townes
01-29-2006, 06:50 PM
The nail on my middle finger keeps splitting vertically. What is the cause and what can be done to stop this from happening?
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Marti
02-01-2006, 01:25 PM
The nail on my middle finger keeps splitting vertically. What is the cause and what can be done to stop this from happening?
This is crazy - I've written an answer to this twice, but it isn't showing up so I will try again!
The nail plate grows forward on the nail bed by a series of rails and grooves much like a train rides forward on its tracks. the rails are on the surface of the nail bed and the grooves are on the underside of the nail plate. Sometimes, due to age, trauma or genetics, one of the rails (or several of them) will enlarge and push up through the nail plate causing a ridge to form on the nail plate surface. Depending on how far through the nail pale the ridge has pushed, it can cause the nail to split at the free edge. If the rail pushed totally through the nail plate, it can permanently split the nail into two separate portions.
About the only thing you can do for this is cosmetic; applying an artificial overlay to the effected nail. You might also try applying a good quality nail and cuticle oil to the nails to replenish any depleated oil and moisture levels.
This is crazy - I've written an answer to this twice, but it isn't showing up so I will try again!
The nail plate grows forward on the nail bed by a series of rails and grooves much like a train rides forward on its tracks. the rails are on the surface of the nail bed and the grooves are on the underside of the nail plate. Sometimes, due to age, trauma or genetics, one of the rails (or several of them) will enlarge and push up through the nail plate causing a ridge to form on the nail plate surface. Depending on how far through the nail pale the ridge has pushed, it can cause the nail to split at the free edge. If the rail pushed totally through the nail plate, it can permanently split the nail into two separate portions.
About the only thing you can do for this is cosmetic; applying an artificial overlay to the effected nail. You might also try applying a good quality nail and cuticle oil to the nails to replenish any depleated oil and moisture levels.
townes
02-01-2006, 02:16 PM
Thanks, I will try the nail and cuticle oil first, then move to the artificial nail if needed. :)
colac
02-04-2006, 03:55 AM
This has happened to me twice on one of my thumb nails. The first time, I waited patiently, hoping it would just resolve on its own. But, when the split grew almost out to the tip, I consulted my family doctor who said perhaps the nail should be removed (ouch!) and sent me to a dermatologist. Fortunately, the specialist provided me with a simple (and painless) treatment, which has been successful both times. Of course, the second time it started growing out split, I started the treatment right away so the problem was resolved much faster!
He told me that once the nail starts to split (for whatever reason), the stress from the two split sections will make the new nail tissue split apart as well, so the nail will continue to grow out this way. Use a small amount of liquid super glue along the split (make sure to get close to the cuticle so as to "patch" the split at the source). The glue will reduce the pull exerted on the nail by the two split sections and allow the new tissue to grow normally. Of course, it will take many months for the damaged nail to completely grow out. It will be necessary to keep the nail trimmed short if the split has grown all the way out to the tip. Good luck!
Carla
He told me that once the nail starts to split (for whatever reason), the stress from the two split sections will make the new nail tissue split apart as well, so the nail will continue to grow out this way. Use a small amount of liquid super glue along the split (make sure to get close to the cuticle so as to "patch" the split at the source). The glue will reduce the pull exerted on the nail by the two split sections and allow the new tissue to grow normally. Of course, it will take many months for the damaged nail to completely grow out. It will be necessary to keep the nail trimmed short if the split has grown all the way out to the tip. Good luck!
Carla
townes
02-04-2006, 09:58 AM
thanks, worth a try.
Marti
02-04-2006, 03:31 PM
Glue will work to a certain extent, but remember, quick drying glues are not moisture resistant. Instead, go to Sally Beauty Supply and get a bottle of IBD Wrap Resin. It comes in a small bottle with a brush applicator. Also get some silk wrap, a can of 'hurry up' nail dryer, a 240 grit buffer and a three-way buffer.
Buff the surface of the nail lightly with the 240 grit buffer to remove the surface shine adn then wash well to remove any traces of nail dust. Dry real well and wipe the nail surface with alcohol to temporarily remove the natural nail moisture from the nail plate. Apply the resin to the nail plate and lay the silk over the resin, pressing it into the resin with an orangewood stick. Once all the fabric is 'wet' with resin, spray the hurry up from 12" away to cure the resin. Reapply the resin and spray again. Buff with the 240 grit buffer to smooth she surface and use a regular nail file to remove any loose fabric from around the sides and free edge. Buff with the 3-way buffer to further refine the surface, to remove any deep scratches and to buff to a high shine. You will always have to do this to keep the split from causing problems as it reaches the free edge. Do apply the oil as it will keep the nail and the overlay hydrated.
Buff the surface of the nail lightly with the 240 grit buffer to remove the surface shine adn then wash well to remove any traces of nail dust. Dry real well and wipe the nail surface with alcohol to temporarily remove the natural nail moisture from the nail plate. Apply the resin to the nail plate and lay the silk over the resin, pressing it into the resin with an orangewood stick. Once all the fabric is 'wet' with resin, spray the hurry up from 12" away to cure the resin. Reapply the resin and spray again. Buff with the 240 grit buffer to smooth she surface and use a regular nail file to remove any loose fabric from around the sides and free edge. Buff with the 3-way buffer to further refine the surface, to remove any deep scratches and to buff to a high shine. You will always have to do this to keep the split from causing problems as it reaches the free edge. Do apply the oil as it will keep the nail and the overlay hydrated.
townes
02-04-2006, 04:12 PM
Thanks alot