Sophia Delgado
Fingernails can crack due to various reasons, including aging, exposure to water, vitamin deficiencies, and underlying health conditions. In some cases, cracked fingernails may be a reflection of normal side effects of aging, as nails tend to become thinner and more fragile with time. Additionally, frequent exposure to water can cause nails to weaken and become brittle, making them prone to cracking or splitting. Certain vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of biotin or iron, can also contribute to nail cracking. Furthermore, cracked fingernails can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, including anemia, thyroid problems, or infections such as nail fungus or psoriasis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Older people are more prone to having cracked nails as their nails dry out with age. |
| Exposure to water | Nails can become weak and brittle due to overexposure to moisture. |
| Diet | Deficiency of vitamins A, B, C, D, iron, zinc, or calcium can cause cracked nails. |
| Habits | Biting or picking nails can cause stress to the nail and result in a self-inflicted split or broken nail. |
| Nail cosmetics | Frequent use of nail polish, gel nail manicures, and nail polish removers can weaken the nails, making them prone to cracking. |
| Underlying conditions | Cracked nails can be a symptom of underlying conditions such as anemia, thyroid problems, nail fungus, or psoriasis. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Ageing and vitamin deficiencies
Ageing is one of the most common reasons for fingernails to crack. As you get older, your nails become thinner and more prone to cracking. This is due to a decrease in the production of natural oils and a slower rate of nail growth. Age-related nail changes can also include peeling and ridges. To mitigate the effects of ageing on your nails, you can apply urea cream or mineral oil to your nails and cuticles before bed, followed by cotton gloves. During the day, it is recommended to moisturise your hands and nails after washing them or taking a shower. If these measures are insufficient, a dermatologist may be able to prescribe a stronger treatment.
Vitamin deficiencies can also contribute to nail cracking. Deficiencies in vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, or calcium, can lead to brittle nails that are prone to cracking. For example, low vitamin C and folic acid levels can cause nail integrity loss, resulting in frequent hangnails. Additionally, a lack of vitamin C or iron can lead to a condition called koilonychia, where nails become spoon-shaped and appear scooped out. Vitamin B12 and biotin (vitamin B7) deficiencies can also cause nail issues. Biotin is essential for keratin production, which forms the structure of nails.
Maintaining nail health requires a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods that are high in zinc, such as oysters, beef, or tofu, can help prevent depressions across the fingernails associated with zinc deficiency. Vitamin C and folic acid can be obtained from fruits and vegetables, including red bell peppers, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, and guava. Vitamin B12 and biotin are found in beef liver, meats, poultry, fish, clams, oysters, eggs, cheese, milk, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli.
If you suspect that your nail cracking is due to vitamin deficiencies, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can help determine if your diet is lacking in certain nutrients and recommend appropriate dietary changes or supplements.
Treating a Jammed Fingernail: Which Doctor to Consult?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Exposure to water and chemicals
Exposure to water and certain chemicals can cause fingernails to crack. Nails that are repeatedly exposed to water can become weak and brittle, making them easier to break, bend, or split. This can occur during activities such as doing dishes, washing hands, or through frequent nail polish use. To prevent this, it is recommended to wear protective gloves when performing activities that require submerging your hands in water for extended periods.
Certain chemicals in nail products can also weaken nails and make them prone to cracking. For example, acetone-based nail polish removers can strip nails of their natural oils, making them more susceptible to breakage. Similarly, gel nail manicures require the use of harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to nail polish remover, which can damage nails. To mitigate this, it is advisable to use nail polish removers that are acetone-free and to limit the use of gel nail manicures.
Occupational exposure to various chemicals, such as alkalis, acids, cement, solvents, and thioglycolates, can also contribute to nail cracking. Individuals who work with these substances should take precautions, such as wearing gloves, to minimize direct contact with the nails.
Additionally, frequent use of nail polish and nail cosmetics, such as hardeners, can weaken nails over time. This is due to the drying effect of these products, which can lead to brittle nails that are more prone to cracking. While it is not necessary to avoid nail polish entirely, moderation and proper nail care, such as regular moisturization, can help mitigate this issue.
The Mystery of Missing Fingernails: An Unnerving Case
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nail fungus and infections
Fingernails and toenails can sometimes be affected by nail fungus and infections. Nails that are cracked, split, or brittle can be a sign of a health problem. Yeasts or molds can enter your nails and cause an infection, making them more prone to cracking or breaking. This is more common in toenails than in fingernails. The medical term for a fungal nail infection is onychomycosis.
Fungal nail infections are usually not serious but can be challenging to treat. The infection develops slowly, causing the nail to become discoloured, thickened, and distorted. Toenails are more frequently affected than fingernails. The fungi that cause athlete's foot are often responsible for fungal nail infections. These fungi thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments like the feet and can spread in places like communal showers, locker rooms, and gyms.
If you have a fungal nail infection, your doctor will likely prescribe antifungal pills. In severe cases, the nail may need to be removed, and a new nail should eventually grow back, although it may take a year or more. Laser treatment is another possible option for stubborn infections, but it is not widely available as a routine treatment.
To prevent and treat nail cracking, it is important to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized, especially after washing your hands. Use cuticle oils with vitamin E or petroleum jelly-based lotions to seal in moisture. Trimming nails after a shower when they are softer can also make them less prone to cracking. Keeping nails short and filing them in one direction can also help. Avoiding nail polish removers with acetone and refraining from biting or picking your nails are other ways to prevent cracking.
Glass Nail Files: Who Makes the Best?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Physical trauma and injury
Fingernails are easy to injure, and physical trauma is a common cause of cracked or split nails. Any number of traumatic events can cause a small or large split in the nail. For example, people can catch their fingers in doors, pinch them under a heavy object, or catch their fingernails on something and cause a rip. Even a minor injury can cause nail splitting.
In addition, crushing the nail tip or bed can result in the nail growing with a ridge or a split-like appearance. This can also happen when wearing fake nails.
If the injury is severe, it may also affect the nail bed. In such cases, a person may require medical treatment. The nail may have to be removed, and the nail bed may need stitches. If the nail can be reattached, a doctor will use glue or stitches.
To prevent physical trauma and injury to the nails, it is recommended to wear protective gloves when performing activities that require submerging the hands in water for extended periods. Keeping nails short also makes them less prone to injury.
Revolutionary Nail Care: Dipping Powder Method Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Underlying health conditions
Fingernail cracks can be a window into underlying health issues. Identifying these issues and taking appropriate action can help keep your nails strong and healthy.
One of the underlying health conditions that can cause fingernail cracks is a nutrient deficiency. For example, a lack of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, or calcium, can cause problems with your nail health. Anemia, a condition caused by insufficient iron intake, can lead to cracked nails. It is characterised by pale or spoon-shaped nails. Pregnancy, cancer, and ulcers can increase the risk of anemia. Thyroid problems can also cause nail issues, and a simple blood test can check how well your thyroid is functioning.
In some cases, cracked nails can be a symptom of more serious underlying health conditions, such as psoriasis, onychomycosis, or lichen planus. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches, and it can affect the nails, making them more prone to cracking. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection caused by ringworm that damages the nail by destroying keratin, leading to nail discolouration, white spots, and splitting. Lichen planus is another condition that can cause nail splitting, although less information is available on this.
Underlying health issues can also increase the likelihood of nail injuries, which in turn can cause cracks or splits. For example, anxiety can lead to nail-biting or picking, which weakens the nail and makes it more susceptible to damage. Similarly, physical trauma, such as stubbing your toe or catching your finger in a door, can cause nail injuries that lead to cracks or splits.
If you are experiencing persistent or severe nail cracking, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to identify and address any underlying health conditions.
How to Strengthen Weak Fingernails: Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why fingernails crack. It could be due to aging, frequent exposure to water, or certain underlying illnesses or vitamin deficiencies.
Some underlying illnesses that cause fingernails to crack include anemia, thyroid problems, and nail fungus.
To prevent your fingernails from cracking, you should keep your nails clean and healthy, avoid biting or picking at your nails, wear gloves while doing chores or submerging your hands in water for long periods, and use a moisturizer on your nails and cuticles.
