Nail Splitting

If you have ever experienced split fingernails, you know how unsightly and painful the condition can be. Luckily, the effects of fingernail splitting are usually reversible.

Treating Split Nails

Treating split nails can eliminate many of the undesirable symptoms. With the help of a doctor and some small modifications to your lifestyle, you may be able to overcome your nail problems.

Tips for dealing with split nails:

• Consult With Physician – Not only can a doctor provide you with a qualified perspective on how to proceed with treating your damaged or split nails, they can also help uncover any potential undetected medical issues that could be contributing to nail dystrophy. For example, your nail problems could be a result of an endocrine disorder – something that you wouldn’t be able to detect if you try to remedy the problem yourself.¹
• Protect Your Hands – Repeated hand washing and drying is one of the most common contributors to brittle nails. Protecting your hands with gloves when washing dishes and limiting your hands’ overall exposure to moisture can help reduce the effects of split nails.¹
• Mind Your Vitamin and Mineral Intake – Poor nail health can often be attributed to a vitamin deficiency. Taking vitamin supplements may be recommended by your physician to give your nails proper nourishment.¹?²
• Keep Split Nails Groomed – Making a consistent effort to maintain your nails can mitigate damage and aesthetic shortcomings. Regular grooming can also prevent existing nail splits from worsening.¹
• Maintain Moisture – Brittle, split nails are often the result of a lack of moisture in the layers of the fingernail. Taking a shower or soaking your fingers in water for several minutes and applying nail moisturizer immediately thereafter enables your nails to lock in their natural moisture. Newly approved prescription products may be prescribed to help prevent loss of moisture.²
• Choose Gentle Nail Care Products – Using a nail hardener only makes the problem worse. Likewise, the frequent use of nail solutions containing formaldehyde can further dry out nails contributing to the symptoms of nail dystrophy. If available, use gentle products that don’t strip your fingernails of their natural oils and moisture.¹,²
• Use a Prescription Topical Nail Solution – Certain prescription-strength topical solutions can restore damaged nails and prevent direct abrasion. Nuvail™ is one such solution. When applied daily, Nuvail protects the nails from excessive moisture, allowing them to retain their natural, soft properties.³

Additional damaged nail resources:

• How does Nuvail work?
• Find a Nuvail prescribing physician

References:

1. van de Kirkhof Peter CM, et al. Brittle nail syndrome: A pathogenesis-based approach with a proposed grading system. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;53:644-51.
2. Wolff, V. (2014, July 18). Why do my nails split, crack or peel? – Possible nutrition causes (Daily Nutrition Review weblog). Retreived on December 4, 2015, from http://dailynutritionreview.com/blog/2014/07/18/why-do-nails-split-crack-or-peel-possible-nutritional-causes/
3. Nuvail™ (poly-ureaurethane, 16%) NAIL SOLUTION Prescribing Information. Innocutis, Charleston, SC, 29401 USA; June 2012.