Isla Bennett
Fingernail injuries are common and can usually be treated at home. However, if you have a nail bed injury, it's important to seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection or further injury. If you notice any bleeding, intense pain, or discomfort, or signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or skin that's hot to the touch, it's time to call your doctor. In the case of nail bed injuries, you should also take off any rings, bracelets, or other jewelry from your hands and arms to prevent further injury. Your primary care physician can treat most nail issues, but for nail conditions like fungal infections, discoloration, brittleness, and breakage, you may want to see a dermatologist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Doctor | Dermatologist |
| When to see a doctor | If you have nail pain, a new growth, a new pigmented band, or signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or skin that's hot to the touch |
| Treatment Options | Over-the-counter or prescription medications, antifungal treatments, vitamin D ointments, phototherapy, steroid injections, oral or injected systemic therapies, nail care routine, nail clipping, biopsy, blood test, daily pill for hormone replacement |
| Causes of Nail Cracking | Age, exposure to water, malnutrition, underlying illnesses, anemia, thyroid dysfunction, nail fungus, injury, cancer treatment, nail products with harsh chemicals, frequent handwashing, nail polish, gel nail manicures, psoriasis, vitamin deficiency (A, B, C, D), iron, zinc, or calcium deficiency |
| Home Remedies | Nail glue, warm water, lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid, clear nail polish, cotton-lined rubber gloves, nail filing, biotin supplement, dietary changes |
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What You'll Learn
See a dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan
If you have a cracked fingernail, it's important to see a dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan. While you may be able to treat a minor crack at home, more severe cracks that extend to the nail bed or cause intense pain or discomfort may require medical attention.
Dermatologists are equipped to handle a range of nail conditions, including fungal infections, discoloration, brittleness, and breakage. They can help determine the underlying cause of your cracked fingernail and provide appropriate treatment options. For example, if you have a fungal infection, a dermatologist will likely prescribe an antifungal medication, which can be taken orally or applied topically. In more severe cases, they may need to remove part of your nail to treat the infection effectively.
Additionally, a dermatologist can address nail abnormalities, such as nail splitting, which can be caused by frequent hand use, constant exposure to water, nail cosmetics, nail trauma, or nutrient deficiencies. They can recommend daily changes to reduce nail splitting and improve nail health.
In some cases, cracked nails may be a symptom of an underlying health issue. For instance, nail discoloration could indicate a fungal infection, psoriasis, or eczema. A change in nail color, particularly if accompanied by thickening and yellowing, warrants a visit to the dermatologist, who may perform nail clippings, biopsies, or other diagnostic tests to identify the issue.
Furthermore, if you experience symptoms such as swelling, redness, or skin that feels hot to the touch, it could indicate an infection, and you should consult a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment. They can provide guidance on proper nail care and recommend medications or treatments to address the underlying cause of your cracked fingernail.
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Avoid harsh nail products and prolonged exposure to water
To fix a cracked fingernail, you can see a dermatologist, who can suggest medication to help with the issue.
To prevent cracked fingernails, it is important to avoid harsh nail products and prolonged exposure to water. Nails that are exposed to water for long periods can become soft and prone to cracking. This can happen when doing the dishes, washing your hands frequently, or engaging in water activities such as swimming. To prevent this, you can:
- Wear protective, cotton-lined rubber gloves when performing chores that involve water, such as washing dishes or cleaning.
- Apply lotion or cream to your hands and nails before engaging in water activities, such as swimming.
- Avoid using harsh nail products that contain chemicals such as toluene and formaldehyde, which can weaken and damage the nails.
- Use nail polish removers that are acetone-free, as acetone can strip the nails and make them more vulnerable to damage.
- Alternate between gel manicures and regular polish manicures, or opt for a polish with a gel topcoat, which can be more easily removed.
- Keep your nails moisturized by applying cuticle oils with vitamin E or petroleum jelly-based lotions that seal in moisture.
- Trim your nails regularly to maintain their shape and prevent them from catching or tearing.
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Take biotin supplements and eat biotin-rich foods
If you have a cracked fingernail, you should see a dermatologist. They can help treat fingernail conditions such as fungal infections, discolouration, brittleness, and breakage. In the meantime, you can try taking biotin supplements and eating biotin-rich foods to promote nail growth and strength. Biotin is part of the vitamin B family and supports skin health, hair growth, and nail strength. It is made up of protein and amino acids, which support keratin production in the body. Keratin is a type of protein that forms the cells that make up the tissue in nails.
Biotin supplements may help restore brittle nails and improve their growth. A study found that 2.5 mg of biotin per day for six weeks to seven months improved symptoms in 63% of participants with brittle nails. However, biotin deficiency is rare, and there is no recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for biotin. The adequate intake (AI) recommendation for adults is 30 mcg per day. You should always check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your daily routine.
Biotin-rich foods include egg yolks, nuts, milk, grains, salmon, and cauliflower. Sweet potatoes, seeds, broccoli, and mushrooms also contain biotin. You can also try to eat more meat, fish, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, as these contain nutrients that affect nail health. A nutrient-rich diet is likely the best way to achieve strong, shiny, and healthy nails.
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Treat any underlying conditions, such as anaemia or thyroid issues
If you have persistent nail issues, it's important to treat any underlying conditions, such as anaemia or thyroid issues. Anaemia is a common, treatable blood disorder that occurs when there is a lack of red blood cells or when these cells are not functioning properly. This can be due to various factors, including iron or vitamin deficiency, pregnancy, leaky heart valves, bone marrow failure disorders, or kidney disease. To treat anaemia, a doctor or haematologist may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or, in more severe cases, blood transfusions or immunosuppressive drugs.
Thyroid disease, on the other hand, is a condition that affects the thyroid, a gland in the neck that produces hormones regulating vital bodily functions, including breathing and heart rate. Thyroid issues can be caused by genetics or autoimmune conditions and can lead to either an overproduction or underproduction of hormones. Treatment options for thyroid disease include antithyroid drugs, radioiodine therapy, thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid), and thyroid replacement hormones.
If you suspect that your cracked fingernails are related to anaemia or thyroid issues, it is important to consult a doctor or a dermatologist, who can diagnose and provide appropriate treatment options. They may recommend blood tests to check for anaemia or thyroid dysfunction, and in the case of nail fungus, they may prescribe antifungal medication or perform a procedure to remove the affected nail.
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See a doctor if the nail is seriously broken or injured
Fingernail injuries are quite common and can usually be treated at home. However, if the break involves a large part of the nail or affects the nail bed, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Nail bed injuries are more serious than typical fingernail injuries because they can harm the nail matrix, the area where nail cells are produced. If left untreated, the nail may stop growing back from the nail matrix.
If you experience bleeding, intense pain, or discomfort from a nail injury, it is recommended to see a doctor. In the case of an infection, immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent further complications. Fungal infections, for example, often require prescription antifungal medication, and in severe cases, the nail may need to be removed.
When dealing with a serious nail injury, you can take some initial steps before seeking medical help. Remove any jewellery from your hands and arms to reduce the risk of further injury. Gently wash the injury with warm water and dry it with a clean towel. If desired, apply antibiotic ointment to the affected area. Cover the wound with a bandage or gauze, securing it with medical tape.
It is important to note that nail injuries can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Discoloration of the nails, for instance, could suggest a fungal infection, psoriasis, eczema, or even skin cancer. Dark streaks under the nails should be examined by a dermatologist as they may indicate melanoma. Additionally, if you suspect a nail fungus or a condition like anemia, it is advisable to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
In most cases, a cracked fingernail can be treated at home with a simple repair kit or DIY method. However, if the crack is severe or there is bleeding, intense pain, or signs of infection, it is recommended to see a doctor or visit an emergency room.
A dermatologist is a specialist who can help treat various fingernail conditions, including fungal infections, discoloration, brittleness, and breakage. They can also help identify any underlying health issues related to nail problems.
Several factors can contribute to fingernail cracking, including age, exposure to water, certain underlying illnesses, vitamin deficiencies, and nail fungus. In some cases, cracked nails can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as anemia, thyroid dysfunction or psoriasis.
To prevent fingernail cracking, it is recommended to maintain proper nail care. This includes regularly washing and moisturizing the hands, avoiding harsh nail products, and keeping nails trimmed and filed. Additionally, limiting exposure to water and wearing cotton-lined rubber gloves during tasks involving water can help prevent cracking.
