Onychoschizia, also known as nail splitting and brittle nails, is a splitting of the free-edged tip of the nail. [1] There is also often a longitudinal split in addition to the separation of keratin layers. [2]
Frequent hand-washing is the usual cause, but it is also part of normal ageing. [3] Manicures, nail polish and remover, nail biting, and repeated trauma such as typing, can contribute to nail splitting. [1] Dehydration likely plays a role. [3] Nutritional deficiencies that can result in nail splitting include iron, selenium, and zinc. [1] Some skin diseases such as psoriasis and lichen planus may feature such nails. [3]
Diagnosis is by its appearance, but sometimes blood tests are required to look for iron deficiency, thyroid problems, and kidney problems. [1]
Treatment is by discontinuing nail polish and applying moisturiser. [2] An acceptable alternative is gel nails. [2] Some favourable response has been reported with biotin if the person is deficient in vitamin B7. [1] It is not routinely given. [1]
It is common among women and occurs in almost a third of newborns. [2]
It also occurs in hooved animals such as horses. [4]
Onychoschizia, also known as nail splitting and brittle nails, is a splitting of the free-edged tip of the nail. [1] There is also often a longitudinal split in addition to the separation of keratin layers. [2]
Frequent hand-washing is the usual cause, but it is also part of normal ageing. [3] Manicures, nail polish and remover, nail biting, and repeated trauma such as typing, can contribute to nail splitting. [1] Dehydration likely plays a role. [3] Nutritional deficiencies that can result in nail splitting include iron, selenium, and zinc. [1] Some skin diseases such as psoriasis and lichen planus may feature such nails. [3]
Diagnosis is by its appearance, but sometimes blood tests are required to look for iron deficiency, thyroid problems, and kidney problems. [1]
Treatment is by discontinuing nail polish and applying moisturiser. [2] An acceptable alternative is gel nails. [2] Some favourable response has been reported with biotin if the person is deficient in vitamin B7. [1] It is not routinely given. [1]
It is common among women and occurs in almost a third of newborns. [2]
It also occurs in hooved animals such as horses. [4]