
Split nails can be caused by a number of factors, including injuries, fungal infections, vitamin deficiencies, and underlying conditions like nail psoriasis. Nails can split horizontally or vertically, and can also split into layers. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of nail splitting and offer advice on how to treat and prevent it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Direction of Split | Horizontal, across the nail's tip, or vertical, splitting the nail in two |
| Cause | Repeated wetting and drying of the nails, nail biting, excess moisture, infection, injury, fungal infections, or underlying conditions like nail psoriasis |
| Treatment | Trimming the nail, covering the split with nail wraps and nail polish, anti-fungal medications, dietary supplements, psoriasis treatments, moisturiser, and nail hardening products |
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What You'll Learn
- Onychoschizia, or nail peeling/splitting, is caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails
- Nails can become weak and brittle due to overexposure to moisture
- Split nails can be caused by injuries, fungal infections, or underlying conditions like nail psoriasis
- Nail biting can cause nails to split
- Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies can cause nails to become brittle and split

Onychoschizia, or nail peeling/splitting, is caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails
Onychoschizia is characterised by the nail plate peeling off in layers. This condition may be accompanied by onychorrhexis, which involves longitudinal splits or ridges in the nail plate.
Nail splits can also occur due to injuries, fungal infections, or underlying conditions like nail psoriasis. Additionally, nail biting, excess moisture, infection, or vitamin deficiency can contribute to nail splitting.
If you experience nail splitting, it is recommended to keep your nails short and clean. Trimming the nail and covering the split with nail wraps and nail polish can help treat the issue. In some cases, anti-fungal medications, dietary supplements, or psoriasis treatments may be necessary to heal and prevent nail splits.
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Nails can become weak and brittle due to overexposure to moisture
Onychoschizia, commonly known as nail peeling or nail splitting, is a condition that causes horizontal splits across the width of the nail plate. It is often caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails.
If your nails are splitting, it could be a sign of a medical condition or vitamin deficiency, so it is a good idea to see your primary care provider. Your healthcare provider may recommend anti-fungal medications, dietary supplements, or psoriasis treatments to heal and prevent split nails.
To prevent nail splits, keep your nails short and clean. You can also use moisturiser and nail-hardening products.
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Split nails can be caused by injuries, fungal infections, or underlying conditions like nail psoriasis
Split nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including injuries, fungal infections, or underlying conditions like nail psoriasis. Nails can split horizontally across the nail's tip or vertically, splitting the nail in two. Nails can also split into layers.
Injuries are a common cause of nail splitting. This can include physical trauma to the nail, such as nail biting or other forms of physical stress. In addition, overexposure to moisture can cause nails to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to splitting. This can occur through activities such as doing dishes, washing hands, or repeated nail polish use.
Fungal infections can also lead to nail splitting. If an infection is causing your nails to split, treating the infection should help your nails grow back. Antifungal medications may be necessary to heal and prevent further nail splitting.
Underlying conditions, such as nail psoriasis, can also contribute to nail splitting. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that can cause nail changes, including nail splitting. Treatment for psoriasis may help improve nail health and prevent further splitting.
Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies can also be a factor in nail splitting. Ensuring adequate nutrient intake and using moisturiser and nail-hardening products may help prevent and treat nail splitting. Keeping your nails short and clean can also help prevent nail splits if you are otherwise healthy.
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Nail biting can cause nails to split
Nail splitting can be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails, which 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.
Nail splits can be horizontal, across the nail's tip, or vertical, splitting the nail in two. They can also split into layers. If you have nail splits, you can often treat them at home by trimming the nail and covering the split with nail wraps and nail polish. If your nails don't improve, you should see your healthcare provider for treatment.
If all your nails are splitting, it could be a sign of a medical condition or vitamin deficiency, and you should see your primary care provider.
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Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies can cause nails to become brittle and split
Nail splitting, or onychoschizia, can be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails. This can cause the nail plate to peel off in layers. Nails can also split vertically or horizontally, or into layers.
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Frequently asked questions
It could mean that your nails are weak and brittle, which can be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails, or by a vitamin deficiency.
Keep your nails short and clean, and use moisturiser and nail hardening products.
You can treat it at home by trimming the nail and covering the split with nail wraps and nail polish.
If your nails don't improve or you have severe pain, separation, or discolouration, see your healthcare provider.











































