Sophia Delgado
Nail splitting, or onychoschizia, is a common condition that causes horizontal splits across the width of the nail. Nails can also split vertically, down the middle. There are many causes of nail splitting, including injury, fungal infections, vitamin deficiencies, and underlying conditions like nail psoriasis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Direction of split | Horizontal or vertical |
| Appearance | Single white line or layers |
| Causes | Traumatic events, anxiety, overexposure to moisture, fungal infections, vitamin deficiency, underlying conditions like nail psoriasis |
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What You'll Learn
Nail splitting can be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails
Nail splitting, or onychoschizia, is most often caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails. This can occur while doing dishes, washing hands, or repeated nail polish use. Nails become weak and brittle, and the nail plate peels off in layers. Onychoschizia causes horizontal splits across the width of the nail. It may be seen alongside another common nail condition called onychorrhexis, which involves longitudinal splits or ridges in the nail plate.
Nail splits can also be caused by injuries, such as catching your nail in a door or pinching it under a heavy object. Traumatic events like these can cause small or large splits. If the injury is severe, it may also affect the nail bed.
A common symptom of anxiety is picking or biting at the nails. When this occurs regularly, the nail's strength decreases, and they may split more easily.
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. In this case, you should see your primary care provider.
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Nail splits can be horizontal or vertical
If you notice that all your nails are splitting, it could be a sign of a medical condition or vitamin deficiency. In this case, you should see your primary care provider. If your nails are otherwise healthy, keeping them short and clean will typically help prevent nail splits.
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Nail splits can be caused by injuries
Nail splitting can also be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails. Overexposure to moisture can occur while doing dishes, washing hands, or repeated nail polish use. The nail itself becomes brittle, making it easier to break, bend, or split.
If all your nails are splitting, it could be a sign that a medical condition or vitamin deficiency is causing your nail splitting. If an infection, vitamin deficiency, or medical condition is causing your nails to split, treating your condition should help your nails grow back.
A common symptom of anxiety is picking or biting at the nails. When this occurs regularly, the nail’s strength decreases. This can lead to them splitting more easily.
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Nail splits can be a sign of vitamin deficiency
Nail splits can also be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails. This can occur when doing dishes, washing hands, or through repeated nail polish use. Nails can also become weak and brittle due to overexposure to moisture, making them easier to break, bend, or split.
In some cases, nail splits can be caused by injuries, fungal infections, or underlying conditions like nail psoriasis. If you split your nail, you can often treat it at home by trimming the nail and covering the split with nail wraps and nail polish. However, if your nails don't improve or you experience severe pain, separation, or discolouration, it's important to see your healthcare provider.
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Nail splits can be caused by fungal infections
Nail splitting, or onychoschizia, is a condition that causes horizontal splits across the width of the nail. It can also occur vertically, splitting the nail in two. Nail splits can be caused by fungal infections, as well as vitamin deficiencies, injuries, and underlying conditions like nail psoriasis. If you have a fungal infection, you may need anti-fungal medications to treat and prevent nail splits.
Fungal infections are not the only cause of nail splits. Nails can become weak and brittle due to overexposure to moisture. This can occur when doing dishes, washing hands, or through repeated nail polish use. The skin around the nail softens, and the nail becomes more prone to breaking, bending, or splitting.
Another common cause of nail splits is physical trauma. Any number of injuries can cause a small or large split, such as catching your nail in a door or pinching it under a heavy object. If the injury is severe, it may also affect the nail bed.
Additionally, nail splitting can be related to anxiety. A common symptom of anxiety is picking or biting at the nails, which weakens them over time and makes them more susceptible to splitting.
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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 could also be a sign of onychorrhexis, which involves longitudinal splits or ridges in the nail plate.
Nail splitting can be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails, which can make them weak and brittle. It can also be caused by injuries, fungal infections, vitamin deficiencies, or underlying conditions like nail psoriasis.
A split nail can appear as a single white line vertically or horizontally, or it can split into layers.
If your nails are splitting, you should see a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. In the meantime, you can trim your nails and cover the split with nail wraps and nail polish to prevent further damage.
