Ava Monroe
Split nails are often caused by injuries such as stubbing a toe or finger, but they can also be caused by underlying conditions such as psoriasis or nutrient deficiencies. While there are home remedies to mend or hide a split nail, such as using nail glue, tea bags, or fake nails, these are only temporary fixes until the nail grows out. Severe cases may require medical treatment, such as removing the nail, stitching the nail bed, or reattaching the nail with stitches or glue. To prevent nails from splitting, it is recommended to maintain a healthy diet, wear gloves while doing chores, and avoid exposing nails to harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Will a split nail grow out? | Yes, most split nails will heal with time as your nails grow out. |
| Treatment | Home remedies include using nail glue, a tea bag, a silk wrap, or a fake nail to fix the nail in place and improve its appearance until the break grows out. |
| Prevention | Keep nails short, wear gloves when doing chores, avoid exposing nails to harsh chemicals or moisture, maintain a healthy diet, and take biotin supplements with a doctor's consent. |
| Causes | Injury, frequent use of nail polish, psoriasis, underlying conditions, nutrient deficiencies, and frequent exposure to water. |
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What You'll Learn
Home remedies for split nails
Split nails are a common issue that can occur due to various reasons, such as physical injury, nail biting, nutrient deficiencies, or underlying skin conditions like psoriasis. While most split nails will heal over time as your nails grow out, there are several home remedies that can help you fix a split nail and prevent further splitting. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive tips for home remedies to address and prevent split nails:
Tea Bag Repair
This method involves using a tea bag to cover the split section of your nail. Cut a piece of a tea bag to match the size of your nail. Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish or nail glue as a base coat to the split nail and press the tea bag over it while it's still wet. Smooth out any air bubbles and let it dry. Trim off any excess tea bag, then apply two more layers of base coat and finish with regular nail polish.
Reattach with Glue
For smaller splits, you can apply a small amount of nail adhesive or super glue to the detached part of the nail. Gently push the nail back together and hold it in place until the glue sets. Once dry, you can paint over it with nail polish if desired.
Fake Nails
Applying a fake nail can be a quick fix to hide the split nail and protect it from further damage. You can choose to remove the splitting part of your nail or leave it in place and apply the fake nail on top.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help strengthen weak and brittle nails. Gently warm 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil and massage it onto each nail for 4-6 minutes to enhance blood circulation and retain moisture. Repeat this process three times daily for the best results.
Vitamin-Rich Remedies
Nutrient deficiencies can contribute to nail splitting. Increasing your intake of certain vitamins and minerals can help improve nail strength and health. For example, biotin (vitamin B7) can be found in eggs and nuts, and citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can strengthen nails.
Moisturize and Protect
Keep your nails and cuticles well-hydrated by using a thick moisturizer or nail-specific products with ingredients like lanolin or urea. Avoid excessive exposure to water and chemicals, and consider wearing gloves when doing chores or dishes to protect your nails from harsh liquids and physical injuries.
Remember, if your nail is severely split, causing constant pain, or appears infected, it is important to seek medical attention to address any underlying issues and receive proper treatment.
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Medical treatments for split nails
Split nails, or onychoschizia, are a common problem with various causes, including trauma or injury, nutrient deficiency, and skin conditions like psoriasis. Most split nails will heal over time as your nails grow out, but there are several medical treatments available for more severe cases.
If you are experiencing frequent nail splitting, it is recommended to avoid excess moisture on your nails and use a nail-hardening solution. Nail-hardening solutions can be purchased over the counter and applied at home.
In cases of severe nail splits, a person may need to see a healthcare professional. The doctor may need to remove the nail completely and stitch the nail bed. If possible, they may attempt to reattach the nail using either stitches or medical-grade nail glue. A person should seek medical attention if they notice any signs of infection, such as pain, redness, or swelling.
If the nail splitting is caused by an underlying condition, such as psoriasis, a healthcare provider may recommend various treatments. Topical treatments such as corticosteroids, retinoids, or vitamin D derivatives may be prescribed to treat psoriasis and improve nail health. In addition, biologic medications can be used to treat both the skin and nails affected by psoriasis.
For nail splitting caused by acute infections, such as fungi, yeast, or bacteria, antifungal or antibiotic treatments are necessary to prevent further damage to the nails.
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Preventing nail splits
While it is not always possible to prevent split nails, there are certain precautions and lifestyle changes one can make to help prevent nail damage. Here are some ways to prevent nail splits:
Keep Nails Clean and Dry
Avoid long-term exposure to water, which can cause the skin around the nail to soften and the nail to become brittle, making it easier to break, bend, or split. Refrain from keeping your hands or feet in water for long periods, and wear protective gloves when cleaning with chemicals or water.
Use Moisturizer and Nail Hardening Products
Keep your nails well-hydrated by using a moisturizer on your nails and cuticles. You can also use nail hardening products to strengthen your nails and prevent them from splitting.
Avoid Nail Biting and Picking
Nail biting and picking can lead to stress on the nail, making it more prone to splitting. Try to break the habit of nail biting and picking, and keep your nails trimmed and filed to reduce the temptation to bite or pick.
Wear Gloves for Chores
Avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals and wear gloves when doing chores or working with your hands to protect your nails from potential injuries and chemical exposure.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Ensure your body is getting the proper nutrients by maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. You can also consider taking biotin supplements, a B vitamin that promotes nail health, but be sure to consult with your doctor first.
Treat Underlying Conditions
In some cases, nail splits may be caused by underlying conditions such as psoriasis, fungal infections, or nutrient deficiencies. If you suspect an underlying condition, consult with a healthcare professional for proper treatment and to address any potential issues affecting your nail health.
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Causes of nail splits
Fingernails and toenails are made of layers of keratin, a protein also found in hair. Nails protect the nail bed, and healthy nails appear smooth with consistent colouring. Split nails can happen to anyone and are sometimes unavoidable, but there are ways to prevent them.
Injury
An injury is a likely cause of a split nail. Stubbing your toe or crushing your nail tip or bed can result in your nail growing with a ridge or split-like appearance.
Moisture
Overexposure to moisture can occur when doing dishes, washing hands, or swimming. Long-term exposure to moisture can cause the skin around the nail to soften, making it easier for nails to split.
Nail Cosmetics
Harsh solvents and chemicals in nail polish, nail polish remover, and nail hardeners can dehydrate your nails, causing them to separate and crack. Frequent use of nail polish can weaken nails, making them more prone to splitting.
Nail Procedures
Certain nail procedures, such as manicures, can cause nail splits if the nail bed is scraped with metal tools.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Several underlying medical conditions can cause nails to split more easily. Psoriasis, for example, can cause nails to thicken, crumble, or split. About 40-50% of people with psoriasis are believed to experience nail symptoms. Other conditions that may contribute to nail splits include gland (endocrine system) diseases, tuberculosis, Sjögren syndrome, malnutrition, lichen planus, and nail fungus.
Occupational Exposure
Occupations that require frequent wetting and drying of the hands or working with chemicals such as alkalis, acids, cement, solvents, thioglycolates, salt, and sugar solutions can increase the risk of brittle nails.
Lifestyle Habits
Lifestyle habits such as picking or biting your nails can cause stress to the nail and result in self-inflicted nail splits. Using your nails as tools can also increase the likelihood of splits.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Although rare, split nails can be caused by nutritional deficiencies. Nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, and selenium keep your nails strong, and deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to brittle nails that are prone to splitting.
Treatment and Prevention
While there is not much that can be done to fix a split nail, there are ways to prevent nails from splitting in the future. Keeping your nails clean, moisturized, and trimmed can help prevent splits. Avoiding overexposure to moisture and harsh chemicals is also important. In some cases, nail-hardening solutions or supplements like biotin may be recommended, but these should be used cautiously and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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How to hide a split nail
Split nails are a common issue that can occur due to various reasons, such as physical trauma, injury, nail biting, or underlying conditions like psoriasis. While split nails will usually grow out over time, there are several ways to hide a split nail and promote healing:
Using a Tea Bag
The tea bag method is a popular home remedy for split nails. Here's what you need to do:
- Cut the top off a tea bag and remove the tea leaves.
- Trim the tea bag to match the size of your fingernail.
- Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish or nail glue as a base coat to the split nail.
- Place the tea bag piece over the wet base coat, ensuring it covers the split section.
- Smooth out any air bubbles and let the base coat dry.
- Trim off any excess tea bag for a perfect fit.
- Apply additional layers of base coat and finish with regular nail polish.
Reattaching with Glue
For smaller splits, you can use nail glue to reattach the detached part of the nail:
- Apply a small amount of adhesive to the detached nail.
- Use gentle pressure to push the nail back together.
- Allow the glue to set, and then paint your nail to hide the break.
Using Fake Nails
For larger splits, you can use fake nails to hide the damage:
- Remove the piece that is splitting off or leave it in place.
- Apply a fake nail to the broken nail or all your nails for a uniform look.
Temporary Solution with Bandage
If you need a quick fix, you can try this temporary solution:
- Cover the nail with petroleum jelly to protect and moisturize it.
- Place a bandage on top until the nail grows back.
- Soak the nail in saline water 2-3 times a day and reapply the bandage as needed.
Remember, these methods are temporary solutions to hide and protect the split nail while it grows out. If the split is severe, causes constant pain, or shows signs of infection, it is important to seek medical attention to address any underlying issues and receive proper treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
If your nail has split, you can try a home remedy to fix it in place while it grows out. You can use nail glue, a tea bag, a gel and silk wrap, or a fake nail.
To prevent your nails from splitting, you can take certain precautions and make lifestyle changes. This includes wearing gloves while doing chores, not exposing your nails to harsh chemicals, and not keeping your hands or feet in water for long periods.
Frequent use of nail polish can weaken nails, making them easier to split.
If your nail is severely split, causes constant pain, or appears infected, you should seek medical attention.
