Split toenails can be caused by irregular growth, injuries, nutritional deficiencies, and sensitivity to nail polish. Poor trimming and filing can lead to painful ingrown toenails. Injuries from sports can also cause splits, while certain dietary factors and underlying health conditions can contribute. Home remedies can help, but persistent fractures may require medical attention.
The different causes of split toenail generally include irregularities in toenail growth, certain types of toenail injuries, and certain nutritional deficiencies that can lead to toenail abnormalities. Unevenly trimmed toenails and sensitivity to the chemicals in nail polish can also increase the chances of a toenail breaking in some people. Some medical conditions like anemia or thyroid problems can affect toenail health as well. Many cases of broken toenails can be resolved with a few home remedies, although persistent and frequent nail fractures may require a doctor’s attention.
Poorly trimmed and filed toenails are usually at a higher risk of splitting and turning into painful ingrown toenails. Nail technicians generally recommend that toenails be cut in straight lines and carefully rounded at the edges. Toenail cracking can sometimes result from frequent use of nail polish remover and nail polish remover containing large amounts of isopropyl alcohol. This chemical often draws much-needed moisture out of the nails and can lead to horizontal cracks between the different layers of the nail.
Injuries are also common causes of broken toenails, particularly in people who play sports such as soccer or long-distance running. These types of cracks often occur in the big toe and are accompanied by bruising and swelling on hard impact. Toenails split by this type of injury often heal effectively on their own as long as the splits are kept clean to prevent infection.
Certain dietary factors can also lead to toenail splitting. People who are otherwise healthy sometimes don’t get enough vitamin A, iron, or protein in their diets. As a result, they are often more susceptible to brittle and split nails. Adding vitamin supplements and healthier foods to a diet daily usually strengthens nails and prevents further breakage. Drinking the recommended amount of water per day and using nail moisturizers can also help prevent toenail splitting in these cases.
Some people who experience persistent and severely split toenails sometimes have more serious underlying health conditions as the root causes of this nail problem. Thyroid imbalances, iron deficiency anemia, and certain kidney disorders can often cause toenails to break. Sufferers who don’t see improvement from dietary changes or increased hydration may need to see a doctor who can test them for any of these conditions. Once they receive proper diagnosis and treatment, split nails usually get better over time along with the other symptoms.
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