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Why Are Your Fingernails Splitting Lengthwise?

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Have you noticed your fingernails splitting or cracking down the middle lately? You’re not alone – brittle, peeling nails are a common complaint. But what exactly causes nails to split lengthwise, and what can you do about it? In this article, I’ll take a deep dive into the possible reasons behind this frustrating issue and provide some doctor-recommended solutions.

Dehydration and Lack of Nutrients

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  1. Being dehydrated on a regular basis is one of the top culprits behind splitting nails. Our nails require moisture just like the rest of our body. When we don’t consume enough water, nails become brittle and more prone to cracking.
  2. Nutrient deficiencies can also weaken nails over time. Two key nutrients that nails depend on are biotin and calcium. A lack of either one makes nails thin and prone to chipping or splitting down the middle.

From my experience as a nutritionist, dehydration and lack of proper vitamins/minerals are surprisingly common reasons for splitting nails. Our fast-paced lifestyle often means we don’t always replenish what our body needs. However, making simple changes like carrying a water bottle and adding a daily multivitamin can go a long way in strengthening nails naturally.

Nail Polish Remover Overuse

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Frequent nail polish changes may look stylish but come at a cost to nail health if not done carefully. Over-soaking nails in acetone-based remover, being too rough when scraping off layers, or leaving polish on nails for many days at a time can seriously weaken and dry out the nail plate. This makes nails essentially paper thin and prone to splitting down the center. My advice? Give nails a rest between manicures and always use non-acetone or acetone-free polish removers when possible.

Excessive Nail Biting or Picking

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Another common bad habit is excessively biting, chewing, picking, or peeling nails and cuticles. We’ve all been guilty of a bout of nail biting anxiety at some point. But if this becomes a regular occurrence, it leads to thinner, weaker nails without the proper protective layers. Once nails become damaged and split in one area, it’s easy for cracks to continue running the entire length of the nail whenever they encounter stress or pressure. My tip? Carry lip balm, a stress ball, or other fidget toy to keep your hands and mouth occupied.

Related Skin Conditions

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On the other hand, underlying skin issues left untreated can also take a toll on nail health over time. For some individuals, conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infections – if prominent around the cuticles – may cause inflammation that weakens the nail matrix. This increases the chances of nails splitting vertically as they emerge from the fingertip. Consulting a dermatologist about your specific skin concerns is important before your nails become too compromised. Prescription creams can help control any underlying conditions and protect nail integrity.

Genes, Age, and Medical Conditions

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Unfortunately, some fingernail splitting simply stems from unavoidable life factors:

  1. Our genes: Nail traits like thickness, texture, and strength are partly hereditary. Those with a family history of thin, peeling nails are higher risk.
  2. Age: As we get older, natural things like slower nail growth and lower nutrient absorption make nails more prone to peeling and splitting at the edges.
  3. Medical issues: Conditions impacting collagen production like arthritis or certain autoimmune diseases can indirectly cause weak, brittle nails over time.

While we can’t change our genes or prevent natural aging, staying on top of basic nail care and keeping health conditions well-managed are things within our control. When in doubt, checking with a family doctor to rule out any underlying medical factors is wise.

Household Chemicals and Trauma

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Both everyday chemicals and minor impacts can seriously stress out nails too if exposure is frequent or severe. For example:

  • Harsh soaps, detergents, solvents – these highly alkaline or acidic formulas dry out nail keratin.
  • Over-zealous nail treatments – some conditioning or hardening formulas contain strong chemicals that dehydrate nails when over-applied.
  • Heavy-duty manual work – conditions like gardening, construction, or mechanics expose nails to repeated minor scrapes/bumps.

While a little exposure won’t instantly break nails, prolonged or regular contact wears away their protective layers over time. To help protect nail integrity: wear nitrile gloves for chemicals and consider nail guards/wraps for strenuous tasks.

Possible Solutions

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Now that we’ve explored the most common culprits behind lengthwise nail splitting, here are some doctor-approved solutions to target the underlying causes:

  1. Drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses minimum) and incorporate more moist-rich foods to up hydration levels.
  2. Take a high-quality nail conditioning supplement daily containing biotin (2,500-5,000mcg), calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E.
  3. Gently file nail edges with an emery board instead of trimming to avoid new splits.
  4. Massage cuticle cream/oil into nails once per day to condition fragile areas and reduce splitting.
  5. Consider an oral or topical antifungal if recurring fungal infection is suspected under/around nails.
  6. See a dermatologist if nail problems persist despite home remedies.

While the damage can’t always be reversed, implementing a few key changes to nutrition, hygiene, and lifestyle habits over the next few months can significantly improve nail integrity going forward. But is it worth making these changes long-term for healthy, crack-free fingernails? I’d say totally! Strong nails are such an indicator of overall skin and body health.

In summary, there are many potential culprits behind splitting fingernails that we may not even realize. But as long as we support our nail matrix through proper hydration, nutrients, and protecting nails from damage – both internal and external factors should improve over time. Let me know if you have any other nail questions! Wishing you soft, supple nails ahead.

“Factors Related to Fingernail Splits”

Factor Details
Dryness Fingernails become dry and brittle due to lack of moisture, making them prone to splitting.
Damage Previous injuries to the nail bed or frequent bending of the nails can cause splits over time.
Nutrition Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals needed for nail growth like iron, calcium and protein can result in splitting.
Scratching Aggressive and frequent scratching or picking at nails weakens them and leads to splits appearing.
Polish removal Frequent or harsh nail polish removal using acetone can dry out nails making them prone to splitting horizontally.

FAQ

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  1. Why do fingernails split lengthwise?

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    Fingernails can crack or split lengthwise for a bunch of different reasons. Mostly it’s usually because the nail has become weak and dried out, making it more susceptible to breakage. Exposure to water for long periods, neglecting to use lotion on your hands, and geneitics can lead to nails splitting.

  2. Is it painful when a fingernail splits?

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    For the most part, it’s not terribly painful when your nail splits. You’ll probably feel some minor discomfort, especially if the crack is heading toward the bottom of the nail bed. However, if a big chunk of your nail tears off or the split gets infected, then yeah – it can kinda hurt. Still, it’s generally not as bad as breaking a nail completely, at least from my experience.

  3. How can you prevent fingernails from splitting?

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    To help keep your nails from cracking, you’ll want to keep them moisturized. Apply a good quality nail cream or cuticle oil daily to keep them flexible. Make sure to wear gloves when doing wet work or when using harsh chemicals too. Getting regular manicures can help as a professional will file your nails into a shape less likely to split. Genetics play a role too, so there may not be much you can do depending on your family history.<

  4. What should you do if a fingernail splits?

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    If one of your nails develops a lengthwise crack or split, the best thing is to file it with an emery board to smooth out any sharp edges that could snag on things. This prevents it from worsening. You may want to apply a clear nail polish or Strengthening base coat to help “glue” it back together a bit. Unfortunately, you’ll just have to wait for the nail to grow out – there’s no quick fix. Pray it doesn’t split any further in the meantime!

  5. Can split fingernails grow back normally?

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    Usually, yes – split nails will grow out normally given enough time. As long as the split is just through the top layer of the nail and hasn’t caused damage to the nail matrix underneath, future nails should come in without issue. It may take many months for the whole damaged nail to be replaced. So go easy on that finger until it’s healed up. Try not to stress about it – our nails go through all kinds of stuff.

  6. When should you see a doctor about split nails?

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    Only see a doctor if the split nail is incredibly painful, the skin around the nail becomes swollen or inflamed, there are signs of infection like pus or the surrounding skin is red. Also go see your doc if the split suddenly worsens or multiples over several nails. Otherwise, it’s most likely nothing to freak out about. Most splits just need to be filed and moisturized as they grow out. So don’t stress yourself with a trip to urgent care for every little snag!

On the other hand, fingernails splitting could be a sign of a deeper issue affecting your overall wellbeing. Our nails may provide clues about our nutrition, stress levels, immune function and more. For example, some say repeatedly splitting, discolored or slow growing nails could mean you’re low in certain vitamins and minerals. Surprisingly, I once read how changes in your nails have been linked to thyroid problems too! While one split is likely no big deal, keep an eye out for concerning patterns that could signal an underlying health condition needing attention. Perhaps see your doc the next time you’re in for a routine checkup if splitting seems persistent. After all, our bodies provide plenty of indirect feedback if only we learn to listen.