Sophia Delgado
Fingernails are made of layers of keratin, a protein that hair is also made of. Nails can split horizontally (onychoschizia) or vertically (onychorrhexis). Horizontal splitting is usually a sign of damage to the proteins that connect the nail layers, while vertical splitting can indicate damage to the nail matrix, or the part of the finger that creates the nail. There are many reasons why nails split, including physical trauma or injury, frequent exposure to water, and certain underlying illnesses, such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, and anemia.
Why do some finger nails split?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Injury | Stubbed toe, severe blow to a finger or thumb, crushing your nail tip or bed |
| Nail cosmetics | Nail polish, nail polish remover, nail hardeners |
| Exposure to moisture | Washing hands, doing dishes, household chores |
| Nail procedures | Manicure, nail filing |
| Health conditions | Psoriasis, lichen planus, yeast infections, bacterial infections, fungal infections, onychomycosis, cancer treatment |
| Vitamin deficiency | Iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, B, C, D |
| Age | Common in women older than 60 |
| Lifestyle habits | Biting nails, picking nails, using nails as tools |
Explore related products
Nail injury
Nail injuries are a common cause of nail splitting. The medical term for nail splitting is onychoschizia. Nails can split vertically (onychorrhexis) or horizontally (onychoschizia). Vertical nail splits are a sign of damage to the nail matrix, the part of the finger that creates the nail. Horizontal nail splits indicate damage to the proteins that connect the nail layers.
Nail injuries can occur from minor or major trauma, such as stubbing your toe or crushing your fingernail. In some cases, a nail injury can lead to a nail infection, which can further weaken the nail and make it more prone to splitting.
If you have injured your nail, it is important to assess the severity of the injury. Minor nail injuries may only cause a small split, which can be treated at home. You can trim or file down the jagged edges and let your nail grow back naturally. For larger splits, you can apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the nail together until it grows out.
However, if the injury is severe and affects the nail bed, you may need to seek medical attention. In some cases, the nail may need to be removed, and the nail bed may require stitches. If the nail can be reattached, a doctor can do so with glue or stitches.
To prevent nail injuries and splitting, it is recommended to keep your nails clean, well-hydrated, and trimmed. Avoid picking or biting your nails, as this can decrease their strength and make them more susceptible to splitting. Additionally, protect your nails by wearing gloves when doing household chores or when your hands are exposed to water for prolonged periods.
Ingrown Nails: Causes and Prevention for Your Fingers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Underlying health conditions
Fingernails can split due to various underlying health conditions. Firstly, frequent wetting and drying of the hands can cause brittle nails, which are more prone to splitting. This can occur due to overexposure to moisture when performing tasks such as washing dishes or frequent swimming. Additionally, certain occupations that involve exposure to chemicals like alkalis, acids, cement, solvents, thioglycolates, salt, and sugar solutions can contribute to nail splitting.
Secondly, nutrient deficiencies can affect nail health and appearance. Deficiencies in vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, can lead to nail splitting. Pregnant individuals may also experience nail splitting if they are unable to meet the increased nutritional demands during pregnancy.
Thirdly, specific medical treatments can cause nail splitting. For instance, chemotherapy medications, which target rapidly growing cells, can damage nail cells and lead to nail splitting. Similarly, cancer treatments can impact nail health, and individuals undergoing such treatments should consult their oncologist for advice.
Lastly, underlying skin conditions, such as psoriasis, lichen planus, and pityriasis rosea, can cause nail splitting. Psoriasis affects both the skin and nails, leading to thickened, crumbly, or split nails. Lichen planus and pityriasis rosea are also associated with nail changes, including splitting.
First Aid for a Smashed Fingernail and Bleeding Under Nail
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ageing
While ageing is a natural process that cannot be reversed, there are ways to mitigate its effects on nail health. Maintaining nail hygiene and keeping nails clean and healthy is essential. When performing manicures, it is important to be gentle and avoid scraping the nail bed with metal tools. To prevent nail splitting, refrain from prolonged exposure to water and always wear gloves when doing household chores or other activities that involve water.
Moisturising is crucial for ageing nails. Applying urea cream or mineral oil to the nails and cuticles before bed and wearing cotton gloves can help lock in moisture. During the day, it is recommended to use lotion after washing hands or showering to keep nails hydrated.
Additionally, it is advisable to minimise the use of harsh nail products, such as nail polish and nail polish remover, as these can weaken and dry out the nails. Instead, opt for clear nail polish or nail glue to temporarily fix split nails. Keeping nails trimmed and filing the edges in a single direction can also help prevent further splitting.
Underlying health conditions, vitamin deficiencies, and certain medications can also contribute to nail splitting in older adults. If nail splitting persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment options.
Injured Fingernails: What Could Cause Blood?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Exposure to moisture
To prevent nail splitting due to moisture exposure, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of wetting and drying the nails. When performing tasks that involve water, such as household chores, it is advisable to wear gloves, preferably cotton-lined rubber gloves, to protect the nails. Using a lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid can help soothe the nail area and prevent dryness. Keeping the nails and cuticles moisturized is essential, and thick moisturizers or petroleum jelly can be applied to improve nail hydration.
Additionally, it is important to avoid harsh nail products and acetone-based nail polish removers, as these can further weaken the nails and make them more susceptible to splitting. While keeping the nails clean and healthy is important, prolonged exposure to water should be avoided. This includes limiting the time spent with hands in water during activities like washing dishes or household chores.
Excessive exposure to moisture can also be caused by nail polish use. The frequent application and removal of nail polish can weaken the nails, making them more prone to splitting. It is advisable to reduce the use of nail polish and choose nail-strengthening products instead.
Picking Nails: Understanding the Unconscious Habit
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nail cosmetics
There are many reasons why your fingernails may be splitting. It could be due to an injury, such as stubbing your toe or crushing your nail, or even from picking or biting your nails, which can be a result of anxiety or nervousness. Nails can also split due to overexposure to moisture, which can occur when doing the dishes, washing hands, or from repeated nail polish use. In addition, certain underlying illnesses, vitamin deficiencies, or skin conditions like psoriasis can cause nail splitting.
To prevent your nails from splitting, you should keep them clean, healthy, and moisturized. If you get a manicure, be gentle and avoid scraping the nail bed with metal tools. Avoid keeping your hands or feet in water for long periods, and wear gloves when doing household chores or other activities that involve water. Use a nail hardening product if necessary, and refrain from biting or picking your nails. Try to avoid using acetone-based nail polish removers, as these can be harsh on your nails.
If you're looking for nail cosmetics to help strengthen and protect your nails, there are several options available:
- NAILS cosmetics offers a range of natural and artificial nail products, including a gel formula that can be used for strengthening and smoothing weak, brittle, and problematic nails. They also have a soak-off formula that can be used for nail extensions and alignment.
- ILNP offers boutique nail polishes in a variety of premium colors and finishes.
- Radiant Cosmetics offers nail growth oil to promote healthy nail growth.
In addition to these products, you can also find nail repair kits, DIY methods, and professional nail salon services to help fix and strengthen your nails.
The Foundation of Fingernails: Understanding Nail Beds
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Nails can split vertically (onychorrhexis) when there is damage to the nail matrix, or the part of the finger that creates the nail.
Horizontal nail splitting (onychoschizia) is usually a sign that there is damage to the proteins that connect the nail layers.
Yes, frequent use of nail polish can weaken nails, making them easier to split.
Yes, overexposure to moisture can cause nails to become weak and brittle, making them easier to break, bend, or split.
Yes, nail splitting can be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as psoriasis, lichen planus, thyroid problems, or anemia.
