Caleb Foster
Cracked nails are a common problem, often caused by physical stress, nutrient deficiency, or wear and tear. In most cases, cracked nails don't require medical treatment, but it's important to monitor the condition and take preventive measures to avoid further damage. If the cracking is severe, painful, or accompanied by signs of infection, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Physical stress, nutrient deficiency, wear and tear, thyroid issues, yeast or mould infection, harsh chemicals, prolonged exposure to hot water |
| Treatment | Preventative measures, e.g. avoiding harsh chemicals, prolonged exposure to hot water, and using nails as tools; vitamin supplements; lotions with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid; medical treatment for infections |
| When to see a doctor | If the cracking is getting worse, if there is no improvement after six to eight weeks, if the nails are very painful, or if there are signs of infection (swelling, redness, hot skin) |
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What You'll Learn
Cracked nails can be caused by physical stress, nutrient deficiency, or wear and tear
Cracked nails are common and will usually heal as your nails grow. They can be caused by physical stress, nutrient deficiency, or wear and tear. If you work with your hands, cracked nails can be a particular problem. However, they can happen to anyone and are sometimes unavoidable.
If you spend a lot of time with your hands in and out of water, your nails can start to split. This is because prolonged exposure to hot water can cause cracking. If you use your nails as tools, this can also cause them to crack.
In some cases, cracked nails can be a sign of an underlying condition. If cracked nails affect both your fingernails and toenails, a doctor may suspect a systemic condition or nutritional deficiencies. If your thyroid doesn't make enough hormones, you could have hypothyroidism, which can cause cracked nails. Yeasts or moulds can also enter your nails and cause an infection, making them more likely to crack or break.
If your nails are very painful or showing signs of infection, you should see a doctor. Symptoms of an infection include swelling, redness, or skin that’s hot to the touch. If your nails are still cracking after six months, you should also see a doctor.
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Cracked nails can be a sign of hypothyroidism
Cracked nails can also be caused by physical stress, nutrient deficiency, or wear and tear. If you work with your hands or spend a lot of time with your hands in and out of water, your nails are more likely to crack. Nail products that contain toluene and formaldehyde, two harsh chemicals, can also cause nail cracking.
Most of the time, cracked nails don't require further medical treatment. However, if your nail is very painful or showing signs of infection, you should see a doctor. Symptoms of an infection include swelling, redness, or skin that's hot to the touch. If the cracking is getting worse or you haven't seen improvements in six to eight weeks, it's also a good idea to talk to your doctor.
To prevent cracked nails, avoid prolonged exposure to hot water, such as in the shower or when washing dishes. You can also try a lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid to soothe your nail area. Biotin, a B vitamin supplement, can also help heal your nails, but you shouldn't take it if you're pregnant.
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Cracked nails can be caused by harsh nail products
Cracked nails are usually caused by physical stress, nutrient deficiency, or wear and tear. They can also be caused by harsh nail products, such as those containing toluene and formaldehyde. If you spend a lot of time with your hands in and out of water, your nails can start to split. This is because water can weaken the protein keratin that makes up your nails.
If you have cracked nails, you should avoid using your nails as tools and refrain from prolonged exposure to hot water. You can also try a lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid to soothe your nails. If your nails are very painful or showing signs of infection, you should see a doctor.
In some cases, cracked nails can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. For example, if you have low thyroid hormone levels, you may also experience cracked nails. A simple blood test can check how well your thyroid is working.
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Cracked nails can be caused by prolonged exposure to hot water
If you have cracked nails, you should try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot water, such as in the shower or when washing dishes. You can also try using a lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid to soothe your nail area. If your nails are very painful or showing signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or skin that's hot to the touch, you should see a doctor. In addition, if the cracking is getting worse or you haven't seen any improvements in six to eight weeks, it may be time to seek medical advice.
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Cracked nails can be caused by an infection
Cracked nails can also be caused by physical stress, nutrient deficiency, or wear and tear. If cracked nails affect both your fingernails and toenails, a doctor may suspect a systemic condition or nutritional deficiencies. Spending a lot of time with your hands in and out of water, like when washing dishes, can also cause your nails to crack.
If you notice that your nails are still cracking after six months, see your doctor. In the meantime, try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot water, like in the shower or when washing dishes. You can also try a lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid to soothe your nail area.
Preventing cracked nails caused by an infection involves treating the underlying cause. If the infection is due to yeast or mould, for example, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication. It's important to follow your doctor's advice and take any prescribed medications as directed.
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Frequently asked questions
Cracked nails are usually caused by physical stress, nutrient deficiency, or wear and tear. They can also be caused by harsh nail products, prolonged exposure to hot water, or a thyroid issue.
Preventative measures include refraining from using your nails as tools, avoiding nail products that contain toluene and formaldehyde, and limiting exposure to hot water.
If your nails are very painful or showing signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or skin that's hot to the touch, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if your nails are still cracking after six months or if the cracking is getting worse.
