Noah Sinclair
Fingernails are made out of layers of keratin, a protein that hair is also made out of. Healthy nails are smooth, with consistent colouring, and no spots or discolouration. However, when nails split, some of the keratin layers separate from the rest, making the nail look like it's peeling or cracking. Nails can split vertically or horizontally, and there are many causes, including physical trauma, injury, harsh chemicals, vitamin deficiencies, and certain underlying illnesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Physical trauma, injury, harsh chemicals, psoriasis, nail fungus, vitamin deficiencies, overexposure to moisture, nail cosmetics, nail procedures, occupational exposure to various chemicals, age, pregnancy, nail polish, injuries, skin conditions, yeast or mold infection, iron deficiency, calcium deficiency, zinc deficiency, selenium deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, vitamin B deficiency, vitamin C deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, underlying medical conditions, nail disease, nail matrix damage, nail bed damage, nail infections, bacterial nail infections, fungal nail infections, lichen planus, oral medications made from vitamin A, malnutrition, malnutrition, cancer treatment |
| Prevention | Keep nails clean and healthy, moisturize nails and cuticles, use nail hardening products, refrain from biting or picking nails, refrain from using acetone-based nail polish remover, wear gloves while doing chores, avoid harsh chemicals, maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, take biotin supplements with a doctor's consent, apply a lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid, use a layer of clear nail polish, keep nails trimmed, wash and moisturize hands regularly, avoid using harsh nail products, put urea cream or mineral oil on nails and cuticles and then put on cotton gloves, use a moisturizer that contains petroleum jelly |
| Treatment | Use adhesive, apply a gel and silk wrap, treat the underlying cause, trim or file down the jagged edges and let the nail grow back naturally, apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the keratin together, remove the nail, stitch the nail bed, reattach the nail using stitches or glue, apply petroleum jelly and place a bandage |
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What You'll Learn
Excess moisture and dehydration
Excess moisture can weaken your nails, making them brittle, soft, and prone to splitting. This can be caused by frequent hand-washing, doing the dishes, or cleaning. The use of harsh chemicals in cleaning supplies and nail polish can also dehydrate your nails, causing them to separate and crack. People who regularly use nail polish remover are more prone to dry nails and cracks.
To prevent excess moisture, it is recommended to wear gloves while performing water-heavy tasks or household chores. This creates a protective barrier between your nails and potential irritants. It is also important to keep your nails clean and dry to prevent fungal infections.
Dehydration can also be a contributing factor to nail splitting. Dehydrated nails become brittle and break easily. This can be caused by exposure to soap, solvents, and hand sanitizers, which can lead to water loss. Nail polish removers, particularly those containing acetone, can also contribute to dehydration.
To combat dehydration, it is essential to moisturize your nails regularly. Moisturizers containing alpha-hydroxy acids, glycerin, or lanolin can help strengthen brittle nails. These ingredients act as humectants, increasing the water content in the nails. Additionally, applying a nail hardener or fortifying nail builder can help restructure fragile nails and improve nail moisture and keratin content.
It is worth noting that while nail polish can provide a protective film, it is important to remove it infrequently as the removal process can dehydrate the nails. Similarly, while artificial nails can offer temporary protection, prolonged wear can decrease oxygen transport and weaken the nails.
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Physical trauma
In extreme cases, the nail can split. A subungual hematoma appears dark red under the nail. Other nail trauma may also be painful, and the nail can split, crack, or lift away from the nail bed. If the trauma to the nail injures the nail matrix (the tissue inside the cuticle at the base of the nail where new nail is formed), a ridge or split can develop. If the matrix heals normally, this deformity will eventually disappear as the nail regrows.
If your nail split is more severe, cover the nail with petroleum jelly and place a bandage on top until it grows back. Soak the nail in saline water 2–3 times a day and reapply the bandage. If your nail split extends into your nail bed, you may need to visit a doctor. Your nail may have to be removed, and your nail bed may need stitches. If your nail can be reattached, a doctor will reattach it with glue or stitches.
If blood under the nail occupies more than half of the nail area, a physician should evaluate the finger because it could signify an underlying bone fracture or tissue tear. Your doctor should also evaluate bleeding under the nail that is not caused by trauma. If you experience a nail injury, make sure that your tetanus vaccination is up to date.
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Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Fingernails can reveal a lot about your overall health. If you have weak, brittle nails, it could be a sign of vitamin or mineral deficiency.
Vitamin B12, biotin, and iron deficiencies are linked to brittle nails. Biotin is a B vitamin that can help strengthen nails. A study found that 63% of people with brittle nails who took a daily biotin supplement noticed improvements. Iron deficiency can cause nails to become spoon-shaped, a condition called koilonychia. This can also be a sign of anaemia.
Zinc is an essential mineral for nail health, and a deficiency can cause nail dystrophy, a condition characterised by discoloured and distorted nails. Nails may become brittle and develop horizontal lines, known as Beau's lines. Beau's lines can also be caused by calcium deficiency.
Vitamin C and folic acid are also important for nail health, with deficiencies leading to nail integrity loss and an increased frequency of hangnails.
If you suspect a vitamin or mineral deficiency, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, who may recommend dietary changes or supplements to improve your nail health.
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Underlying health conditions
Fingernails are made out of layers of keratin, a type of protein. Healthy nails are smooth, with consistent colouring, no spots or discolouration, and no pits or grooves. They may have vertical ridges.
If your nails are splitting, it could be due to an underlying health condition. Nails can become brittle and prone to nail splits during pregnancy. They can also become brittle and discoloured with age, and more prone to cracking. This is most common in women over 50 or 60 but can affect men too.
However, if your nails are splitting often, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. For example, a vitamin or mineral deficiency can cause brittle nails. Nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin (vitamin B7), and selenium help keep your nails strong and healthy. If you are deficient in any of these nutrients, you can develop brittle nails that start to split.
In addition, certain skin conditions can cause nail splitting. For example, people with psoriasis often experience nail symptoms such as thickening, crumbling, or splitting of the nails. Yeasts or molds can also enter your nails and cause an infection, making them more likely to crack or break. This is known as onychomycosis, which develops when ringworm infects your nails.
If you are experiencing nail splitting, it is important to determine the underlying cause. If you suspect a problem such as nail fungus or a condition such as anemia, see your doctor.
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Nail cosmetics and procedures
Nail-hardening agents containing formaldehyde may increase nail strength, but they should be used cautiously as they can also cause brittleness and other nail problems. Acrylate-containing hardeners are also effective, but they may cause an allergic reaction in the skin.
Fake nails can also cause nail injury and weakening. If you are experiencing nail splitting, giving your nails a break from nail cosmetics might help.
In addition, if you are performing a manicure, it is important to do so gently and avoid scraping the nail bed with metal.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why your fingernails might be splitting vertically, or downwards. Vertical nail splits are usually a sign that there is damage to the nail matrix, or the part of the finger that creates the nail. However, nails can also split vertically due to aging, pregnancy, nail cosmetics, injuries, and even some skin conditions.
If you have a bigger split, you can apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the nail together until your nail grows out. You can also try using a nail-hardening agent, but these should be used cautiously as they can cause brittleness and other nail problems.
To prevent vertically splitting fingernails, try to avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals and frequent wetting and drying. You can also try to keep your nails well-hydrated and maintained by applying thick moisturizers or petroleum jelly, keeping your nails trimmed, and washing and moisturizing your hands regularly.
