Split Nails, Prevention and Treatment of Splitting Fingernails and Toenails

As our skin gets dryer due to weather or natural aging, our fingernails and toenails tend to split more often. The medical term for this is onychoschizia, and the splitting can happen because the nail plates are brittle, soft, thin, frail or have ridges. Women suffer more than men from broken, cracked nails, perhaps because the most common cause of splitting nails is soaking in water (often associated with dishwashing). Another cause of split fingernails is fingernail polish remover. Fingernails can also be damaged by accidentally hitting them. To avoid split nails, you shoule avoid the things that cause them:

• Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes.
• Don't let solvents like paint thinner and overn cleaner contact your nails.
• Avoid long tub baths.
• Apply lanolin or jojoba lotions to the nails before and after exposure to water.
• Avoid damaging your nails...easier said than done, of course, but don't use your nails for prying or pushing any more than necessary.

• Short nails are less likely to suffer damage than long nails.
• Wear gloves when performing tasks that may damage the nails.
• Wear nail polish, including nail polish with fibers that strengthen the nails.
• Use wooden instruments, rather than metal, to push back the cuticle.
• Keep nail tips rounded to a smooth curve.
• Some supplements, including gelatin, certain vitamins and minerals may help nails grow faster and stronger.