Noah Sinclair
There are many reasons why fingernails split, and it is a common issue that can happen to anyone from time to time. However, if your nails are frequently splitting, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Nails can split due to physical trauma, injury, or infection, but also as a result of overexposure to moisture, nail cosmetics, or certain underlying illnesses.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Nail cosmetics
If you are experiencing nail splitting due to nail cosmetics, you can try using nail-hardening agents containing formaldehyde to increase nail strength. However, these should be used cautiously as they can also cause nail brittleness. Applying a layer of clear nail polish can also help protect cracked nails.
To prevent nail splitting, it is important to keep your nails clean and healthy. If you do a manicure, perform it gently and avoid scraping the nail bed with metal. It is also recommended to reduce how often you wet and dry your nails, as this can cause nail peeling and splitting. Wear gloves while doing household chores or working with chemicals to protect your nails and hands from excess moisture and harsh substances.
Mickey Rourke's Strange Fingernails: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Frequent exposure to water
Nails are made out of layers of keratin, a protein that hair is also made out of. Healthy nails appear smooth, with consistent colouring. Nails can split due to trauma or injury, infections, nutrient deficiencies, and excess moisture.
Excess moisture can weaken your nails, causing them to become brittle, soft, and prone to splitting. This can occur due to frequent exposure to water, such as when doing dishes, washing hands frequently, or cleaning. The repeated wetting and drying of the nails can cause the nail plate to peel off in layers, a condition known as onychoschizia. People with occupations that require frequent hand washing or exposure to chemicals are at an increased risk for brittle nails.
To prevent nail splitting due to frequent exposure to water, it is recommended to wear gloves, especially when doing household chores or working with chemicals. This will create a protective barrier between your nails and the water, reducing the potential damage caused by excessive moisture. It is also important to keep your nails trimmed short and well-hydrated. Applying thick moisturisers or petroleum jelly can improve nail hydration and reduce the likelihood of splitting.
Additionally, it is advised to avoid harsh nail products, as the solvents and chemicals in nail polish and cleaning supplies can dehydrate your nails, leading to separation and cracking. Frequent use of nail polish can weaken the nails, making them more susceptible to splitting. Therefore, it is beneficial to give your nails a break from nail cosmetics and opt for more natural nail care routines.
Recognizing Cancer in Fingernails: What to Look For
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Vitamin deficiencies
Fingernails are made out of layers of keratin, a protein that hair is also made of. Healthy nails appear smooth, with consistent colouring. Several factors can cause nail splitting, including physical trauma, injury, or infection. However, if all your nails are splitting, it could be a sign of vitamin deficiencies.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can affect the appearance of your nails. Nails can be a good indicator of your overall health, and a lack of certain vitamins can cause nail splitting. For example, a deficiency in vitamin A can cause nail splitting. Biotin, a B vitamin supplement, can help heal your nails, but it should not be taken during pregnancy. Nails can become brittle and prone to splitting during pregnancy due to an underlying iron deficiency. Iron is necessary to produce healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to all body tissues. A lack of iron can lead to anaemia, a common condition during pregnancy, which can cause nail splitting.
Other nutrient deficiencies that can cause nail problems include vitamins C and D, as well as minerals like zinc, calcium, and selenium. These deficiencies can result in brittle nails that are more susceptible to splitting. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for nail health. Additionally, taking biotin supplements with a doctor's consent can promote healthy nails.
In summary, while there are many causes of nail splitting, vitamin deficiencies play a significant role. Addressing these deficiencies through a balanced diet or supplements can help improve nail health and reduce splitting.
The Finger Without a Nail: An Unveiling
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Physical trauma or injury
Nail biting and cuticle biting are habits that can also cause trauma to the nails. Nail biting is a leading cause of acute paronychia, a type of infection where bacteria get under the tissue at the side of the nail, causing swelling and irritation. Repeatedly picking at your thumbnail and cuticle with your index finger can produce a line of horizontal hatch marks in the middle of the nail.
If the injury is severe, it may affect the nail bed. Crushing your nail tip or bed can result in your nail growing with a ridge or split-like appearance. In addition, fake nails can also cause injury and weakening of the nail.
If the trauma injures the nail matrix, the tissue inside the cuticle where new nail growth originates, a ridge or split can develop. If the matrix heals normally, the deformity will disappear as the nail regrows. However, if the injury is severe, you may need to see a healthcare professional. They will check if your nail matrix is healthy or injured and may recommend removing the entire nail. If the matrix is healthy, the nail should grow back. But if the matrix is injured, the nail may not grow back normally or may not grow back at all.
The Intriguing Significance of Men Wearing Fingernail Polish
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Underlying conditions
Fingernail splits can be caused by several underlying conditions. One of the most common causes is psoriasis, a skin condition that affects the skin and nails, causing outbreaks of red scaly areas and patches. Psoriasis can cause nails to thicken, crumble, or split, and about 40–50% of people with psoriasis experience nail symptoms.
Another underlying condition that can cause nail splits is a vitamin or mineral deficiency, particularly a deficiency in iron, zinc, calcium, or vitamin B. In addition, anemia, a condition caused by insufficient iron, can lead to cracked nails.
Excess moisture from frequent hand washing or exposure to water can also cause nails to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to splitting. This is a common issue for those who work with chemicals or do frequent housework or dishwashing.
Furthermore, certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can cause nail splitting as they attack fast-growing cells to slow down cancer cell growth.
Nail fungus or bacterial and yeast infections in the nail bed can also lead to weakened and split nails by changing the texture of the nails.
Understanding Dimples on Fingernails: What Do They Mean?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why fingernails split. Some of the most common causes include:
As you age, your nails grow more slowly and can become brittle and discoloured. They may also thicken and form ridges, making them more prone to splitting.
Excess moisture can weaken nails, making them brittle, soft, and prone to splitting. This can occur from frequent hand washing, washing dishes, or cleaning.
The harsh solvents and chemicals in nail polish, gel acrylics, and nail polish removers can dehydrate and weaken nails, making them more susceptible to splitting and cracking.
Yes, physical trauma or injury to the nail area can cause nail splitting. This includes catching your nails in doors, pinching them under objects, or snagging them on fabric.
Nail-picking or biting is often a result of anxiety. Regular nail-picking can decrease nail strength, making nails more prone to splitting.
