Treatment is twofold and includes repairing the existing split and managing any underlying condition causing the nail to split.
This article will discuss split nail symptoms and their causes.
It will also cover treatments based on specific causes.
ljubaphoto / Getty Images
The split can be over the nail bed or along the tip of the nail.
Other symptoms that may accompany a split nail are nail thinning,brittleness, or softness.
These symptoms are more common in women than men and are more often seen in those50 and older.
Nail Health Tips
Healthy nails are reflective of overall health and proper maintenance.
Below are ways to keep healthy nails:
Split Nail: Leave It Alone or Start Treatment?
Wondering if a split nail should be treated or left alone?
Generally, a split nail should be treated.
However, the bang out of treatment will depend on its severity and the bang out of split.
A nail split that is past the nail bed can be trimmed off with nail clippers.
A nail split that is covering the nail bed will need to be treated but in a different way.
Using nail polish with nylon fiber can add extra strength.
Dry, brittle nails that split can be treated with a lotion with alpha-hydroxy acid or lanolin.
Nail splits can also be treated with a self-adhesive silk nail wrap.
When nails are splitting due to an underlying condition it’s important to identify the condition and treat it.
Underlying conditions that can cause nail splitting include:
Keep nails trimmed and file any snags or unevenness.
confirm to avoid using metal tools to push back cuticles.
Summary
A split nail can interfere with daily activities, causing pain and discomfort.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Brittle splitting nails.
2019;10(1):15-27. doi:10.1007/s13555-019-00338-x
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Tips for healthy nails.
2023;89(5):e197-e198.
doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.05.005
Bodman MA, Krishnamurthy K.Onychomycosis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is nail psoriasis, and how can I treat it?
