Split nails are caused by dehydration and lack of natural oils in the nail plate, often due to prolonged water exposure. Nail fungus, injury, and aging can also cause splitting. Good nail care, including moisturizing and limiting use of nail polish remover, can prevent splitting. Biotin may also help strengthen nails.
A split nail is commonly characterized by a vertical split at the free edge of the nail or by the layers of the nail separating at the edge. The medical term for a split toenail is onychoschitia, and it’s a common nail problem, especially for women. Broken nails are usually dry and brittle, and sometimes have vertical ridges. The most common cause of the condition is thought to be repeated and prolonged contact with water, which causes the nail to dehydrate, robbing it of the natural moisture and oils it needs to stay strong and flexible. Only rarely are broken nails caused by medical conditions or vitamin deficiencies.
The nail, also called the nail plate, is made up of compressed layers of dead cells, just like hair and skin. These layers are held together by moisture and oil released from the nail bed, the skin under the nail plate. If something interferes with this process, the nail becomes more prone to splitting. For example, as a person ages, the nail bed naturally dries out, making the nail ridges more common and prominent and increasing the risk of suffering from a split nail. Contact with water or some chemicals, even regular soap or the acetone in some nail polish removers, can also interfere with the nail’s natural moisture, causing it to crack.
Another cause of split nails is nail fungus, a condition that can separate the nail plate from the nail bed and sometimes requires medical attention. Any nail bed injury can also cause a split nail. It is important that the entire nail is protected, not just the edge, to avoid nail breakage, as any trauma to the nail bed or nail plate could present as a split nail as the nail grows out.
Good nail care is essential to keep your nails healthy and avoid split nails and other nail problems. Recommended care includes keeping nails dry by using rubber gloves when washing dishes and doing other types of cleaning, as well as applying moisturizers such as hand lotions or cuticle oil to the nails. Other suggested measures to prevent breaking nails include limiting manicures, keeping nails short, and minimizing the use of nail polish remover, especially those containing acetone. Nail polish remover can be harmful to your nails, but polish can help strengthen them and can be used to repair an already split nail. In addition to these and other forms of external nail care, there is some evidence that taking biotin, a B-complex vitamin, might help strengthen nails and prevent splitting.
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