Caleb Foster
If your nails are splitting down the middle, it could be due to a number of factors. Nails can split for no particular reason, but if it happens often, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as a vitamin deficiency, psoriasis, or a fungal nail infection. Nail splitting can also be caused by injury, harsh chemicals, or repeated wetting and drying of the nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Injury, harsh chemicals, psoriasis, nail fungus, vitamin deficiencies, anxiety, underlying health conditions, repeated wetting and drying of nails |
| Symptoms | Horizontal or vertical splits, soft, thin, or brittle nails, nail discoloration, white spots, fragile, misshapen |
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Nail injury
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, which can lead to them splitting more easily.
Nail splitting is also more common if your hands and nails get wet often because of your job. This is because repeated wetting and drying of the nails can cause the nail plate to peel off in layers.
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Underlying health conditions
Split nails (onychoschizia) can be caused by a variety of underlying health conditions. These include:
- Psoriasis
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Nail fungus (onychomycosis)
- Anxiety
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to build up rapidly, forming scales and dry, itchy patches. It can also affect the nails, causing them to become thick, pitted, or ridged, and in some cases, leading to nail splitting. Vitamin deficiencies, particularly a lack of biotin, can also contribute to nail splitting. Biotin is important for nail strength and health, and a deficiency can result in brittle, thin, or splitting nails.
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, develops when a fungus infects the nails, usually through small cracks in the nail or the surrounding skin. The fungus damages the nail by destroying keratin, leading to nail discolouration, white spots, and nail splitting. Additionally, anxiety can be a factor in nail splitting. A common symptom of anxiety is nail-picking or biting, which weakens the nails and makes them more prone to splitting.
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Vitamin deficiencies
Nails that split down the middle can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, harsh chemicals, psoriasis, nail fungus, vitamin deficiencies, anxiety, and repeated wetting and drying of the nails.
In addition to vitamins, a lack of certain minerals can also contribute to nail splitting. For example, low iron levels can cause brittle nails, as iron is important for nail strength and health. Zinc is another mineral that plays a role in nail health, and a deficiency can result in nail abnormalities, including splitting.
It is important to note that nail splitting can be a sign of an underlying health condition, and if it occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can help identify any vitamin or mineral deficiencies and recommend appropriate treatments or supplements to address the issue.
Maintaining a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake, supporting nail health and reducing the risk of splitting. Including foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and lean meats can provide the body with the necessary nutrients to promote strong and healthy nails.
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Nail fungus
Nails can split down the middle for a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is injury to the nail, which can be caused by a number of traumatic events, such as catching your finger in a door or pinching it under a heavy object. Nails can also split due to repeated wetting and drying, which is common in people whose jobs involve getting their hands and nails wet often.
One particular condition that can cause nail splitting is nail fungus (onychomycosis). This occurs when a fungus, such as ringworm, enters the nail through small cracks in the nail or the skin surrounding it. The fungus damages the nail by destroying keratin, which can lead to nail discolouration, white spots, and splitting. Nail fungus can also make nails fragile and misshapen.
If you are experiencing nail splitting, it is important to determine the underlying cause. While nails can sometimes split for no apparent reason, frequent nail splitting may indicate an underlying health condition that requires treatment. Severe and repeated nail splits can increase the risk of infection and permanent nail bed damage if left untreated.
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Wet nails
Nails can split for a variety of reasons, including injury, harsh chemicals, psoriasis, nail fungus, vitamin deficiencies, and underlying health conditions. One of the most common causes of nail splitting is repeated wetting and drying of the nails. This can happen if your job involves getting your hands and nails wet often. When nails are repeatedly wetted and dried, they can become soft, thin, or brittle, making them more prone to splitting.
If you find that your nails are splitting due to repeated wetting and drying, there are a few things you can do to help prevent this. First, try to minimise the amount of time your nails are exposed to water. If you work with your hands and frequently get them wet, consider wearing gloves to protect your nails. You can also apply a moisturising cream or oil to your nails and cuticles to help lock in moisture and prevent them from drying out. Choose a moisturiser that is free of harsh chemicals, as these can also contribute to nail splitting.
Additionally, make sure to keep your nails trimmed and filed smoothly. Nails that are too long or have jagged edges are more likely to catch on things and split. You can also try using a nail hardener or strengthener to help fortify your nails and prevent them from splitting. If you notice any signs of nail fungus, such as discolouration or white spots, be sure to treat the infection promptly to prevent further nail damage.
Finally, if you find that your nails are splitting frequently and you are unable to identify a clear cause, it may be a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. Severe and repeated nail splits can increase your risk of infection and permanent nail bed damage if left untreated. A healthcare professional can help determine if there is an underlying health condition causing your nail splitting and provide appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails splitting down the middle is known as onychoschizia, which is caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails.
Nails may feel soft, thin or brittle, and the nail plate peels off in layers.
Onychoschizia can be caused by injury, harsh chemicals, psoriasis, nail fungus, vitamin deficiencies, or anxiety.
You can treat onychoschizia, but if an underlying health condition is causing nail splitting, you'll need to treat the condition first.
Severe and repeated nail splits can increase your risk of infection and permanent nail bed damage if left untreated.
