Toenails
Why do I have split toe nails?
Split or cracked toe nails are quite common and can be caused by several factors. The important thing to know is how to prevent them, care for them and when you need to see a podiatrist.
What do split toe nails look like?
The medical term for a split nail is onychoschizia. This condition includes nails that are:
- split
- cracked
- brittle
- soft
- thin.
Split nails may look as if part of your nail is peeling or cracked. The split may be only at the edge of your nail, or it may run along your entire nail. Splits in your nails may run horizontally or vertically and sometimes it may look as if several ‘layers’ of your toe nail are missing. You can also have several cracks in one nail.
What causes split toe nails?
There are many causes of split toe nails. The most common include:
- injury or trauma to the nail
- long exposure to moisture which causes nails to become soft and brittle
- picking or biting the nail which damages the nail
exposure to chemicals, for example, in nail polish or nail polish remover - fungal, bacterial or yeast infections
psoriasis or lichen planus - nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency
- ageing
- health conditions such as thyroid disease, heart disease, lupus, necrotising vasculitis, cirrhosis of the liver and stomach cancer.
Is a split toe nail serious?
Small splits in your toe nail are not likely to be serious. However, some toe nail splits can cause the nail plate to start separating from the nailbed which may lead to parts of your nail falling off.
If the split is due to a fungal infection, is large, or involves the nailbed it’s important to see a podiatrist for treatment.
Treatment for split or cracked toe nails
Home treatment
If you have a small split or crack in your toe nail that doesn’t affect the nailbed, you can usually manage this at home. We recommend trimming and filing the nail to ensure there are no jagged edges that may get caught and cause further damage and waiting for the nail to grow out.
Adhesive silk wraps may also be helpful in some situations. This involves applying a small piece of wrap to the affected nail, cutting it down to size and using a gel nail resin to hold the split in place.
If your nails have split because they are dry and brittle, applying lotion or cream that contains alpha-hydroxy acid or lanolin can help. Applying clear nail polish with strengthening properties can also help strengthen the nail and protect it from further damage.
Podiatrist treatment
In some cases, it’s important to see a podiatrist for treatment, especially if part of your nail has come away from the nailbed, the split is large and affects the nailbed or if there are signs of infection. You should also see a podiatrist if home remedies are not improving the state of your nail.
Treatment from a podiatrist may involve:
- removing the nail completely
reattaching the nail (if possible) - treating any damage to the nailbed
- antifungal medication if the split toe nail is caused by a fungal infection
- oral supplements in the case of nutrient deficiency – you should have a blood test first to confirm if you have any deficiencies
- topical corticosteroids and other medications if the problem is caused by psoriasis.
Our podiatrists can also treat split toe nails using nail bracing like Onyfix. This is a nail correction system that acts as a composite to hold your nail together while it naturally grows out.
Learn more about Oxyfix nail correcting system.
Can you prevent split toe nails?
It’s not always possible to prevent split toe nails, but you can take the following steps to reduce your risk of developing them.
- Eat a well-balanced diet to reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies
- Work with your doctor to control any existing health issues that may be contributing to your split toe nails
- Keep your nails trimmed
- Avoid excessive exposure to water, and ensuring you thoroughly dry your feet
- Use a moisturiser on your nails and cuticles
- Avoid harsh chemicals on your nails, including nail polish and acetone-based nail polish removers
- Avoid picking or pulling at your nails
Wear well-fitted shoes to protect your nails.
Of course, if split toe nails are bothering you make an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists. We can treat a range of toe nail problems, including split and cracked toe nails.
References
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, Brittle splitting nails, https://www.aocd.org/page/BrittleSplittingNail
DermNet, Nail terminology, https://dermnetnz.org/topics/nail-terminology
WebMD, Cracked nails, https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/cracked-nails-reasons
Healthline, Split nails (Onychoschizia), https://www.healthline.com/health/split-nail
Medical News Today, How to fix split nails and why they happen, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326008
Very Well Health, Split nail: something to treat or let heal naturally?, https://www.verywellhealth.com/split-nail-8400172