Splitting Fingernails

Nails are basically made from a material called keratin, which is porous. Nails, along with hair and teeth, is an appendage of the skin. Now being porous, there is a lot of scope for the nails to split. This condition of splitting fingernails is medically called onychoschizia (I know it's difficult to pronounce!). Before we get on to why and how nails split and how it can be avoided, it is necessary to know what are the parts of a fingernail.They are nail plate, nail groove, lunula and eponychium. Nail plate is the translucent and hard portion made of keratin layers. Then the nail groove is the guide, directing fingernail growth and is located down the sides of the nail fold. The dead skin around the cuticle is the eponychium and lunula is the white colored crescent shape located at the base of the nail plate.

It will be easier now to comprehend the causes and cures for splitting fingernails, now that the anatomy of the nail has been described. So following are the reasons of why do fingernails split.

Cause of Splitting Fingernails

Excessive Exposure to Water and Detergents: This is one of the major causes of fingernail splitting. Take precautionary measures whenever you have to expose your hands to strong detergents. Use gloves as much as possible in scenarios, specially like washing, cleaning and gardening. Do not keep your hand soaked in water for a long time. It is huge invitation to infections and all sorts of unwanted things!

Inordinate Usage of Nail Polish Remover: Dehydration of nails can result because of undue usage of nail polish remover. The oil between the layers of nail fiber is absorbed by the fingernail polish remover, resulting in peeling and splitting. If you have to compulsorily use it, moisturize your nails after you have applied a nail polish remover.

Inadequate and Wrong Care: A wrong type of nail file or wrong method of filing is another cause of damaged fingernails. Whenever you file, file from the edge towards the center or at least in a single direction. Avoid filing back and forth. Let the nails grow a couple of millimeters before you start filing them. Instead of a metal file, use a grit emery board.

Infection: A nail fungal infection can very likely be the reason for splitting fingernails. These infections cause the nails to swell and be thick. So keep your nails infection free.

Poor Diet: Calcium deficiency can lead to brittleness and splitting of fingernails. Ensure that you are consuming all the essential nutrients and drink lots of water. If the diet is proving a bit inadequate take vitamin or akin supplements after consultation with a doctor. So keep a watch on your fingernail health.

All this is not a very pleasing scenario, but the good news is that this damage can be controlled. Moreover, it can be done without a lot of effort as well. So here goes.

Cure for Splitting Fingernails

Be Gentle: If you want to take good of your fingernails, avoid over exposure to situations where they would be tortured. Reduce the trauma to your fingernails as much as possible, more so if you are in a profession where you work maximum with your hands. In that case, wear gloves to protect your nails. Do not have excessive nail art adorning your fingers.

Cut Down on Nail Treatments: Too much use of nail polish remover and applying a coat of nail polish with nylon fibers, and not leaving nail polish for maximum more than a week, will avoid weakening of nails. Keep your nails short with properly rounded tips. Also, modify your manicure sessions.

Moisturize Nails and Pamper Them: A lanolin based lotion applied to fingernails can deal very well with the problem of splitting fingernails. So moisturize them. Another thing you can do is apply a mixture of honey and lime to the nails for strengthening them.

Minimum Exposure to Water: If you are too much into dish washing and cleaning and similar stuff, wear cotton lined rubber gloves to save your hands from moisture. Practice the same thing when working with any kind of chemicals and water.

It is very less likely, that splitting fingernails can be an underlying health problem, but it cannot be totally ruled out. For instant, hypocalcaemia, thyroid problem, kidney problem or any kind of nutritional deficiency. So if you are skeptical, just make sure that there's nothing like that.

Practice all the nail care methods and take all the necessary precautions. Nail the splitting fingernails!