Onychoschizia (Nail Splitting)
Hairdressers, nurses, custodians and others who often are exposed to chemicals can experience onychoschizia, or horizontal splits in their nails. People who frequently use nail polish, nail hardeners and polish removers also are at risk. To protect your nails, keep them trimmed short and wear gloves while doing housework to reduce how often your nails become wet and dry. Apply petroleum jelly or another emollient moisturizer to the nails. Use nail hardeners containing formaldehyde with caution, as they can cause other problems like brittle nails.
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- Q Are split fingernails a sign of poor nail health?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIn rare cases, fingernails that split frequently may signal a vitamin deficiency. More commonly, fingernails can split even if they are healthy. Cold weather can make fingernails dry and brittle and prone to splitting. If your hands are... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of onychoschizia?
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The symptoms of onychoschizia involve breakable, splitting nails that are either very dry or soft and flimsy. Usually onychoschizia is not painful, unless your nails peel too far into the nail bed. Although the symptoms are not very severe, onychoschizia... Full Answer
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- Q What causes onychoschizia?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineIf your nails look like they are better suited for a Halloween party than a black-tie ball, you may have onychoschizia or nail splitting. Nails, like skin and hair, need moisture. When nails are deprived of moisture they can crack and split. Women suffer... Full Answer
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- Q What is onychoschizia?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyOnychoschizia is a condition in which nails split or break easily and become brittle. The most common cause is frequent wetting and drying of nails, which can make them drier and more likely to split. Excessive buffing of nails, filing nails into... Full Answer
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- Q How does onychoschizia affect the body?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyOnychoschizia, or nail splitting, doesn’t usually pose any health threat to the rest of the body. The most common cause of onychoschizia is frequent wetting and drying of the nails. But like many nail symptoms, onychoschizia can be a clue to... Full Answer
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- Q How is onychoschizia (nail splitting) treated?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyTreatments for onychoschizia (nail splitting) usually start with careful manicuring techniques, such as buffing nails in a vertical direction as opposed to horizontally and gently filing nails to round them when snags and splits occur. Avoiding... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my onychoschizia on a daily basis?
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You can manage your onychoschizia on a daily basis by practicing better nail care and protection. Nail care includes keeping a healthy moisture level for your nails, protecting your nails from chemicals, using nail-strengthening polishes and products,... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my onychoschizia symptoms?
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Usually onychoschizia can be diagnosed and treated without the help of a doctor. However, you may choose to visit your doctor to figure out if your onychoschizia is being caused by an underlying condition. If you decide to visit your doctor about your... Full Answer
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- Q How does malnutrition affect onychoschizia?
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In rare cases, onychoschizia is actually caused by malnutrition. Mostly, the main cause is a deficiency of iron or anemia. But, onychoschizia can also be caused by a wide variety of vitamin deficiencies. This is why you should talk to your doctor about... Full Answer
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- Q How does water affect onychoschizia?
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Frequent wetting and drying of the fingernails can lead to onychoschizia. Too much water can cause the nails to become soft and fragile, while too little moisture can cause the nails to become dry and breakable. If you have to wash your hands often, make... Full Answer
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