Ava Monroe
There are many reasons why fingernails split down the middle. Nails are made of layers of keratin, a protein also found in hair, and they can split vertically or horizontally. This splitting is usually caused by damage, weakness, or brittleness. Nails can become brittle due to overexposure to moisture, frequent use of nail polish, and harsh chemicals in cleaning supplies. Age, vitamin deficiencies, and certain underlying illnesses can also cause nail splitting.
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Nail injuries
- Smashing your finger in a door
- Hitting your finger with a hammer or another heavy object
- Cutting your finger with a knife or another sharp object
- Getting your finger caught or jammed in something, such as a saw
- Having something heavy dropped on your finger
Treatment for nail injuries depends on the type and seriousness of the injury. Minor injuries, such as small subungual hematomas, may be treated at home by applying ice and over-the-counter pain medication. For more serious injuries, such as deep cuts or fractures, it is important to seek medical attention. Treatment for serious injuries may include:
- Stopping the bleeding and cleaning the wound
- Administering anesthesia to numb the pain
- Creating a small hole in the nail to drain blood and fluid, and relieve pressure and pain
- Removing the nail and repairing the nail bed with stitches or glue
- Prescribing antibiotics to prevent infection
- Placing a wire in the finger to keep a broken bone in place
- Applying a splint or special shoe to protect the nail and finger as they heal
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Health conditions
Fingernails can split due to various underlying health conditions. Split nails are often caused by physical trauma or injury to the nail. For example, smashing your fingers in a door, or catching your nails on something and causing a rip. Nail biting or picking, which is often a side effect of anxiety or stress, can also cause nail splits.
Nails can also split due to certain infections, such as fungal infections, which can enter the nail through small nail cracks or the skin surrounding the nail. People with diabetes, a weakened immune system, or nail injuries are more likely to get these infections.
In addition, split nails can be a symptom of several underlying health conditions, including psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychomycosis (a nail infection caused by ringworm). Nail psoriasis can cause pitting, discolouration, separation, crumbling, and splitting. Onychomycosis damages the nail by destroying keratin, which can lead to nail discolouration, white spots, and splitting.
Split nails can also be caused by nutrient deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anaemia, which is common during pregnancy.
Nutrition and Nails: Ridges and Deficiency
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Vitamin deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies are a common cause of nail issues, including split nails. Split nails, also called onychoschizia, can be a problem, especially if you work with your hands. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which requires nutrients to produce. Healthy fats and oils from your diet are also needed to keep your nails strong and moisturized.
Zinc is an essential nutrient that can contribute to nail health. A zinc deficiency can cause nail dystrophy, which is the discoloration and distortion of nails. This can include brittle nails and lines appearing on the nail. A lack of zinc in the diet or an underlying medical condition can cause this deficiency. Scattered white spots on the nails can also signify a zinc deficiency. Beau's lines, which are grooves that run horizontally across the fingernails, are also commonly caused by zinc deficiency.
Iron deficiency is another common cause of brittle nails, which can lead to split nails. Spoon-shaped nails, or koilonychia, can be a sign of iron deficiency. This condition is also associated with inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune disorders.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also affect nail health, causing changes in pigmentation, such as bluish or grey-brown colouring.
Muehrcke's lines, which are parallel, horizontal white lines that extend across the nails, are often a sign of low protein levels in the blood. However, they can also be caused by health problems like liver disease.
While nail issues can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies, they can also be caused by other factors, such as injury, overexposure to moisture, lifestyle factors, or certain health conditions.
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Moisture exposure
Fingernails are made of layers of keratin, a protein also found in hair. Healthy nails are smooth, with consistent colouring and no spots or discolouration. Nails that are cracked, split, or brittle can sometimes be a sign of a health problem.
One of the most common reasons for nail splitting is frequent wetting and drying of the hands. This can cause nails to become weak, brittle, and prone to splitting. Long-term exposure to moisture can cause the skin around the nail to soften, and the nail itself becomes brittle, making it easier to break, bend, or split. Overexposure to moisture can occur while doing dishes, washing hands, or through repeated nail polish use.
To prevent nail splitting due to moisture exposure, it is important to keep nails clean and dry. Reducing how often you wet and dry your nails can help. Wearing gloves while doing household chores that involve water, such as washing dishes or cleaning, can also protect nails from excess moisture.
Additionally, keeping nails well-hydrated is crucial for nail health. Moisturizing the nails and cuticles with products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycerin, or lanolin can help strengthen brittle nails. AHAs and glycerin are humectants that increase the nail's water content, while lanolin acts as a protective barrier to hold in moisture. Applying thick moisturizers or petroleum jelly can also improve nail hydration.
It is also important to note that while keeping nails moisturized is essential, too much moisture can lead to nail splitting. Therefore, it is crucial to find a balance between keeping nails hydrated and avoiding excessive moisture exposure.
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Nail cosmetics
Nail-hardening agents containing formaldehyde can also be a culprit in nail splitting. While these products are intended to increase nail strength, they can have the opposite effect and cause nails to become brittle and prone to splitting. It is recommended to use these products cautiously and only apply them to the free edge of the nail, allowing the rest of the nail to remain untouched.
In addition to nail cosmetics, some nail procedures can also contribute to nail splitting. For example, during a manicure, scraping the nail bed with metal tools can cause trauma to the nail, leading to potential nail splitting. It is important to perform manicures gently and avoid any aggressive manipulation of the nail bed.
While nail cosmetics can play a role in nail splitting, it is important to consider other factors as well. For instance, frequent wetting and drying of the hands can lead to brittle nails that are more susceptible to splitting. This is a common issue for individuals whose occupations require constant hand washing or exposure to water. In such cases, it is recommended to wear gloves to protect the nails and reduce their exposure to moisture.
Additionally, underlying health conditions, nutrient deficiencies, and certain medications can also contribute to nail splitting. If nail splitting persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a medical professional for further evaluation.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why your fingernails might be splitting down the middle. It could be due to overexposure to moisture, vitamin deficiency, harsh chemicals, or an underlying medical condition such as onychoschizia, onychomycosis, or psoriasis.
Onychoschizia is a condition that causes horizontal splits in the nail plate. The nail plate peels off in layers, and it may be accompanied by onychorrhexis, which causes longitudinal splits or ridges in the nail plate.
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that can cause the nail to become fragile, discoloured, and misshapen. It is more common in toenails than in fingernails.
If you are deficient in nutrients such as iron, zinc, biotin, selenium, or calcium, you can try taking supplements or consuming foods rich in these nutrients. However, always consult a doctor before taking any supplements.
To prevent your nails from splitting, avoid overexposure to water, wear gloves when doing chores, refrain from using harsh nail products, and keep your nails trimmed and moisturized.
