
Toenail cracks can be vertical or horizontal and can be caused by a number of factors. These include overexposure to moisture, bad pedicures, vitamin deficiencies, or underlying health issues. In this article, we will explore the potential causes of toenail cracks and provide advice on how to repair and prevent them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Direction of split | Vertical or horizontal |
| Cause | Overexposure to moisture, bad pedicure, vitamin deficiency, thyroid, kidney or liver disease, infection |
| Treatment | Clip away excess nail, buff to smooth |
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What You'll Learn
- Toenail cracks can be caused by overexposure to moisture
- They can also be caused by a bad pedicure
- Health issues such as vitamin deficiency can also cause toenail cracks
- Horizontal nail splits are common in newborns and children up to two years old
- If part of your toenail breaks off, you can clip away the excess and buff it to make it smooth

Toenail cracks can be caused by overexposure to moisture
If you have a cracked toenail, it could also be the result of a bad pedicure. For example, if your toenail is not filed correctly and you put on socks and shoes, the nail can get stuck and crack.
Cracked toenails can also be caused by certain health issues, such as infections, thyroid, kidney or liver disease, or vitamin deficiencies.
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They can also be caused by a bad pedicure
Toenails can crack vertically or horizontally. Vertical cracks split the nail in two, while horizontal cracks occur across the nail's tip. One of the causes of toenail cracks is a bad pedicure. For example, if your toenail is not filed correctly and you put on socks and shoes, the nail can get stuck and crack.
Toenail cracks can also be caused by overexposure to moisture, which can occur while doing dishes, washing hands, or from repeated nail polish use. Many people also have a habit of picking their toenails, which can lead to cracks.
In addition, certain health issues can cause toenails to crack. These include infections, thyroid issues, kidney or liver disease, and vitamin deficiencies.
If your toenail cracks and part of it breaks off, leaving a large, jagged gap, it is recommended to clip away as much excess nail as possible to even out the break and then buff the nail to make it smooth.
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Health issues such as vitamin deficiency can also cause toenail cracks
Toenails can crack vertically or horizontally. There are many reasons why this might happen, including vitamin deficiency, thyroid, kidney or liver disease, or even an infection. Overexposure to moisture can also cause nails to become weak and brittle, making them easier to break, bend or split. This can happen when doing dishes, washing hands or through repeated nail polish use. A bad pedicure can also cause cracked toenails, for example, if your toenail is not filed correctly and you put on socks and shoes, the nail can get stuck and crack.
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Horizontal nail splits are common in newborns and children up to two years old
Toenails can crack vertically or horizontally. Horizontal nail splits are common in newborns and children up to two years old. This is because their nails are thin and brittle. In newborns, horizontal splitting of the thumbnails and big toes is quite common, affecting about one in three newborns.
If you are an adult with toenails that are cracking vertically, this could be the result of a bad pedicure. For example, if your toenail is not filed correctly and you put on socks and shoes, the nail can get stuck and crack. Toenails can also crack as a result of certain health issues. For instance, if you have any type of infection, thyroid, kidney or liver disease, or even a vitamin deficiency, your toenails can take some damage.
If part of your toenail breaks off, leaving a large, jagged gap, clip away as much excess nail as you can to even out the break, then buff it to make the nail smooth. Moisture can also cause nails to become weak and brittle. Long-term exposure can cause the skin around the nail to soften. The nail itself becomes brittle, making it easier to break, bend, or split. Overexposure to moisture can occur while doing dishes, washing hands, or repeated nail polish use.
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If part of your toenail breaks off, you can clip away the excess and buff it to make it smooth
Toenails can split vertically with the grain or horizontally across the grain. If part of your toenail breaks off, leaving a large, jagged gap, you can clip away the excess nail to even out the break, then buff it to make the nail smooth.
Vertical nail splits can be caused by overexposure to moisture, which can occur when doing dishes, washing hands, or through repeated nail polish use. It can also be caused by a bad pedicure, for example, if your toenail is not filed correctly and you put on socks and shoes, the nail can get stuck and crack. In addition, certain health issues can cause toenails to crack, such as infections, thyroid, kidney or liver disease, or vitamin deficiencies.
Horizontal nail splits are quite common in newborns and children up to the age of two due to their thin nails. However, moisture can also cause horizontal nail splits, as it weakens the nail, making it easier to break, bend, or split.
To prevent nail splits, it is important to maintain proper nail care and avoid overexposure to moisture. This includes allowing nails to dry completely after washing hands or doing dishes and limiting the use of nail polish. It is also important to be mindful of any potential health issues that may be causing nail cracks and to seek medical advice if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be a result of overexposure to moisture, a bad pedicure, or an underlying health issue.
Clip away any excess nail to even out the break, then buff it to make the nail smooth.
Toenails can crack due to repeated nail polish use, washing hands or doing dishes frequently, or picking at your nails.











































