Onychoschizia, commonly known as nail splitting but also known as onychoschisis or lamellar dystrophy, is a condition that causes horizontal splits within the nail plate. Nail splitting is often seen together with onychorrhexis – long-wise (longitudinal) splitting or ridging of the nail plate – and these 2 diseases together are called “brittle nail syndrome.”
Causes of Brittle Nail Syndrome
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Frequent wetting and drying of the hands is the most common cause of nail splitting, so this condition is, therefore, common among house cleaners, nurses, and hairdressers.
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Nail splitting may also be caused by nail cosmetics (hardeners, polish, polish removers/solvents), nail procedures, and occupational exposure to various chemicals (alkalis, acids, cement, solvents, thioglycolates, salt, sugar solutions).
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Injury (trauma) may also play a role in the development of brittle nails.
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Brittle nails may occur due to medical problems, including gland (endocrine system) diseases, tuberculosis, Sjögren syndrome, and malnutrition.
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People with other skin diseases, such as lichen planus and psoriasis, as well as people taking oral medications made from vitamin A, may also develop nail splitting.
Who's at Risk?
Brittle nails affect nearly 20% of the population.
Nail splitting is seen more frequently in women and older individuals.
People in occupations requiring frequent wetting and drying of the hands are at increased risk for nail splitting.
Signs & Symptoms
Nail splitting affects the fingernails and the toenails. The condition may appear as a single horizontal split between layers of the nail plate at the growing end or as multiple splits and loosening of the growing edge of the nail plate.
Horizontal nail splitting may occur along with onychorrhexis, with longitudinal ridging or splitting as well.
Horizontal splits at the origin of the nail plate may be seen in people with psoriasis or lichen planus or in people who use oral medications made from vitamin A.
Prevention
Reduce how often you wet and dry your nails.
Wear plastic or rubber gloves over thin cotton gloves while doing all housework, including food preparation.
Keep the nails trimmed short to reduce worsening of nail splitting.
Soak the nails in water daily, 15 minutes at a time, to increase the water content (hydration) of the nails.
Apply moisturizers (emollients)to improve nail hydration.
Nail-hardening agents containing formaldehyde may increase nail strength, but they should be used cautiously, as they can cause brittleness and other nail problems. Apply these hardeners only to the free edge (growing end) of the nail.
Ozonated Oils for strong nails
Ozonated Castor oil strengthens and lubricates the nails, making them more flexible. Massaging your nails with a few drops of this oil will yield positive effects in just a few days. Your nails will get shinier, and the tips will become white and flexible. Castor oil contains omega fatty acids and protein, which aid in the rapid growth of nails. In addition, the oil contains vitamin E, which promotes nail health.
Ozonated Almond oil helps to naturally restore nail health. Rich in essential antioxidants, Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids and vitamins E, A, B1, B2, and B6, Almond oil coats the nails with rich nutrients that protect them from peeling, cracking, dryness and breakage.
Ozonated Olive oil is one of the best ways to cure brittle nails, thanks to the highly moisturizing quality of olive oil. Brittle nails are severely unmoisturized, and ozonated olive oil has a unique ability to penetrate both the nail beds and the cuticles quickly and impart rich hydration. Olive oil is also packed antioxidants that strengthen the nails, preventing further peeling or breakage down the road.
Ozonated Coconut oil is great for treating brittle and cracked nails as well as damaged cuticles because of its moisturizing properties.
Ozonated Hemp seed oil is full of nutrients that contribute towards repairing and strengthening your nails. Perfect for those who like to grow their nails long!