Liam Carter
There are many reasons why you might have extra layers in your fingernails. One possible cause is a fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, which can cause the nail and the skin tissue beneath it to thicken. Another cause could be Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU), an uncommon condition where the hyponychium (the skin just under the free edge of your nail) attaches to the underside of the nail as it grows, leading to skin overgrowth under the fingernail. Onychoschizia, or nail peeling/splitting, can also cause horizontal layers in your nails. This is often caused by frequent wetting and drying of the hands, nail cosmetics, and occupational exposure to chemicals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Onychoschizia |
| Description | Horizontal splitting of the thumbnails and big toes |
| Cause | Frequent wetting and drying of the hands, nail cosmetics, nail procedures, occupational exposure to various chemicals, nail-hardening agents, acrylate-containing hardeners, underlying medical conditions, medication, nail disease, fungal nail infection, bacterial nail infection, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, oral medications made from vitamin A, lupus, autoimmune conditions, nail psoriasis, onychomycosis, candida infection, athlete's foot, diabetes, poor circulation, poor nerve supply, ill-fitting shoes, Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, hyponychium overgrowth, PIU (Pterygium inversum unguis) |
| Symptoms | Horizontal nail splitting, longitudinal ridging or splitting, thick and fragile nails, brownish, whitish or blackish nails, nail separation, nail plate peeling off in layers, nail crumbling, nail discoloration, dents or pits in nails, hemorrhages underneath nails, fatigue, feeling cold, dizziness, weakness, headaches, sore tongue, fast heartbeat, pain, redness, swelling, yellow-green discharge |
| Treatment | Antibiotic therapy, antifungal medication, corticosteroids, nail trimming and shaping, podiatrist care, avoiding certain manicures, nail procedures, and nail cosmetics |
| Prevention | Keeping feet away from others, not sharing shower stalls, wearing shoes in communal spaces, maintaining good nail care habits |
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What You'll Learn
Onychoschizia, or nail peeling/splitting
Onychoschizia, commonly known as nail peeling or nail splitting, is a condition that causes horizontal splits (across the width of the nail) in the nail plate. It is characterised by nails that split, flake and crumble, become soft and lose elasticity. Onychoschizia may be seen along with another common nail condition called onychorrhexis, which involves longitudinal (across the length of the nail) splits or ridges in the nail plate. These conditions alone or together are sometimes simply called “brittle nails”.
The most common cause of onychoschizia is the frequent wetting and drying of the hands. Occupations requiring frequent hand washing or exposure to chemicals are also risk factors for developing brittle nails. Other causes include nail cosmetics (hardeners, polish, polish removers/solvents), nail procedures, and underlying medical conditions such as gland (endocrine system) diseases, tuberculosis, Sjögren syndrome, malnutrition, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitamin A (retinoid) medications. In rare cases, onychoschizia can be caused by systemic medications such as cancer chemotherapeutic agents, antiretrovirals, or severe vitamin deficiencies.
Nail-hardening agents containing formaldehyde may increase nail strength but should be used cautiously as they can cause brittleness and other nail problems. These hardeners should only be applied to the free edge (growing end) of the nail. Acrylate-containing hardeners are also effective but may cause an allergic reaction in the skin.
To prevent and treat onychoschizia, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of wetting and drying the nails. This can be done by wearing plastic or rubber gloves over thin cotton gloves while doing housework or food preparation. Keeping nails trimmed short and applying thick moisturisers or petroleum jelly can also help improve nail hydration.
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Mycotic nails, a type of fungal infection
One of the reasons for extra layers in finger nails could be a mycotic nail infection, a type of fungal infection. Mycotic nail infections are very common and can occur in both finger and toenails, although they are more commonly found in toenails. This is because fungi grow more readily in warm, dark, and moist areas like enclosed shoes.
Infected nails appear discoloured, thick, and brittle and may be painful. They may also separate from the nail bed, loosening or lifting from their normal position. Mycotic nails are lusterless and usually appear yellow or brown. The infection is more frequent in adults and is often resistant to treatment. Over-the-counter ointments are typically ineffective in combating the fungus, but prescription ointments, oral medications, and laser treatments may be successful in treating the infection.
Mycotic nail infections can be prevented by keeping the nails and the surrounding area clean and dry. Wearing clean socks, well-fitted shoes, and taking care of any injuries promptly can also lessen the risk of developing a fungal nail infection.
Another possible cause of extra layers in finger nails is onychoschizia, commonly known as nail peeling or nail splitting. This condition causes horizontal splits across the width of the nail plate and can be seen with or without longitudinal ridging or splitting. Frequent wetting and drying of the hands is the most common cause of nail peeling or splitting. It can also be caused by nail cosmetics, nail procedures, and occupational exposure to various chemicals.
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Hyponychium, or overgrown skin under the fingernail
The hyponychium is the skin just under the free edge of your nail, located beyond the distal end of your nail bed, near your fingertip. It acts as a barrier from germs and debris, preventing external substances from getting under your nails. The skin in this region contains white blood cells to help prevent infection.
However, the hyponychium can sometimes overgrow and thicken, causing discomfort and making nail trimming painful. This overgrowth can occur due to various factors, including certain nail care habits and medical conditions. For example, getting gel manicures, wearing acrylic nails, or biting your nails can increase the likelihood of overgrown hyponychium. Additionally, nail psoriasis and fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, can lead to skin cell accumulation under your fingernails.
Another uncommon condition that can cause hyponychium overgrowth is Pterygium inversum unguis (PIU). PIU occurs when the hyponychium attaches to the underside of the nail as it grows. It can be present from birth or acquired later, with the acquired form often associated with autoimmune conditions like lupus.
If you are experiencing hyponychium overgrowth, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist, especially if there is bleeding, discoloration, or swelling. Treatment options may include softening the skin and gently easing the hyponychium off the natural nail over time. In the case of PIU, avoiding certain manicures, using corticosteroids, or taking antifungal medication may be suggested by a medical professional.
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Onycholysis, or nail separation
Other causes of onycholysis include fungal infections, which cause the tissue under the nail to thicken and the edge of the nail to lift. Certain medications, such as those that cause light sensitivity, chemotherapy drugs, and oral retinoids, can also cause onycholysis. Additionally, people who use harsh nail products, such as nail polish remover and artificial nails, are prone to onycholysis.
Nail psoriasis, a skin condition that affects the structure of the nails, is another common cause of onycholysis. It can lead to scaling and buildup of skin cells under the nail, known as subungual hyperkeratosis, which can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed.
In some cases, onycholysis may be related to underlying medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, iron deficiency, eczema, lichen planus, thyroid disease, or, rarely, certain forms of cancer.
Treatment for onycholysis depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, trimming the nail close to the separation or cutting away the separated nail may be recommended. For fungal infections, antifungal medications may be prescribed. If the onycholysis is due to an underlying medical condition, treating that condition may help promote normal nail regrowth.
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Skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis
Extra layers in the fingernails can be caused by various factors, including skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.
Skin Diseases
Eczema
Although sources do not directly link eczema to extra layers in the fingernails, it is a skin disease that can cause nail abnormalities. Eczema is a condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can affect the skin around the nails, leading to nail changes. These changes can include thickening of the skin around the nails, nail pitting, and ridging.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin cells to grow rapidly. It can affect the nails, leading to nail psoriasis. In nail psoriasis, the skin cells in the hyponychium (the skin just under the free edge of the nail) and the nail bed grow excessively, causing scaling and buildup. This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. If the skin becomes very thick, it can lead to onycholysis, which is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. This separation can cause the affected area to appear white. Psoriasis can also cause nail pitting, which appears as small dents or punctate depressions in the nail plate. Pitting is caused by defective layering of the superficial nail plate by the proximal nail matrix. Additionally, psoriasis can cause nail ridging and splitting due to disruptions in the nail matrix.
Other Causes of Extra Layers in the Fingernails
Other factors that can contribute to extra layers in the fingernails include nail cosmetics and procedures, occupational exposure to chemicals, and frequent wetting and drying of the hands. Onychoschizia, or nail peeling/splitting, can also lead to horizontal splits across the width of the nail plate. This condition is often seen with onychorrhexis, which causes longitudinal splits or ridges along the length of the nail plate.
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Frequently asked questions
Extra layers in your fingernails could be due to a condition called onychoschizia, which causes horizontal splits across the width of the nail. This is commonly known as nail peeling or nail splitting and can be caused by frequent wetting and drying of the hands, nail cosmetics, procedures, and occupational exposure to chemicals.
Other causes of nail problems include injury, infection, and skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, and lichen planus. Nail problems can also be caused by certain medications, nail procedures, and the use of nail cosmetics.
Treatment for nail problems depends on the underlying cause. In the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotic therapy may be required. For fungal infections, antifungal medication or topical corticosteroids prescribed by a doctor can help. If the problem is caused by nail cosmetics or procedures, discontinuing their use may resolve the issue.
