Sophia Delgado
Fingernails and toenails 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. There are many reasons why nails can split vertically, including physical trauma, injury, harsh chemicals, vitamin deficiencies, and skin conditions such as psoriasis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Physical trauma, injury, harsh chemicals, moisture, nail fungus, vitamin deficiencies, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, calcium deficiency, selenium deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, vitamin B deficiency, vitamin C deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, nail polish, nail polish remover, aging, pregnancy, skin conditions, underlying medical conditions, infections, psoriasis, lichen planus, medication, anxiety, stress |
| Treatment | Soak in saline water, apply petroleum jelly, use adhesive, apply gel and silk wrap, treat underlying cause, nail glue, clear nail polish, nail lacquer, trim jagged edges, file rough edges, lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid, urea cream, mineral oil, cotton gloves, lotion, biotin supplements, meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, vegetables, sweet potatoes |
| Prevention | Wear gloves, avoid harsh chemicals, keep nails clean, moisturize nails and cuticles, avoid nail-hardening solutions, avoid overexposure to moisture, avoid nail polish, avoid nail polish remover, maintain a healthy diet, keep nails trimmed |
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Nail injuries
Fingernails and toenails are made of layers of keratin, a protein also found in hair. Nails protect the nail bed, which is where nail growth originates, from below the cuticle area. Healthy nails are smooth with consistent colouring.
If you experience a nail injury, you can take the following steps to treat and prevent nail splitting:
- If the nail is severely split, cover it with petroleum jelly and a bandage until it grows back. Soak the nail in saline water 2-3 times a day and reapply the bandage.
- For smaller splits, you can apply nail glue or clear nail polish to hold the nail together until it grows out.
- Keep your nails trimmed short to prevent accidental injuries.
- Wear gloves when doing chores to protect your nails from water and harsh chemicals.
- Avoid nail polish and nail polish removers, especially those containing acetone, as these can weaken the nails over time.
- Keep your nails hydrated with thick moisturisers or petroleum jelly.
- Consider using a nail-hardening solution, but be cautious as these can sometimes cause brittleness.
If your nail split is severe, affects the nail bed, or causes frequent discomfort, it is recommended to consult a doctor for treatment options. They may suggest removing the nail or stitching the nail bed.
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Skin conditions
Fingernails and toenails are made of layers of keratin, a protein also found in hair. Healthy nails are smooth, with consistent colouring, no spots or discolouration, and no pits or grooves. Nails that are cracked, split, or brittle can sometimes indicate a health problem.
There are several skin conditions that can cause nail splitting, including:
- Psoriasis: This condition affects the skin and nails, causing outbreaks of red scaly areas and patches, or plaques. It can cause nails to thicken, crumble, or split. About 40-50% of people with psoriasis experience nail symptoms.
- Lichen planus: This skin disease can also cause brittle nails.
- Nail fungus: A fungal infection occurs when a fungus gets between the nail and nail bed, usually through cracks or cuts in the finger or toe. It causes nails to become thick and yellow, and they may show white spots and streaks.
- Onychomycosis: This is a type of fungal infection caused by ringworm. The fungus damages the nail by destroying keratin, which can lead to nail discolouration, white spots, and nail splitting.
- Onycholysis: This condition causes the nail to separate from the skin on which it rests (the nail bed). It can be caused by a fungal infection, injury, nail psoriasis, reaction to medication or chemicals, or iron deficiency.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent nail splitting, it is recommended to reduce exposure to moisture, wear gloves when in contact with water or chemicals, and avoid harsh nail products. To improve brittle nails, it is advised to keep nails trimmed, apply thick moisturisers or petroleum jelly, and consider using nail-hardening solutions. If you are experiencing frequent nail splitting, it may be advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist.
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Vitamin deficiencies
Fingernails and toenails can split vertically due to vitamin deficiencies. Brittle, weak, and peeling nails are often the result of a poor diet or poor digestion. A diet lacking in iron, protein, or folic acid can cause nail growth problems. For instance, spoon nails, which appear concave either horizontally or vertically, are associated with iron deficiency or anaemia. A vitamin D deficiency is also linked to soft nails.
Biotin, a B vitamin supplement, can help heal your nails. However, it should not be taken during pregnancy. Nails can also be affected by oral medications made from vitamin A (retinoids).
In addition to vitamin deficiencies, nail splits can be caused by physical stress, wear and tear, injury, infections, moisture, or skin conditions like psoriasis.
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Ageing
Older individuals may also experience other changes in their nails, such as slower nail growth, discolouration, thickening, and the formation of ridges. These changes can further increase the likelihood of nail splits. The tips of the fingernails, in particular, may start to crack and split as a result of the nail becoming more brittle with age.
While ageing is a natural process that we cannot stop, there are ways to mitigate its effects on nail health. To help prevent nail splitting due to ageing, it is important to keep nails well-hydrated and protected. This can be achieved by using nail moisturisers with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycerin, or lanolin, which can help strengthen brittle nails. Additionally, wearing gloves while performing tasks that involve exposure to water, such as household chores, can help reduce moisture loss and protect nails from potential trauma.
Furthermore, maintaining proper nutrition is crucial for nail health. Nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin (vitamin B7), and selenium play a vital role in keeping nails strong and healthy. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to brittle nails that are more prone to splitting. It is also important to be mindful of certain nail products and practices that can weaken nails, such as frequent use of nail polish, nail polish removers, and harsh chemicals.
In summary, ageing is a common contributor to nail splitting due to the combined effects of nail dryness, thinning, and fragility. While we cannot stop the ageing process, taking proactive measures to maintain nail hydration, protection, and nutrition can help reduce the incidence of nail splits and promote overall nail health in older individuals.
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Moisture exposure
Overexposure to moisture can cause nails to become weak, brittle, and prone to splitting. This can occur during activities such as washing dishes, frequent handwashing, or repeated nail polish use. Constantly exposing nails to water can weaken them over time.
Excess moisture can also cause the skin around the nail to soften, which, in turn, makes the nail itself more prone to becoming brittle and splitting. In addition, harsh solvents and chemicals in cleaning supplies and nail polish can dehydrate nails, causing them to separate and crack. People who regularly have their nails done or use nail polish remover are more susceptible to dry nails and cracks.
To prevent nail splitting due to moisture exposure, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of wetting and drying nails. Wearing gloves, such as cotton-lined rubber gloves, while performing tasks that involve water, like household chores, can help protect nails from excess moisture. Keeping nails trimmed short and maintaining proper nail hydration by applying thick moisturizers or petroleum jelly can also help improve nail health and reduce the likelihood of splitting.
It is important to note that while moisture exposure can be a contributing factor to nail splitting, there are also other factors to consider, such as nail cosmetics, procedures, injuries, and underlying medical conditions. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help identify the specific causes and appropriate treatment options for nail splitting.
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