Onychorrhexis is a condition where nails become brittle and split. It can be caused by diseases or exposure to water or chemicals. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and changing habits, such as minimizing exposure to irritants and using moisturizers. Supplements may also be recommended. If the underlying disorder remains unresolved, the condition may not improve.
Onychorrhexis refers to a form of brittle nails, which can cause vertical or top-down splits. You may also notice peeling or dimpling, and sometimes your nails may not grow. This condition has numerous causes and can result from certain diseases or could occur due to repeated exposure of the nails to water or chemicals. When diagnosed, treatment should address any underlying causative factors and also involve changing behavior that may be exacerbating the problem.
Brittle nails are not always onychorrhexis. Instead, they may have a horizontal split, called onychoschisis. Alternatively, these two conditions can occur together. Both types of brittle nails can be recognized by the main symptoms of splitting, peeling and poor growth.
The many causes associated with onychorrhexis include many diseases. Hypothyroidism or hypoparathyroidism is associated with brittle, peeling nails. Some autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome can cause very dry fingers, and psoriasis could also produce onychorrhexis or onychoschisis. Alternatively, malnutrition, such as might result from conditions such as anorexia, bulimia or gastrointestinal tract disorders, are seen as possible risk factors for brittle nails. Other possible explanations are poor blood supply to the extremities from conditions such as Reynaud’s, diabetes, or congestive heart failure.
Sometimes this condition is not caused by the disease. Instead, it can result from exposure to harsh chemicals, such as those found in nail polish remover. Excessive exposure to water can also produce brittle nails. For example, someone who works as a dishwasher may be prone to this condition. Repeatedly hurting your nails can also make them brittle.
When this condition is brought to the attention of a doctor, they may look for the underlying causes, if the onychorrhexis doesn’t obviously occur from exposure to chemicals or water. It can be difficult to fully treat this problem without addressing the causative factors based on the disease. In addition to treating any medical ailment or in the absence of physical disease, patients are likely to be advised to change certain habits to help improve the problem.
These include minimizing hand washing or exposure to irritating chemicals. After each hand wash, shower, or bath, patients are advised to use moisturizers, which can help restore nail strength. If the condition is severe, people may also be advised to wear gloves during water exposure and limit the use of soap when washing hands or showering. These measures can help improve the problem. Some doctors also recommend supplements that can strengthen nails as well.
With careful attention to your doctor’s instructions, this problem often improves. It may not improve if an underlying disorder remains unresolved. For example, if the anorexic behavior continues, the constant state of malnutrition can result in onychorrhexis which cannot be completely cured.
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