How to cure a cracked fingernail. Nail problems: cracks and splitting. Longitudinal cracks on nails
![How to cure a cracked fingernail. Nail problems: cracks and splitting. Longitudinal cracks on nails](https://i2.wp.com/ruka.site/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/%D0%A2%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%89%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%8B-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%86%D0%B0%D1%85-%D1%80%D1%83%D0%BA-%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE.jpg)
True, a familiar problem - suddenly cracks appeared on the fingers near the nail? This is an unpleasant thing: it’s both ugly and painful! Even simple household chores cause discomfort, but what if the work involves manual labor? Why cracks appear on the fingers near the nails - the causes and treatment of this problem are described in our article.
Our hands are constantly exposed to all sorts of aggressive external influences. Cracks on the fingers near the nails do not threaten only white-handed people. And that’s not a fact! Even idle hands can crack if something is wrong with your health. So, painful cracks appear:
- when exposed to external factors;
- as a result of the influence of internal reasons.
External effects on the skin
Let's consider external factors that can cause cracks to appear near the fingernails:
1. If you occasionally take care of your hands using cosmetics that are not entirely suitable for you.
2. Frequently and for a long time tinker with water of increased hardness.
3. You use household chemicals without wearing protective gloves, which can cause cracks on your fingers near the nail.
4. Hands suffer from temperature changes. Be especially careful about hypothermia.
5. Do not protect your hands when performing gardening, gardening, field, and construction work.
If you eliminate these risks and pay attention to skin care, problems can be avoided.
Internal causes of cracks
Cracks appear on the fingers near the nails - the reasons lie inside the body. This may occur as a result of:
1. Psoriasis or eczema.
2. Fungal infections.
3. Thyroid diseases, diabetes.
4. Hormonal imbalances.
5. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
6. Neurological problems (neuroses, stressful conditions, depression).
7. Vitamin deficiency: lack of vitamins A, E, D.
REFERENCE: If you are concerned about cracks on the fingers near the nails, treatment should be started in a timely manner. If external factors are excluded and the remedies used do not help, consult a doctor. Correctly diagnosing the cause of cracks in the skin and prescribing appropriate medications and procedures will help to effectively cope with the problem.What and how to treat cracks on hands?
What should you give preference to - pharmaceutical drugs or traditional recipes? What is the best way to treat cracks on the fingers near the nails?
Healing results are achieved using:
- lotions;
- compresses;
- baths;
- ointments;
- vitamin complexes;
- proper nutrition.
We use medical glue
Cracks on the fingers near the nail can be treated with special glue BF-6; it has an antibacterial effect on the wound. Drop a little glue (a couple of drops) onto the crack and wait until it hardens. Skin damage will be reliably protected.
There is also such a drug as “Super-Glu”. With the help of this glue, skin cracks are quickly tightened and healed.
Choosing pharmaceutical drugs
How to treat cracks on the fingers near the nails? Doctors recommend the use of ointments Panthenol, Pantoderm, Eplan, Radevit, F-99, Boroplus, Bepanten, ointments based on sea buckthorn or calendula, and Rescue balm.
Of the time-tested, potent drugs, we note ichthyol ointment, Vishnevsky ointment. Streptocyte ointment and Levomekol, which are well known to many, have an antibacterial effect. Lanovit cream treats cracks that bleed.
Ask your pharmacy for castor or chamomile oil, they are good for night compresses. And tea tree oil has an excellent bactericidal effect.
We trust traditional medicine
Traditional healers know a lot of remedies that treat cracks near the nails of the fingers:
– For one part glycerin, take one part water and 1/2 part honey. The ingredients are mixed, flour is added until the mixture becomes thick. The mask is applied to the cracks for half an hour. Then wash off with warm water.
– For a healing compress, take one boiled potato, mash it and add one tablespoon of milk. Lubricate the cracks with this mixture, wrapping them in a plastic bag on top. After half an hour, wash off the mixture and moisturize your hands with cream.
– The composition of the herbal ointment includes string, chamomile, plantain, and calendula. Take half a tablespoon of each plant, pour half a glass of boiling water into the mixture and leave for 7-9 hours. Half a spoon (tablespoon) of this decoction should be mixed with the same amount of honey and butter. The ointment for cracks is ready.
IMPORTANTABOUT: Cracks in the skin of the fingers near the nails may be the result of a fungal infection. A dermatologist will select a comprehensive treatment regimen suitable for each patient. If wounds on the fingers arise due to allergic reactions, you should contact a specialist in the appropriate field - an allergist. In addition to local medications, he will prescribe suitable antihistamines.Cracks in fingernails: causes andprevention
Our hands are so vulnerable that not only the skin can crack. This picture will scare anyone - for some reason a crack suddenly appeared on the fingernail. It can be longitudinal or transverse.
Reasons for its appearance:
- improper care - unprofessional manicure, use of varnishes of dubious quality;
- careless mechanical impact on the nail plate, which has a layered composition;
- the harmful effects of chemicals (varnishes, glue, household chemicals, paints) with constant contact with them;
- mycoses - fungal infections of the nails;
- hormonal imbalances;
- consequences of psoriasis, neurodermatitis, eczema;
- diabetes;
- liver and gastrointestinal diseases;
- vitamin deficiency as a result of poor nutrition.
A longitudinal crack in the nail can appear as a result of a disease such as onychorrhexis. It occurs when degenerative processes occur in the body, metabolism is disrupted, and the nails do not receive sufficient nutrition.
The crack should be sealed so that it does not grow, and the doctor will prescribe treatment that will restore adequate nutrition to the nail plates.
ATTENTION: If you doubt whether you have correctly identified the reason why cracks appeared on your fingernails, consult a doctor. Perhaps it is not only a matter of improper care, but also health problems. In this case, self-medication will not give results.Prevention of cracks in nail plates
You shouldn’t forget about simple rules of prevention:
- Even in one family, each member should have their own manicure supplies. Or at least don’t be lazy to disinfect scissors and files before using them;
- always wear gloves when you have to work in the garden, house cleaning, contact with chemicals, repair and construction work;
- use baby soap, use decoctions of string, oak bark, chamomile, and linden to rinse your hands;
- After washing your hands, do not forget to moisturize them with cream;
- take baths with sea salt;
- treat your nails with a swab dipped in vegetable oil;
- Watch your diet and include foods rich in minerals and vitamins in your diet.
With the help of all sorts of modern manicure tricks, even a crack on the thumbnail will be skillfully disguised. But if the cause of the cracks is not eliminated, the problem will remain.
Fingernails indicate the state of the body. Cracks, peeling, and other nail pathologies most often occur as a result of a systemic chronic or acute disease. Let's take a closer look at the factors that cause cracking fingernails near the nail bed in adults and children.
Causes of cracking nails in adults
If a person’s nail is cracked, he begins to look for the cause of this condition. Most often the following situations lead to the problem:
- in the body, which causes the nail plates on the fingers to crack;
- dehydration of the nails and the skin around them also leads to the appearance of cracks;
- cracks on the plates appear due to a lack of iron, calcium, biotin;
- the nail on the thumb cracks due to hormonal imbalances in the human body;
- coatings may appear due to frequent contact of fingers with detergents and chlorinated water;
- Strict diets lead to delamination and cracks.
If the body does not have enough silicon, longitudinal cracks appear on the nails near the cuticle.
Cracks may appear along the nails on the fingers of adults due to fungal infection (mycosis), sudden changes in temperature or air humidity, use of low-quality nail polish, frequent use of nail polish remover, and improper care.
Causes of gel cracking
The gel, which is used for nail extensions, gives them a glossy look, natural shine and naturalness. But there are situations that lead to cracking of the gel around the nail bed.
Factors that cause the gel on the extended nail plate to crack:
- Poorly performed work by the master, his low qualifications.
- The use of low-quality products and materials when creating extended nails. Such negligence of the master will be visible already on the second day after the procedure, when the gel begins to crack.
- Since gel nails are very fragile, they can crack due to mechanical damage. It is important to protect them from this. If an injury occurs and the gel begins to crack near the nail bed, it can no longer be restored. Therefore, you will need to plate and build up a new layer.
- Since the gel gives the fingernails a thick structure, as they grow, the center of gravity will shift, which is why they will also begin to crack. If correction is not carried out in a timely manner, the nails will crack along the nail bed.
Due to sudden changes in temperature, taking hormonal drugs or antibiotics, polymerization is disrupted, causing the gel to crack. Therefore, with extended nails, it is not recommended to visit the sauna, bathhouse, or drink large quantities of medications. In winter it is important to always wear gloves.
Why do children's nails crack?
If a child’s nails are cracking, there is no need to start feeding him with various vitamin complexes.
Feed him cottage cheese, cheese, fermented milk products, buckwheat, porcini mushrooms, and berries. Almonds and walnuts will be useful for a child’s nail plate.
Causes of cracking fingernails in children:
- In infants, the nail plate most often cracks due to a lack of vitamins. To replenish it, a nursing mother must eat a balanced diet and take additional vitamins.
- Injury to a child's nails at the age of one year occurs due to untimely trimming. It is at this age that he learns everything through touch. The baby grabs, strokes, touches and throws toys, all objects that he explores. To prevent the formation of cracks on children's nails, it is recommended to trim them carefully regularly.
- If a child over two years old begins to crack his nail plates, it is important to show him to the doctor to find out the real reason. Most often, in older children, the nails crack along the length due to a lack of vitamins, injury, as well as the development of any diseases.
Since the child is constantly growing and actively exploring the world, it is important to closely monitor his health, and at the first problem with his nails, immediately go to the doctor for an appointment.
Prevention and recovery
Regardless of the cause of cracking fingernails, it is recommended to dilute 5 grams of gelatin in a glass of warm water every day for a month and drink the solution.
In addition, you need to eat a balanced diet of fermented milk products, almonds, liver, and cabbage. And also figs, dates, carrots, butter, pumpkin and other healthy products.
To make your fingernails strong again, it is recommended to prevent them from cracking:
- rub olive oil into the nails, which is enriched with vitamins and microelements. It can be mixed with lemon juice;
- to strengthen your nails, take daily baths with sea and ocean salt;
- rub a special healing and strengthening cream with protein into your nails and cuticles;
- Do all housework with detergents only with rubber gloves;
- For cracked nails, use preparations with glycerin, lactic acids, and phospholipids.
Knowing why nails crack, you can prevent this condition. By eliminating or preventing the causes of cracks in the plates, you will always have beautiful and durable nails. It is important to learn how to properly care for them, protect them from various traumatic influences, and also eat a balanced diet. At the first signs of cracked nails, be sure to go to a specialist in a beauty salon for a consultation in order to promptly provide assistance to your nails and protect their beauty and strength.
Only a serious approach to your hands will prevent them from cracking, peeling and other possible problems.
It’s very unpleasant if, on an important and important day, when you want to look your best, you realize that you won’t be able to get a manicure because one or even several nails are cracked, broken, or started to flake.
Nail extensions can correct the situation. However, this measure is temporary, since after removing the material, the health of the nails deteriorates even more.
Restoration of a broken nail can be done in a salon. But it is best to make sure that your nails do not have problems, then there will be no need to contact a manicurist.
Why do nails crack?
- The nail is a hard horny coating consisting of several layers of keratin that fit tightly together. Under the influence of various factors, gaps form between the layers. When foreign bodies get into them, the holes increase in size and the nails crack. The crack can be either along or across the nail plate.
- Under what circumstances can injuries to fingernails or toenails occur? Let's look at the most common reasons.
- Mechanical damage to the nail. So, cracks in the nails on the hands appear when working with aggressive household chemicals without gloves or when manicure is performed incorrectly. Mechanical injuries can occur due to bruises and high stress on the nails during various household activities.
- Weakening of the immune system. Lack of vitamins, junk food, and prolonged illness are the reasons for the weakening of the body's protective functions. These factors affect your appearance, for example, the condition of your nails and hair worsens and they become more brittle.
- Cracks in the nail plates occur due to fungus. This is especially true for toenails.
- Referring to non-professionals when doing nail extensions. If extensions are performed by a specialist who does not have sufficient knowledge, then the nail plate may crack under strong pressure.
- Frequently painting nails. Regular use of low quality varnish leads to weakened nails. Over time, nails will begin to peel and break.
- The appearance of cracks in toenails is often caused by wearing tight shoes made of unnatural material.
Everything is more or less clear about the reasons why cracks may appear. Now it’s time to figure out how to solve the problems that have arisen.
If a crack appears on the nail plate, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist, since the problem may be a fungal infection. The main thing is to establish the cause in time. If for some reason you cannot visit a doctor, then temporary measures must be taken to prevent the crack from growing. There are several ways to do this.
Contact a qualified manicurist. Within 5 minutes he will be able to restore the nail with special compounds. A crack along the nail is repaired using silk. A longitudinal crack is the most difficult because it increases as the nail grows. If the process of crack enlargement does not stop during silk treatment, the master can offer strengthening with a special gel. Biogel will glue the crack and speed up the process of nail regeneration. A special protective layer is applied over the nail.
When a longitudinal crack appears, immediate action must be taken, since as it grows, the pain increases. Therefore, a crack along the nail requires immediate contact with a manicurist.
When a crack appears at a time when it is not possible to visit a specialist, then urgent temporary measures need to be taken. For longitudinal and transverse cracks they act in the same way. A colorless varnish is applied to the affected area. A small piece of paper napkin is applied on top; after the first layer has dried, cover the nail with two more layers of varnish. A crack in the legs is restored in a similar way.
The injured toenail is glued using the method described above and additionally fixed. This is done using a bactericidal patch, trying to place the adhesive base not at the site of damage. Sea salt baths also promote the regeneration process of cracked nails. The procedures are carried out daily for 15 minutes.
Folk recipes
- If your nails tend to crack, it is recommended to take gelatin for a month. It is worth paying attention to nutrition; a balanced composition will benefit the entire body and in particular the nails. Eat more fermented milk products, cabbage, liver, almonds, dates, carrots, eggs, bell peppers, etc.
- Olive oil contains many vitamins and microelements, so rubbing and bathing with a few drops of lemon juice will have a beneficial effect on your nails.
- To care for your hands and cuticle area, you need to purchase special creams with proteins.
- When working with household detergents, you must wear protective gloves only.
- Use salt baths as an effective remedy for treatment and prevention. Dissolve 3 tbsp in warm water. spoons of sea salt and dip your hands in the resulting solution for 15 minutes. Then lubricate your hands with rich cream or oil.
- According to traditional healers, a decoction of oak bark helps with cracks. It is prepared according to the following recipe: 2 tbsp. spoons of oak bark are poured with boiling water and kept in a water bath for 20 minutes. Then close the lid and leave for 30 minutes. A cotton swab is generously moistened in the resulting solution, wrapped around the fingers and fixed, after which cotton gloves are put on and left overnight.
The nail is a protective covering that protects the tissue of the fingers. Your appearance will help you understand why your fingernails crack. If there are deformations on the nail plate, this may indicate a disease.
The most common problem is cracks. If they are vertical, they often start from the base and end at the tips of the nails. Horizontal cracks can appear in several places at the same time. There may be several reasons for the appearance of such deformations.
- infection or fungus;
- prolonged exposure of hands to water;
- suffered stress;
- contact with harmful substances;
- improper care;
- lack of vitamins;
- poor quality of varnishes;
- climate change;
- the impact of the illness.
Having determined the reasons why cracks appear urgent measures must be taken to eliminate them. The sooner you help your nails, the sooner you will enjoy a chic manicure.
To eliminate this problem, try to find the reasons that are specific to you. Reconsider your diet, perhaps eating unhealthy food affects the condition of your nails. If you cannot identify the causes on your own, then consult a specialist.
How to improve the condition of your nails at home
It will be expensive to go to beauty salons, because you can make your nails healthy on your own. Here are some tips for doing hoopoe nails at home:
- Use olive oil. It contains beneficial vitamins that the nail plate needs for normal growth. You just need to simply rub the oil into the plate or add it to the bath.
- Take baths using sea salt. It strengthens nails well, thereby making the tips stronger. Excellent for preventing cracks.
- Rub your fingers with iodine and lemon. Iodine perfectly strengthens, and lemon also brightens.
- Use rubber gloves when doing housework to protect your hands from household chemicals. You can also purchase a special cream containing protein and glycerin, thanks to which it will nourish not only the skin of your hands, but also your nails.
- Use nail files made from good materials for manicure.
How to choose materials for manicure
To prevent your fingernails from cracking, you should learn how to do a manicure correctly. First of all, you need to carefully select materials: nail file, varnish, nail polish remover. All this significantly affects the general condition of the nails..
Carefully study the composition of nail polish remover. It must be without acetone. The thing is that acetone has a bad effect on the structure of the nail, drying it out. This always leads to nails starting to peel and crack. Try to purchase combination products that include and.
If you like to paint your nails, then you need to choose high-quality varnishes. Today the choice is so great that manufacturers offer an extensive list of options. New items include cracking nail polish. This varnish is applied to the base, after which the craquelure begins to crack and leave cracks. Thanks to this, the bottom layer of the other varnish will be visible. But it is worth noting that this varnish needs to be applied lengthwise in a thin layer, this will create neat small cracks.
By combining regular and crackling nail polish of different colors, you can create a unique manicure. By the way, when using this varnish, your nails dry within 30 minutes.
Another option for creating an unusual manicure is gel polish. Not only does it fit well on the nail, but it also lasts a long time. In addition, this varnish does not crack from water.
How to improve the condition of your hand skin
To do this, you need to constantly use special creams that will nourish the tissue. Thus, you will improve not only your appearance, but also make your hand skin healthy.
Choose creams intended for hands and nails. It is important that the cream contains many useful substances. These can be extracts, vitamins and oils. In addition, do not forget that the skin on your hands comes in different types and you should make a choice based on this.
If the nail peels and cracks, then you need to urgently begin treatment. Remember that flaky nails always look untidy. It can be difficult to determine why nails are cracking, but you can always turn to specialists.
In fact, growing healthy and strong manicures is not at all difficult. It is enough to devote just a few minutes a day to your health, and then you can return your hands to a beautiful and healthy look. Besides, beautiful nails can only be healthy.
Cracked, peeling nails are a common problem associated with their weakness, fragility and tendency to destruction. More than 20 percent of the population have peeling and cracking nails, especially women. It often appears as a sign of aging and occurs due to prolonged exposure to water or chemicals such as detergents and nail polish.
Nails often crack in older people. This is due to their slower growth in older people or because they are exposed to ultraviolet rays and other conditions for longer periods of time. The problem can be treated using various home and pharmacy remedies.
Causes
Cracking of nails is the result of degeneration of the nail plate, which can become painful and unsightly. Delamination can be the result of a variety of reasons, including exposure to certain conditions or nutritional deficiencies.
1. Injuries
This is a common external cause of cracks and splitting of the nail plate. Nail injuries are common in daily activities. When a person bites their nails, they become susceptible to additional damage. Nails can be damaged when they are used to scrape a hard surface or material, or when a heavy object falls on them. Nails that are cut short and filed into a rounded shape may better resist cracking.
2. Exposure to moisture
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Exposure to too much moisture can make them susceptible to cracking or delamination. When the nail plate is repeatedly exposed to moisture and then dries out, it continually swells and shrinks, which eventually leads to the problem.
3. Use of chemical products
Chemicals, including household cleaners, can dry out your nails. Colored nail polish and nail polish remover (especially acetone) can cause damage. Exposure to chemicals can be eliminated by limiting exposure and keeping the surface moist. Applying one coat of clear nail polish once a week can also prevent damage, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
4. Aging
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Cracked nails are a common problem as a person gets older. This is because the nail plate loses its integrity and strength as it becomes dry due to the loss of natural sebum and fat.
5. Iron deficiency
Iron helps the body produce hemoglobin, the oxygen-containing part of red blood cells. With iron deficiency, the level of hemoglobin in the body decreases, which leads to brittle nails.
6. Hypothyroidism
This is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism can also cause your nails to become brittle. This condition is accompanied by other symptoms, such as rapid weight gain, fatigue and brittle hair.
7. Too little moisture
Over-drying can also lead to cracks. Low humidity is typical in winter, when the weather is drier.
8. Biotin deficiency
Biotin is a B vitamin that allows the body to metabolize amino acids that help the growth of healthy nails. Your doctor may prescribe vitamins that can help if the deficiency is not caused by a chronic disease.
9. Fungal infections
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Just like bacteria, pathogenic fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions. A fungal infection may begin as a white or yellowish patch under the tip of the nail. As the infection progresses, the nail may become hardened, the edges may collapse, and pain and odor may occur. There are medications against nail fungus (onychomycosis), but it is quite difficult to treat.
10. Bacterial infections
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Bacteria typically thrive in warm, moist environments, and are often found in hot baths, sinks, and household sponges. Symptoms include tenderness in the area under and around the nail and cuticle; There may be changes in the color of the nails from blue to purple. Severe bacterial infections can lead to plate loss. They are usually treated with topical or oral antibiotics.
11. Viral infections
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Warts require long-term treatment and are difficult to get rid of because they are located under the nail plate. The growth of warts causes the nails to become brittle, thus increasing the risk of yeast and fungal infections.
12. Skin diseases
Certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, can also affect nails and make them brittle and susceptible to cracking.
Frequent hand washing with soap dries out the nail surface, which can lead to splitting and cracking.
13. Reactive arthritis
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This is not a very common cause of this problem, but it does exist. Reactive arthritis is characterized by an unusual immune system reaction that affects joints, muscles, and other parts of the body.
14. Menopause
Many changes in the body are caused by menopause. One of these important changes includes dry and cracked nails.
What vitamins should I take?
The color of your nails gives a clear picture of your health. It is important to examine your nails every week to see if they are in healthy condition. Color, shape and texture can provide countless clues about the health of the body. Dents and lines are caused by malnutrition. Discoloration and brittleness can be caused by vitamin deficiencies.
This is how a lack of certain vitamins manifests itself on the condition of the nails:
- Vitamin A deficiency: no crescents, brittleness, delamination or cracks
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency: nails curl downwards, become flat and dark
- Vitamin D deficiency: brittleness, cracking, delamination.
Listed below are the main minerals and vitamins, the deficiency of which causes nail problems. These include:
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral for maintaining a healthy body. The deficiency of this mineral greatly affects the structure of the nail plate. To increase your zinc levels, you need to increase your consumption of seafood, lean meats, and zinc-fortified breakfast cereals.
Iron
It is necessary for the production of red blood cells. Iron deficiency can cause a variety of health problems, along with changing shape and brittle nails. Eat more dried fruits, beans and dark leafy vegetables, and iron is available in red meat, turkey and eggs.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also necessary for the production of collagen, which is a component of hair, skin and nails. Since the body cannot produce vitamin C, it is important to consume foods rich in it, including citrus fruits and juices, berries and green vegetables.
B vitamins
Biotin, a member of the B vitamin family, also known as vitamin H, is essential for maintaining healthy nails. Biotin, along with other B vitamins, helps maintain a strong nail structure. To avoid its deficiency, it is important to eat liver, carrots and salmon.
It is necessary to ensure that the diet includes foods rich in all of the above minerals and vitamins. Although it is not always their deficiency that causes cracks and splitting of nails.
Vertical cracks
Vertical splitting of nails is a characteristic feature of aging, but is not limited to older adults. This is because fat and moisture levels decrease as we age. These cracks start from the nail bed to the tip on one or two nails. Over time, they may appear on other nails. Gentle filing and polishing may help relieve the condition.
Possible causes of vertical cracks:
- Injuries, such as fingers getting caught between closing doors.
- Vitamin and protein deficiencies can also cause the problem. These include calcium and other mineral deficiencies. To correct this situation, it is necessary to increase the consumption of milk and other dairy products, eggs, whole grains, cereals, legumes, vegetables and fruits. Refined foods, canned food, salts, coffee, tea, alcohol, etc. should be avoided.
- Secondary infections of the nail can lead to nail damage.
Supplements and vitamins with silicon dioxide are a good way to maintain the condition of nails, hair and skin as you age. As an example, Silicea capsules from Hubner, popular in the West. But they are quite expensive, so you can look for analogues or order these capsules through Amazon.com (2 times cheaper than those already imported into the country).
Treatment
A vertical crack may be a sign that something went wrong during the formation of the nail plate. The problem may be inherited from relatives.
- Keep your nails moisturized and lubricated by applying nail care creams and ointments daily.
- Wear gloves when handling rough work or handling harsh chemicals to protect your hands from contact with substances.
- Trim and file your nails when they are damp, as this can aggravate the condition if your nails are dry.
Horizontal cracks
This condition is also known as Onychoschisis. It causes horizontal separations within the nail plate and can be caused by several reasons, including:
- Frequently wetting and drying nails
- The use of nail cosmetics such as polishes, varnish or exposure to various chemicals
- Injury
- Medical problems such as malnutrition and endocrine diseases.
Horizontal cracks in nails may have the following symptoms:
- This condition indicates a single horizontal separation between the layers of the nail plate
- People with psoriasis experience horizontal cracks at the beginning of the nail.
The nail broke in the middle
There are several reasons why the plate becomes brittle in the middle. Lack of nutrients in the diet is one of the main reasons, and the other is environmental conditions.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Increase your intake of niacin and biotin because they help strengthen nails. Their absence can lead to the formation of cracks in the middle of the nail surface.
- Environmental problems: Frequent wetting and drying causes cracking. This condition is common among those who wash their hands frequently, such as nurses, cleaners and hairdressers.
Cracks in the cuticle
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When nail splitting occurs near the cuticle, it is most likely due to trauma to the nail or an allergic reaction. Damage occurs when the nail is cut, torn, broken, or pulled away from the skin.
Allergic reactions can be caused by the use of acrylic. A severe allergic reaction can cause permanent damage to the nail; this condition requires a visit to a dermatologist. The cuticle usually peels due to dryness or dehydration. It is better to avoid using acrylic nails in case of allergies.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Separation from the nail bed
The separation of the nail surface from the nail bed is called oncholysis. If this is accompanied by severe pain or discomfort, it may indicate an allergy to the hair dyes you come into contact with.
This condition is associated with iron deficiency and occurs in patients with hemochromatosis. Deficiency of this mineral leads to brittle nails, onycholysis and onychorrhexis.
Onycholysis is the separation of the nail from the nail bed, often on the ring finger or any other finger.
Onychorrhexis is the separation or brittleness of the nail, as well as the formation of longitudinal ridges.
Nails cracking in half
Cracking in half can be the result of several conditions, including vitamin B deficiency, zinc deficiency, and age.
Some of these reasons:
- Zinc deficiency is characterized by grooved lines that can look like depressions or ridges.
- Vitamin deficiency can lead to nail dystrophy. This condition is characterized by delamination of the distal nail plate into layers, which is associated with low amounts of biotin.
The nail is cracked in the middle
One of the most common medical causes of this is fungal infections. They most often affect the toenails, but the hands are also at risk of infection.
Psoriasis is also a medical reason for the development of this problem. The disease makes them more prone to cracking, delamination and destruction.
Non-medical causes include overexposure to harmful chemicals or water, as well as age, which causes nails to lose natural oils and moisture.
Menopause can also cause nails to become dry, making them prone to brittleness.
Treatment
1. Hydration
When exposed to water, keratin, which serves to strengthen and hold the upper layers of nails, decreases.
When choosing a moisturizer, you need to pay attention to the following important ingredients:
- Proteins such as keratin and collagen, which are useful in strengthening the cells of the nail plate.
- Humectants that retain moisture thus prevent dryness and cracking. Some of these include lactic acid, urea, glycerol, alpha hydroxy acids and phospholipids.
- Mineral oils are effective in slowing the rate of moisture loss, which prevents dryness.
2. Food
It is necessary to consume foods containing large amounts of biotin, such as lentils, peanuts, mushrooms, egg yolks, bananas, sardines, cauliflower and liver.
You also need to make sure that the body is not deficient in minerals such as zinc, iron or calcium. It is also important to take foods rich in other vitamins and minerals to avoid cracking nails.
3. Use of lotions
Lotions that contain alpha hydroxyl acids or lanolin are often used. These substances can be applied to the nails before and after washing your hands. You can also use olive oil.
4. Gloves
Rubber gloves can protect your nails by keeping them dry during water-related activities. Gloves can also protect your hands from harsh cleaning products.
5. High-quality varnish
The quality of nail polishes guarantees their safety. Avoid using low quality materials as they may cause excessive drying and peeling (eg nail polish containing acetone). Therefore, it is better to choose nail polish removers without acetone.
Home and folk remedies
1. Moisturizer
If your hands are constantly exposed to various factors, such as chemicals, applying a moisturizer can not only help fix damaged nails, but also prevent future problems. You can make a bath in the sink or bowl with lemon juice, it will strengthen and naturally moisturize your nails. Apply moisturizer and cover your hands with cotton gloves, which helps your nails retain moisture and keep your hand skin soft.
2. Vinegar
The problem associated with infections can be effectively treated with vinegar.
- Mix 1:1 glass of vinegar and water.
- Keep your feet in the solution for 20-25 minutes.
- Pat your feet dry with a clean towel.
- Repeat the procedure once a day.
3. Biotin supplements
Taking biotin, which is part of the B vitamin complex, may be effective in treating cracked nails. Biotin helps prevent cracking by strengthening nails. You should take 2.5 mg of biotin daily (about six months for the problem to completely disappear).
4. Olive or castor oil
Soak a cotton ball in olive or castor oil and use it to gently wipe your nails. You can also use a mixture of a few drops of olive oil and lemon juice with a tablespoon of honey. Apply the product before going to bed.
5. Follow a diet
You can treat and prevent split nails by eating a balanced diet enriched with nutrients and minerals, especially iron. This is especially important during pregnancy.
6. Tea tree oil
It works well for nail problems. If the condition is severe, you should consult a doctor.
- Apply a few drops of oil to a cotton ball.
- If desired, add a few drops of lavender oil.
- Apply it to the affected area.
- Wear a clean pair of socks to avoid staining your bed linen, and leave the product on overnight.
- Repeat the manipulations once a day until the desired results are achieved.
7. Trim your nails
To protect against cracks, you need to keep your nails short because they can easily get damaged while running or playing.
8. Coconut oil
The oil is extracted from mature coconuts. It has a reputation as a key ingredient in nail and hair care products due to its remarkable moisturizing and strengthening properties. When applied, it moisturizes and strengthens the cuticle. Due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, the use of coconut oil helps destroy fungi and bacteria.