nails cracking vertically - Nail Problems Message Board

heidi rose · 06-10-2009, 05:49 PM

Several nails crack vertically into the nail bed. I can't cut them back any shorter, and they sometimes catch on things and tear back more.

What can I do?

1sunny1 · 06-11-2009, 09:46 AM

I had one nail that kept doing that, it drove me nuts! I gave up and went back to get acrylic nail on so I would quit picking. The bad thing is, it was the acrylic nails that did the damage, well, maybe not the acrylic itself, but the nail person that did the drilling damaged the nail bed. I don't know of anything else to do but have the acrylic put on so I don't pick at it, and like you, it snagged on everything.

Sunny

Marti · 06-15-2009, 06:10 AM

A vertical split can signify permanent damage from a raised 'rail' on the nail bed itself. A swollen or raised rail can virtually push up through the entire nail plate and permanently split it into two sections. No one knows why this happens. YOu can have a silk or fiberglass wrap applied for visual effect, but the split will continue to occur. You mght also try applying a good quality anil and cuticle oil to rehydrate the nail plate.

LauraSomebody · 08-23-2009, 09:16 AM

I need help as well. I don't wear fake nails and I keep my nails sport length. Three years ago I ran over my pinky nail longwise with a box cutter while wallpapering. It didn't hurt at all but it did make a thin line down my nail from cuticle to end. For the past three years, if my nail grows past the quick it immediately splits and splits quite deeply even into the pink skin and it is quite painful. I can clearly see the ridge that grows down the length of the nail. After reading this forum I have learned this is called a raised "rail". I try to buff it down at the cuticle so it won't promote the splitting but it never works and only makes the nail weaker. I've even brushed my nail with a coat of superglue before to harden it and while it temporarily works, it eventually cracks.

I'm frustrated and losing hope - this is not about vanity - it's about the pain when it splits and catches on things and rips down into the skin. The split is one-third over to the side of the nail (meaning it is not split equally down the middle). I'm considering seeing a professional to see if they can just remove that 1/3 portion of the nail entirely but I think this is a drastic measure and will look odd on my hand.

Is there an other alternative? Can surgery do something to that nail ridge (or rail) or to the base of the cuticle where the problem seems to occur to remedy the situation. Is nail bed surgery even common? It seems modern technology can cure the most complex ailments -- why can't they seem to fix a fingernail??

Thank you
Laura

anon2239 · 08-28-2009, 07:18 PM

Mine have been doing this for the last couple of years. Always had wonderful nails until we got a free nail job at work as a christmas gift. Anyway a month ago I read to soak them in 50% vinegar and 50% hydrogrn proxide. Did it for about 3 or 4 days and my nails are doing much, much better. Only started doing it 2 weeks ago. The article also said not to use any clear nail polish as some fungus grows under it. Can also use on toe nails. Worth a try. I am going to do again this weekend.