OT: Splitting fingernails?

MsMary

My fingernails have started to split horizontally in the last month or two, just below where the white tips begin. Have any of you had this issue? Any ideas about possible causes or solutions?

13 years ago

General

17 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

Anonymous

I had similar spliting/peeling fingernails when I had my nails done with shallac polish. Hope you find the sulution.

13 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

It can be some nutrient deficiency. I also read that it can happen if you have low stomach acidity.

13 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I can never grow mine out which is just as well considering I work in healthcare. Luckily I have a long nail bed so they look decent short.
Found these

http://www.mayoclinic.com/heal.....ls/AN01861

http://health.msn.com/health-t.....th-problem

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I know mine split and peeled more the years I was eating low fat (late 80's/ early 90's) and now that I eat more fat and less carbs I don't have the issue.
I never wear polish (okay, maybe once a year).

13 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

I thought that if you wear and change polish very often that this can lead to splitting. Or maybe they are buffed too thin?

13 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

I think it's genetic. I've always had flexible fingernails that tend to split. Maybe that's why I don't like having them long!

Having said that, if this is a new problem for you, perhaps it's an issue of diet. Have you changed your diet in the last year? (Dietary changes can take a while to affect stuff like hair and nails). Adequate protein and fat, as Mo says, seems a good idea. I think iron deficiency can lead to splitting nails. Also, overexposure to water or harsh chemicals can cause problems. The splitting happens more if you wash dishes a lot.

My mom used to swear by gelatin for improving nail strength. I have no idea if she was full of it or if there is some truth to this.

13 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

This happens to me in the winter when my nails seem to get dried out and brittle. Also if I've been wearing and removing a lot of polish.

13 years ago

fashionista

Veteran

Oh I am the same problem. But thanks to all for the suggestions. May be that's because of dietary problems as elisabeth told. Or deficiency of iron, dryness, or thyroid problems. The correct answer may be known only after checkups. So I am having that soon. May be you need it too.
My nails tend to break the similar way espcially the forefingers and thumbs, that we tend to use most often. (bonus pic: my broken nails)

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13 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

I had the same thing and very weak nails too. A friend suggested using whey protein in a smoothie every day so that has been my lunch and it is helping.
I have a simple recipe if you want to try:
Your choice of frozen fruits (banana, berries, papaya, pineapple, etc. I do a random combination plus occasionally beets or fresh avocado)
1 scoop of whey protein - it is a low calorie version from health food store - vanilla flavor
1-2 tbsp lemon flaxseed oil
a small container of yogurt - I use a low sugar version or plain greek
splash of juice or milk - as needed to smooth it all out.

I tried just whey protein and milk and didn't like it. Maybe it is just lack of protein in general that can cause this?

13 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

When mine were splitting like that, one thing I tried was filing my nails differently. Instead of filing a sawing motion, just file one way. It takes longer, but that helped stop my splitting.

13 years ago

Laurie

Veteran

Mary - you may ask to have thyroid tested at your next physical. Nail changes can be a sign of low or overactive thyroid. And, if I may step on my soapbox for 1 second....thyroid deficiency is often overlooked by traditional doctors because it is associated with fatigue and weight gain, 2 things that women get completely dismissed for by an unsympathetic physician.

Stepping down.

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I've also heard about the nutrient deficiency issue - not enough fat and not enough calcium.

13 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I have nails that are very hard but had shellac nails done in December. My nails were splitting and breaking and thin for months after. Lesson learned.

I have also read that it can be a vitamin deficiency but can't remember which one. I have a good book on women and nutrition at home and will check to see if I can find out which vitamin/mineral/nutrient could be the culprit.

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

Well Mary if you have been wearing and removing a lot of nail polish this can happen as the remover is VERY drying. You had good advice regarding health etc. above, so here is mine regarding polish

I know you use Seche Vite as your top coat, so I would recommend two things: 1) Use a base coat so that the SV can adhere to that and not your nail (also protects your nails from getting stained), and 2) use a cuticle moisturizer or oil both when your nails are polished and when they're not. I have VERY strong and thick nails, and I am still prone to chipping and splitting because I wear and remove polish so often.

I highly recommend Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream which is what I use to keep my finger tips and nails purty. Any time I use polish remover (esp. if it's got acetone in it) I use the cuticle cream; great to use it after showering while your nails are warm and watery, too. You want to really rub it in all along the cuticle and on the nail and let dry a few minutes before wiping the excess off. I also use it before bed every other day or so, and more often if I feel my fingers/nails are too dry.

13 years ago

MsMary

Veteran

I haven't changed my diet but I did go through a phase of wearing and removing nail polish for a month or so (I've since slacked off) and I suspect that is the culprit!

Aida, thanks for the cuticle cream rec. I have been looking for something to help my chronically dry and raggedy cuticles!

And I think I will schedule an appointment with my doc for a workup anyway. It's been a while so this is a good reason to make it happen.

13 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

I had very strong nails when I was younger, but now they tend to split vertically and to peel. I'm pretty sure it is not diet in my case. Lately they've been bad again.

I have to add to suggestions to get your thyroid checked. I had to start taking thyroid about five years ago--minimum dose. When my nails got bad I had the levels checked and sure enough, my levels were low and the dose was upped.

It gets tricky once you get past menopause. Most women I know seem to need some supplemental thyroid eventually.

Keep in mind that it takes 3-4 months for a nail to grow out, so the question is, what were you doing, eating etc. last February and March? In my case I've been under a huge amount of stress this entire year and I wonder if that is affecting hormone levels and my current splitting nail problem.

I did read that a biotin supplement might help. I checked the list of foods high in biotin and I get plenty of that, so I have my doubts.

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

Have to add that my occasional splits were horizontal only as you described, none vertical. Due entirely to the polish and remover (and I do have a thyroid disorder). Hope the cuticle cream works for you! I really love it. If your cuticles are perpetually dry, I bet using every night would be a big help.

13 years ago

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