Isla Bennett
Nail splitting is a common issue that can be caused by various factors, including physical trauma, nutritional deficiencies, and even daily habits. Nails are susceptible to damage when their structure is weakened, leading to unsightly and sometimes painful splits. Understanding the underlying causes of nail splitting is essential for maintaining nail health and implementing effective preventive measures. In this article, we will delve into the main reasons nails split and provide practical solutions to promote strong and healthy nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes | Injury, infections, moisture, skin conditions, nail cosmetics, chemotherapy medications, vitamin deficiencies, nail fungus, aging, physical trauma, anxiety, nail biting, and picking |
| Prevention | Keep nails clean, perform gentle manicures, avoid overexposure to moisture, use moisturizer, wear gloves, eat a balanced diet, take supplements (biotin, collagen), use nail-hardening solutions |
| Treatment | Trim nails, cover with petroleum jelly and a bandage, soak in saline water, apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer, use nail clippers, apply nail polish with nylon fiber, use nail hardeners or strengtheners |
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What You'll Learn
Nail injuries and physical trauma
Smashing fingers in doors or drawers, cutting nails with sharp objects, or hitting them with heavy objects can cause nail injuries. These injuries may result in cuts or lacerations to the nail, nail bed, or surrounding skin, requiring emergency medical care. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed may require stitches.
Nail biting, cuticle biting, and picking at nails are habits that can also cause nail trauma and splitting. These habits can lead to acute paronychia, a bacterial infection causing swelling and irritation around the nail. Additionally, picking at nails can cause horizontal hatch marks in the middle of the nail.
To prevent nail injuries and trauma, it is advisable to wear properly sized shoes and avoid smashing fingers in doors. Keeping nails trimmed and avoiding biting or picking at them can also reduce the risk of nail trauma and splitting.
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Moisture exposure
Overexposure to moisture can cause nails to become soft and prone to splitting. This can occur during everyday activities such as doing the dishes, washing hands, or even from repeated nail polish use. People with occupations that require frequent wetting and drying of the hands, such as those in the medical field or those who work with chemicals, are at an increased risk of developing brittle nails.
To prevent moisture-induced nail splitting, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of wetting and drying your nails. This can be achieved by wearing gloves, such as rubber or plastic gloves, when performing tasks that involve water or chemicals. For example, wearing gloves while doing the dishes or housework can protect your nails from excessive moisture exposure.
Additionally, keeping your nails well-hydrated is essential for their health. Applying thick moisturizers or petroleum jelly can improve nail hydration and reduce the likelihood of splitting. Oiling your nails with natural oils, such as jojoba oil, a few times a day can also help to maintain moisture and prevent splitting.
If you do experience nail splitting due to moisture exposure, there are several treatments you can consider. Trimming the nail and covering it with nail wraps or polish can help to hold the nail together and improve its appearance while it grows out. Applying nail glue or clear nail lacquer to the split area can also help to temporarily mend the nail until it grows out completely.
While moisture exposure is a common cause of nail splitting, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned or if the issue persists. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide personalized advice and treatment options.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Pregnancy is a period when nail splitting due to nutritional deficiencies is prevalent. This is because the body requires additional vitamins and minerals to support the developing fetus. As a result, pregnant individuals are more prone to iron deficiency anemia, which can manifest as brittle nails that split easily.
Thyroid problems can also contribute to nail splitting and brittleness. Anemia, for example, can cause nail irregularities such as paleness or spoon-shaped nails.
To strengthen nails and prevent splitting, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Biotin supplements, a B vitamin, can promote healthy nails, but these should be taken under medical supervision.
Additionally, certain lifestyle changes can help prevent nail damage. This includes wearing gloves when performing tasks that involve frequent wetting and drying of the hands, such as housework or food preparation. Keeping nails trimmed and moisturized can also help prevent splitting by maintaining nail hydration and reducing the risk of snagging or catching.
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Skin conditions
While nail splitting can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, injury, and vitamin deficiency, certain skin conditions can also play a role. Here are some skin conditions that can contribute to nail splitting:
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itchy, scaly patches on the skin. It can also affect the nails, leading to nail thickening, crumbling, and splitting. Nail psoriasis typically develops years after the onset of psoriasis on the skin. It can weaken the nails, making them more prone to splitting. In some cases, individuals may experience nail psoriasis without showing any signs of psoriasis on their skin. Treatment for nail psoriasis includes medication to control the condition and prevent damage to the nails.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a skin disease that can cause nail splitting. It can lead to brittle nails that are prone to splitting and peeling.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition caused by insufficient iron in the body. It can result in pale or spoon-shaped nails and increase the likelihood of nail splitting. Pregnant individuals are at a higher risk of developing iron deficiency anemia due to the increased demand for iron during pregnancy.
Toasted Skin Syndrome
Toasted skin syndrome, also known as erythema ab igne, occurs due to chronic exposure to moderate heat or infrared radiation. It can lead to skin discolouration and potentially impact nail health, making nails more susceptible to splitting.
It is important to note that while these skin conditions can contribute to nail splitting, they may not be the sole cause. Nail splitting can also be influenced by other factors such as nail care habits, environmental factors, and underlying health conditions. If you are experiencing persistent or severe nail splitting, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
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Bad habits
Nail biting, picking, and cuticle removal are all bad habits that can cause nails to split. Nail biting or picking is often a side effect of anxiety or stress. People who bite their nails can damage the tissues underneath and surrounding the nail, which causes pain and bleeding. Similarly, picking or removing the nail cuticle can cause stress to the nail, resulting in self-inflicted splits or breaks. These behaviours can also damage the nail bed, making nails more prone to splitting and breaking.
Another bad habit that can contribute to nail splitting is the repeated use of nail polish and nail polish remover. The harsh solvents and chemicals in these products can dehydrate nails, causing them to separate and crack. Gel and acrylic nail polishes can also cause nail splitting. Giving your nails a break from nail cosmetics and using gloves while washing dishes or performing other tasks that involve water can help prevent nail splitting.
Additionally, wearing fake nails can be a bad habit that contributes to nail splitting. Fake nails can cause injury and weakening of the natural nail, increasing the likelihood of splits. It is important to give your natural nails a break and allow them to recover between applications of fake nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails can split due to several reasons, including physical trauma, bad habits, nutritional deficiencies, and moisture exposure. Physical trauma includes injuries such as stubbing your toe or smashing your finger. Bad habits include nail biting and picking, which can put considerable strain on the nails, resulting in self-inflicted damage. Nutritional deficiencies such as iron, zinc, biotin, and selenium can also lead to brittle nails that are prone to splitting. Additionally, frequent exposure to water or moisture can cause nail plates to absorb moisture, which then evaporates, leaving the nails dry and susceptible to damage.
To prevent nail splitting, it is important to address any potential causes. This may include wearing gloves to protect your nails from water and chemicals, avoiding nail biting and picking, ensuring adequate nutrient intake, and moisturizing your nails and cuticles. Keeping your nails trimmed short and using nail-hardening solutions can also help prevent splitting.
If your nails are already split, there are several treatments you can consider. For minor splits, you can trim or file down the jagged edges and let your nail grow back naturally. For larger splits, you may need to apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the nail together until it grows out. If the split is severe and extends into your nail bed, you may need to seek medical attention, as your nail may need to be removed or reattached with glue or stitches.
