split nail - Nail Problems Message Board

townes · 01-29-2006, 03:50 PM

The nail on my middle finger keeps splitting vertically. What is the cause and what can be done to stop this from happening?

Marti · 02-01-2006, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by townes

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.

townes · 02-01-2006, 11:16 AM

Thanks, I will try the nail and cuticle oil first, then move to the artificial nail if needed.

colac · 02-04-2006, 12:55 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

townes · 02-04-2006, 06:58 AM

thanks, worth a try.