What Causes Fingernails to Split Down the Middle? Understanding Split Nails

What Causes Fingernails to Split Down the Middle?

It can be alarming when you look down and see your fingernail has split down the middle. Not only can split nails be painful, but they affect the overall health and appearance of your nails. There are several potential causes behind painful split fingernails.

Nutritional Deficiencies

One of the most common reasons fingernails become brittle and split is nutritional deficiencies. Your diet plays a huge role in nail health. Without proper nutrients, your nails are weaker and more prone to cracking and splitting vertically down the nail bed.

Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals are particularly detrimental when it comes to the health and integrity of fingernails:

• Biotin: Biotin is a B complex vitamin that helps produce keratin, which is a fibrous structural protein that makes up your hair and nails. Without enough biotin, nails become brittle.
• Vitamin C: This important antioxidant helps produce collagen that lends strength and flexibility to nails.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E improves blood circulation which provides nutrients to nail beds.
• Zinc: Zinc supports protein synthesis needed for nail growth and repair.
• Iron: Iron carries oxygen in the blood so a deficiency means less oxygen reaches nail beds.
• Protein: Adequate dietary protein is needed to produce strong keratin for hardy nails.

External Damage

Split nails can also result from repeated external exposure and trauma to the nails. Activities that exert force on or continually soak fingernails make them more likely to split down the center. Causes include:

• Excessive hand washing
• Spending lots of time with hands submerged in water
• Opening cans frequently
• Using fingernails as tools
• Frequent manicures
• Artificial nails
• Nail biting
• Harsh nail products

Nail Drying

On top of poor nutrition and external damage, simple nail drying can progressively weaken nails and cause splitting. As we age, nails naturally dry out over time. Adding to the problem, factors like:

• Frequent use of nail polish removers
• Long hot showers or baths
• Cold dry weather
• Health issues affecting circulation

Can speed up moisture loss leading to rigid, cracked nails.

Fungal Nail Infections

Additionally, one type fungal nail infection called onychomycosis, invades and spreads inside the nail plate. An overgrowth of fungus causes thickening and distortion of nails. In severe long lasting cases, this makes nails extremely fragile and prone to splitting.

Preventing Split Nails

While annoyance, split nails are preventable in most situations with some adjustments to nail care and lifestyle habits. Protect your nails from cracking down the middle with these splitting prevention tips:

Boost Nail Nutrition

First and foremost, make sure you eat a wholesome diet high in essential vitamins and nutrients for sturdy nail health. Key dietary additions include:

• Protein sources: Eggs, meat, fish, dairy products
• Produce high in Vitamin C: Oranges, strawberries, peppers, broccoli
• Nuts and seeds for Vitamin E
• Leafy greens, nuts and legumes for iron
• Fortified cereals and nuts for zinc
• Meat, dairy, wheat bran and liver for biotin

You can also ask your doctor about biotin, zinc, silica or omega-3 supplements to help bolster weak splitting nails quicker. But supplements should complement a healthy diet, not replace good eating habits.

Moisturize Hands and Nails

Keep nails consistently conditioned to prevent brittleness. Apply a daily nail and cuticle oil or balm with vitamins and natural oils like jojoba, coconut, vitamin E or shea butter. Wear gloves during tasks involving water or chemicals. And avoid very hot showers or dishwashing without gloves that leech moisture from nails.

Protect Nails from Damage

When possible, reduce repetitive nail stress and injury like opening cans with tools instead of fingernails. Avoid over manipulation like excessive filing, tightening screws or using nails to pick things open. Apply a clear strengthening basecoat undercolors. And give nails a break between polish applications.

Practice Good Nail Hygiene

To discourage nail fungal infections, sterilize manicure tools properly between uses and avoid sharing. Select reputable salons that thoroughly clean tools. At home, wash hands frequently and thoroughly to prevent germ build up near nails that causes fungal or yeast infections.

Address Underlying Medical Issues

Sometimes seemingly ordinary split nails result from an underlying internal disorder disrupting nail formation and growth. Visit your doctor to identify and control any health problems like nutritional deficiencies, fungal infections, diabetes, lupus, underactive thyroid or peripheral vascular disease.

Treating Split Nails

While preventing splits is ideal, accidents happen or existing splits need help healing. Try these split nail repair remedies:

Trim and File

Carefully trim split pieces flush with nail ends and smooth edges by filing to discourage further tearing. Round off any sharp fragments. But avoid aggressively over filing surface layers which thins nails.

Apply Nail Glue

Brush thin nail glue onto the split nail, then gently squeeze sides back together for about 30 seconds allowing bond to form. Remove any oozing glue with remover, acetone or isopropyl alcohol. Nail mends act like a Band-Aid helping stabilize splits so they can mend underneath.

Try Nail Repair Wraps

For larger split nails, trim then apply thin fiberglass, silk, paper, tea bag or plastic nail wraps following package directions. These supports cover nails reinforcing their structure while the split grows out over 6+ months. However avoid overly tight wraps hindering blood circulation.

Seal With Nail Polish or Acrylics

Paint over splits using dark colored nail strengthening polish containing formaldehyde, ethyl acetate or isopropyl alcohol which hardens nails. For severe cases, liquid acrylic brush-ons temporarily reinforce very damaged nails for several weeks as splits grow out.

With diligent nail care and prompt split treatment, most split fingernails heal on their own without complication. But if you continue battling repeat nail splits or they wont mend after months, seek your doctors guidance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.