers of your nails. This can cause nail discolouration, white spots, and splitting.
The symptoms of nail fungus include nail discolouration, usually a yellow or brown colour, thickening of the nail, and a foul odour. The nail may also become brittle and crumbly, and it may separate from the nail bed. In some cases, the nail may fall off completely.
If you suspect you have nail fungus, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options may include oral or topical antifungal medications, and in some cases, surgical removal of the nail may be necessary. To prevent nail fungus, keep your nails clean and dry, and avoid walking barefoot in public places, such as swimming pools and locker rooms, where the fungus can spread easily.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be a sign of onychoschizia, a condition that causes horizontal splits across the width of the nail.
It looks like the plate-like splitting of the free edge of the nail. The nail plate peels off in layers.
It is most often caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails.
If you have a small split, you can trim or file down the jagged edges and let your nail grow back naturally. If you have a bigger split, you can apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the keratin together until your nail grows out.
