Sophia Delgado
A cracked fingernail edge is usually referred to as a split nail. Split nails are common and are usually caused by physical stress, nutrient deficiency, wear and tear, or an underlying medical condition. They can be fixed by trimming or filing down the jagged edges and letting the nail grow back naturally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Cracked Fingernail |
| Medical name | Onychoschizia, Onychorrhexis, Onychomycosis |
| Cause | Physical stress, nutrient deficiency, wear and tear, frequent wetting and drying, nail biting, underlying medical condition, vitamin deficiency, aging, nail fungus, anemia, hypothyroidism, chemotherapy, psoriasis |
| Prevention | Wear gloves, keep nails trimmed, avoid harsh nail products, moisturize hands and nails, eat a healthy diet |
| Treatment | Soak in warm water, apply petroleum jelly, use moisturizer, use nail glue or clear nail lacquer, see a doctor |
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What You'll Learn
- Onychoschizia, or nail splitting, is caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails
- Paronychia is a nail infection that can be caused by nail biting or picking at the cuticles
- Cracked nails can be a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, such as iron or calcium deficiency
- Cracked nails can be caused by physical injury or trauma to the nail
- Prolonged exposure to water can cause nails to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to cracking
Onychoschizia, or nail splitting, is caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails
Onychoschizia, or nail splitting, is characterised by a crack forming in the nail. Nail splits can be horizontal, across the nail's tip, or vertical, splitting the nail in two. Onychoschizia is caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails, which causes the nail plate to peel off in layers. This condition is commonly referred to as nail peeling or brittle nails.
People in occupations that require frequent wetting and drying of the hands or those who work with chemicals are at an increased risk of developing onychoschizia. Horizontal splitting of thumbnails and big toes is common in newborns, affecting about one in three. Fingernail and toenail splitting in children up to two years of age is also common, likely due to their thin nails. Thumb-sucking can also contribute to nail splitting.
To prevent nail splitting, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of wetting and drying the nails. This can be achieved by wearing waterproof gloves when performing tasks that involve water, such as washing dishes or housework. Keeping the nails trimmed short and applying thick moisturisers or petroleum jelly can also help improve nail hydration and prevent splitting.
In addition, nail-hardening agents containing formaldehyde can increase nail strength, but they should be used cautiously as they may cause brittleness and other nail issues. It is important to note that these hardeners should only be applied to the free edge or growing end of the nail. If nail splitting is severe, it is recommended to cover the nail with petroleum jelly and a bandage until the nail grows back. Soaking the nail in saline water two to three times a day and reapplying the bandage can also help.
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Paronychia is a nail infection that can be caused by nail biting or picking at the cuticles
Paronychia is a common nail infection that can affect both the fingernails and toenails. It is caused by bacteria entering broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, resulting in inflammation and infection. Nail biting, or onychophagia, and picking at the cuticles can create tiny cracks or cuts in the nails, providing an entry point for bacteria. This condition is more common in individuals with underlying skin conditions and those who work with water or chemicals, such as bartenders and dishwashers, as their hands are frequently wet or exposed to irritants.
The symptoms of paronychia usually develop over several hours or days, and in some cases, they may take longer to manifest. The infection causes pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail, with the surrounding skin feeling warm and appearing red. Pus may build up under the skin, leading to a white to yellow, pus-filled abscess that requires drainage. Additionally, the nail plate may thicken and become distorted, with transverse ridges forming.
There are two types of paronychia: acute and chronic. Acute paronychia develops rapidly, usually affecting a single nail fold within a few hours, and its symptoms typically go away with treatment, lasting less than six weeks. On the other hand, chronic paronychia has a slower onset, with symptoms lasting six weeks or longer, and it may affect several fingers or toes simultaneously. It is often associated with distorted, ridged nail plates that may turn yellow or green/black and become brittle.
Mild cases of paronychia can be treated at home by soaking the infected area in warm water several times a day. However, if symptoms do not improve or the infection spreads, it is important to seek medical attention. Doctors can prescribe antifungal medications or oral antibiotics for severe or prolonged bacterial infections. In rare cases of severe, chronic paronychia, surgical excision of the proximal nail fold or even the removal of a finger or toe may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading further.
To prevent paronychia, it is important to avoid nail biting and picking at the cuticles. Additionally, wearing waterproof gloves while working with chemicals or having your hands in water for extended periods can help reduce the risk of developing this nail infection.
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Cracked nails can be a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, such as iron or calcium deficiency
A cracked fingernail edge is called onychoschizia. It is characterised by a crack forming in the nail and can be horizontal across the nail's tip or vertical, splitting the nail in two. It is caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails, physical stress, nutrient deficiency, or wear and tear.
A vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the colour of your nails, causing them to become bluish or grey-brown in pigmentation. Low vitamin C and low folic acid can cause nail integrity loss, resulting in an increased frequency of hangnails.
Zinc deficiency is another common cause of brittle nails. Zinc is an important micronutrient that can affect the health of a person's hair, skin, and nails. Without enough zinc, the rate of nail growth decreases, and the nails become fragile and brittle, causing them to crack.
If you are experiencing cracked nails, it is important to consult a medical professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment or advice.
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Cracked nails can be caused by physical injury or trauma to the nail
A cracked fingernail edge is called onychoschizia. It is characterised by a crack forming in the nail and can be horizontal across the nail's tip or vertical, splitting the nail in two.
Onychoschizia is caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails, which can lead to horizontal nail splitting along with longitudinal ridging or splitting. This condition is commonly known as nail peeling or nail splitting and can be accompanied by another nail condition called onychorrhexis, which involves longitudinal splits or ridges in the nail plate.
Cracked nails can also be caused by physical injury or trauma to the nail, such as crushing the nail tip or bed, which can result in the nail growing with a ridge or split-like appearance. This can occur in everyday situations or during sports activities. It is more common in toenails than in fingernails.
Additionally, cracked nails can be a sign of vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of biotin, calcium, or iron. Certain underlying illnesses, such as anemia, thyroid problems, or cancer treatment, can also contribute to nail cracking.
In some cases, cracked nails may be a result of nail-biting or picking at the cuticles, creating tiny cracks or cuts through which bacteria can enter and cause infections such as paronychia.
To prevent and treat cracked nails, it is essential to keep the nails and cuticles moisturised, avoid harsh nail products, maintain short and clean nails, and protect the hands and nails by wearing gloves during tasks involving water or chemicals.
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Prolonged exposure to water can cause nails to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to cracking
To prevent this, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of wetting and drying the nails. Wearing gloves, such as rubber or plastic ones, during household chores and when working with water can be helpful. Keeping the nails trimmed short and applying thick moisturizers or petroleum jelly can also help improve nail hydration and reduce the risk of cracking.
Additionally, certain underlying health conditions, nutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle factors can contribute to nail cracking. For example, aging is a common reason for nail cracking as nails tend to dry out over time. Vitamin deficiencies, especially in vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as insufficient iron, zinc, or calcium intake, can also affect nail health.
In some cases, cracked nails can indicate a more serious health issue. For instance, it could be a symptom of anemia, a condition caused by insufficient iron levels in the body. Other underlying conditions such as thyroid problems, cancer treatment, or certain medications can also lead to nail cracking.
If you are experiencing nail cracking, it is important to maintain nail hygiene and health. Avoid using harsh nail products and metal tools during manicures. In case of more severe nail splits, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, especially if the nail matrix is affected, as it may impact the nail's ability to grow back normally.
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Frequently asked questions
A cracked fingernail edge is called onychoschizia, also known as nail peeling or nail splitting.
Onychoschizia is characterised by horizontal splits across the width of the nail plate, at the growing end of the nail. The nail plate peels off in layers and can be seen along with another nail condition called onychorrhexis, which involves longitudinal splits or ridges in the nail plate.
Onychoschizia is often caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails. Frequent washing of hands or submerging them in water can weaken the nails, making them more prone to cracking.
To treat onychoschizia, it is recommended to reduce how often you wet and dry your nails. You can wear plastic or rubber gloves over thin cotton gloves while doing housework or food preparation. Keeping your nails trimmed short and applying thick moisturisers or petroleum jelly can also help improve nail hydration and prevent further cracking.
Most cracked fingernails do not require further medical treatment. However, if you notice signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or pain, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider. If the cracking is getting worse or shows no improvement after six to eight weeks, you should also consider seeking medical advice.
