Cracked nails on hands and feet

Nails, like hair, should always be flawless - and this is an indicator not only of grooming, but also of a woman's overall health. But what to do if unforeseen problems appear - for example, a crack on the nail? Moreover, what to do, if no home methods do not help to cope with the attack?

If the problem does not go away, or even worsens or repeats, then you need to look for the cause in the general state of the body. There is no point in hiding a crack on the nail: it is important to find the provoking factor and neutralize it. If this is successful, the crack will disappear on its own.

Epidemiology

According to statistics, one person out of five has some kind of nail problems. Most often such problems are caused by various internal diseases or skin pathologies. Cracks are most often formed as a result of incorrect manicure procedures, excessively strict diets and vitamin and mineral deficiency, as well as on the background of ignoring the means of hand protection during cleaning, cleaning, washing dishes, etc.

Causes of the nail cracks

Nails have a layered structure: many people have probably noticed that when the nail plate is hit, or when it is squeezed or curled, it can crack. Such a crack gradually increases in size - especially if dust, sand, hairs, etc. Get into the damaged area.

The nail lamina is formed in the root area called the matrix. It can be said that any disturbance occurring in this area can lead to a failure in growth and further incompleteness of the nail. In particular, cracks can also form.

Infections, both fungal and bacterial, can also severely damage the nail plate and root.

Lack of vitamins and minerals, disorders of trophic processes have an extremely negative impact on the development and growth of nail tissue, which eventually becomes weakened, thinning and vulnerable to any external influences.

Violations during manicure work can cause damage to the nail and even directly to the matrix. Cracks on the nail often appear after improper treatment with a file or illiterate cuticle removal.

Even such familiar substances as detergents and cleaning agents (including dishwashing detergents), chlorine, acetone solutions cause damage to the nail. To prevent negative effects, hands should be protected by wearing protective gloves.

Risk factors

Cracked nail appears as a result of a variety of diseases and conditions that can disrupt the formation and growth of the lamina:

• dystrophic processes occurring under the influence of genetic factors (onychogryphosis, leukonychia, platonichia, etc.);
• Pathological nail changes - furrows, detachments, resulting from disorders of the endocrine system;
• systemic diseases, internal diseases - for example, chronic problems with the kidneys, cardiovascular or respiratory system;
• dermatologic pathologies such as eczema or psoriasis;
• mechanical or chemical damage;
• avitaminosis, disorders of mineral and water-salt metabolism.

Pathogenesis

The nail plate, as well as the skin and hair, belongs to the horny structures. The nail is essentially a large number of lamellar layers, with keratin fibers located between them. In this case, the degree of strength of the plate depends on the concentration of cysteine acid in them, which is usually genetically determined.

The nail is colorless by nature and its structure consists of pores, which ensures adequate air exchange and moisturizing processes. The layers and the areas between them are filled with fat and moisture, which together ensure the elasticity and healthy appearance of the nail. If there is a deficiency of moisture or fat, the structure of the nail deteriorates, the layers separate from each other, and cracks may occur.

The formation of the nail begins with the matrix zone. This area has an excellent blood supply: the rich pink color of the initially transparent nail plate is proof of this. If the blood supply is impaired for any reason, the health and appearance of the nail invariably suffers.

Nail roller, in the absence of damage on it, is designed to cover the plate from external unfavorable influences, including from infectious invasion.

Symptoms of the nail cracks

Symptomatology in the appearance of cracked nails is usually very indicative and noticeable. Probably, any person who cares about his or her own health will notice changes in the hands and feet quite quickly.

The first signs of pathology are different, and their appearance should be reacted to immediately:

• change in the color shade of the nails, the appearance of grayish or yellowish streaks;
• thickening or thinning of the lamina, detachment, chipping;
• zonal destruction of the nail, inflammatory processes in the peri-nail area.

Usually all of the above symptoms are clearly visible and allow you to start treatment in time. Sometimes there are additional disorders in the form of pain, itching, swelling of the affected finger. In such a case, it is necessary to see a medical specialist as soon as possible.

A crack on the finger nail, caused by mechanical trauma, is often accompanied by pain, other unpleasant sensations. If nothing is done, the plate can even split, which further aggravates the problem. Fingers are easily contaminated, which contributes to the rapid penetration of infection into the damaged tissue: as a result, inflammation occurs, up to an increase in body temperature and the appearance of signs of general intoxication.

Cracked toenails are especially painful, because a person has to walk in shoes, which creates additional pressure on the damaged area. In this case, fungal infection often joins, because closed shoes usually have optimal conditions for the growth and development of fungus. Treatment of such pathology is long, requiring considerable effort and patience on the part of the patient.

A crack on the finger near the nail can also be a sign of mycosis, and if not treated, the lesion will quickly spread directly to the nail plate. However, skin cracks caused by dehydration, avitaminosis, hormonal problems, on the nails usually do not spread, although they themselves cause considerable discomfort. You should be especially wary if the skin cracks against the background of diabetes: infection in this situation is especially dangerous and can lead to very unpleasant consequences. [1]

A longitudinal crack on the nail may be related to onychorexis, a disease in which the laminae split and splinter longitudinally. [2] In most patients, such pathology is the result of a dystrophic process associated with metabolic disorders. Thus, a crack along the nail on the hand is often caused by such malfunctions:

• dermatologic diseases (mycoses, psoriasis, eczema);
• Injuries (including nail injuries);
• exposure to chemicals, aggressive solutions;
• frequent stress, neuroses;
• blood disorders;
• infectious pathologies.

Hand nails are always more likely to suffer from cracks and delaminations, and this is despite the fact that fungal infection is more "fond" of feet and toes. Vertical crack on the nail can exist as an isolated, as well as in a plurality. Dissection of the plate usually starts from the free side, gradually deepening to the nail base, and sometimes widening.

But the crack under the nail on the hand is rarely related to onychorexis and is provoked mainly by getting under the plate of a foreign body: such can be a needle, wire, thorns of plants, etc. Damage is accompanied by unpleasant sensations, even pain. In case of deep trauma, suppuration may develop.

Transverse nail cracking has many causes in common with onychorexis:

• Improper manicure work, violations during grinding and filing;
• regular traumatic injuries (e.g., in patients engaged in certain activities: musicians, furniture assemblers, etc.).

Often white cracks on the nails are the result of a common bad habit of nail chewing: especially often this problem can be found in children of primary school age.

Constant mechanical influences can lead to the fact that a fairly large crack is formed on the nail of the thumb and toe. Such a violation is characterized by the fact that as the plate grows, it will diverge to the sides, simultaneously violating the structure of soft tissues and causing pronounced painful sensations. In such a situation, the plate is recommended to glue antibacterial plaster or cover with shellac: a strong layer of gel-lacquer will hold the split and will not allow the infection to penetrate. As the nail grows back, it is trimmed until the crack disappears.

The same is done if cracks form on the nails. The procedure is performed in a salon, by a professional specialist.

Cracked toenails in a child

Problems with nails in children always require medical advice, because there are quite a few reasons for the malfunction. And it is not only infections, skin or systemic diseases. It is necessary to pay attention to the mental state of the child, his mood, behavior. Children's neuroses and stresses are almost always reflected in the state of health. In addition, children often like to bite their nails: this is due not only to constant nervous tension, but also to the lack of certain vitamins and trace elements in the body.

Other possible factors should not be ruled out:

• mechanical blows to the nail phalanx;
• infections (fungal or microbial);
• allergic processes;
• dermatologic problems, endocrinologic, vascular or neurologic disorders;
• Taking medications (e.g., antibiotics) for a long time;
• improper dietary regimen.

In all cases, the appearance of fissures in children requires consultation not only with a pediatrician, but also with a dermatologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist.

Complications and consequences

Cracked nails can progress, if you do not pay due attention to their treatment and prevention. Such neglect of the problem in most cases leads to an unfavorable result: infection (most often - fungal) joins, and external disorders are complemented by unpleasant sensations in the form of pain, burning, itching and so on.

In addition, with the prolonged existence of pathology suffers and the general immunity, which affects the entire state of the body:

• chronic illnesses worsen;
• allergic processes appear;
• increases the risk of infection spreading to the nail plates.

When a crack grows on the nail for a long period of time, the problem can acquire a chronic course: the immune defense weakens, and it becomes increasingly difficult to get rid of the attack.

It is better to treat any disease in time: this also applies to disorders of the skin and appendages.

Diagnostics of the nail cracks

In case of cracks on the nails, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. He will examine the nail plates under a special light, assess their general condition and indicators of density, color shade, transparency, etc. Accurately determine the root cause of cracks is often possible with the help of microscopic method, spectral trace element analysis, study of the level of vitamins in the body. In some cases, it is necessary to consult with doctors of narrow specialization - for example, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, surgeon, etc.

Laboratory tests are performed after taking a piece of nail plate: the probability of fungal, streptococcal and staphylococcal infections is assessed. Additionally, blood is examined to detect internal diseases in the body - for example, inflammatory processes, anemia, etc.

Instrumental diagnostics is used in case of suspicion of any internal problems in the body. For example, ultrasound examination of abdominal organs, thyroid gland, chest X-ray, etc. May be prescribed.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is carried out with such pathologies:

• Onychomycosis is a fungal nail lesion;
• nail psoriasis (often occurs against a background of skin psoriasis);
• Nail eczema (usually accompanies chronic eczema of the feet and hands);
• traumatic injuries to the fingers;
• chemical influences (exposure to acids, alkalis, petroleum products, frequent use of gel varnishes, etc.);
• red squamous lichen (spreads to the nail plates in generalized or atypical form of the disease);
• avitaminosis, demineralization processes, systemic diseases.

Treatment of the nail cracks

Treatment of cracked nails is carried out comprehensively, with mandatory care procedures and nutritional correction. Sometimes it helps to cut off the damaged area with scissors: over time, a new healthy area grows. To prevent the crack from repeating, the plate is glued with an antimicrobial plaster until its full regrowth. If the damage is significant and involves the entire nail surface, a surgeon may need to intervene.

When the root cause of the problem is a disease of internal organs, or a systemic disease, it is absolutely necessary to visit a doctor and conduct a thorough diagnosis. If the underlying pathology is not eliminated, it will be almost impossible to get rid of fissures permanently.

If the lesion was provoked by contact with aggressive chemical solutions, then it is necessary to take measures to protect the hands - for example, regularly wear rubber gloves.

The problem associated with fungal infection is solved by the doctor on an individual basis. For example, neglected mycoses are treated for a long time - for several months or even up to a year. It is possible to use systemic antifungal drugs: Fluconazole, Intraconazole, Terbinafine, Ketoconazole. In addition, it is recommended to include external treatment, including baths with a solution of potassium manganese acid, salt and sodium bicarbonate.

In some cases, the doctor prescribes a specific treatment with 1-2% tinol or 5% chrysarobin with chloroform. After the procedure, an antifungal agent is applied. Such treatment is continued for at least 2 weeks, after which the affected area is cut off and continue to apply an antifungal agent under a leukoplasty for another month. Such treatment is more often prescribed to patients whose crack problem is associated with eczema or dermatitis. The total duration of therapy - until the regrowth of a fully healthy nail plate.

Other topical preparations such as Exoderil, Bifonazole, Fucorcin, etc. May be used.

Internally, it is recommended to take special multivitamin and mineral complexes.

Medicines that your doctor can prescribe

Fluconazole	An antifungal agent prescribed by a doctor, selecting individual dosages depending on the type and severity of the infection. Possible adverse reactions: headache, sleep disturbances, general weakness, lethargy.
Terbinafine	It is used for onychomycosis, usually in the amount of 250 mg once a day. Treatment can be long term, for several weeks or even months. The drug is usually well accepted by the body, and side effects are rare or mild.
Exoderil	An antifungal agent for external application. As a rule, Exoderil is used for application to the affected areas twice a day, for several months (up to six months). Adverse reactions are isolated and expressed in local manifestations (redness, itching, local skin irritation).
Fucorcin	Antiseptic and disinfectant with broad antimicrobial and antifungal activity. It is used for treatment of affected areas up to 3 times a day. Duration of application - until the complete disappearance of symptoms of fissure. Fucorcin is not prescribed for children under 12 years of age.
Calcium D3 Nicomed	Chewable tablets with calcium help strengthen nails and improve their structure. Take 1 tablet twice a day. During treatment, hypersensitivity reactions, digestive disorders are possible.
Calcemin	A combination of calcium citrate and carbonate. It is prescribed for children from five years of age and adults. The average daily dose is 2 tablets. The duration of intake is determined individually. Side effects are extremely rare and are expressed in the form of allergic reactions or nausea.

How to fix a cracked nail?

If the problem of a crack appeared suddenly - for example, after mechanical damage to the plate - then it is better to visit a master manicurist who will be able to "fix" the defect professionally. Such a procedure is better to do as soon as possible, otherwise the situation will worsen.

When it is not possible to visit a nail salon, it is recommended to take the following steps:

• polish the affected nail surface with a fine-grained file (non-metallic);
• on the polished area apply glue base (for convenience you can use a brush for manicure);
• when the glue dries, on the treated place you need to put a miniature piece of silk, and then fix it twice on top of the glue;
• After the glue has dried, the place should be treated again with a file or buff and covered with a fixing varnish.

In extreme cases, you can do without glue and silk cloth, using a piece of ordinary napkin and transparent varnish. However, this procedure will not have such a long-lasting effect, but it will help to "last" until professional restoration in the salon.

Vitamins for cracked nails

To prevent or accelerate the healing of a crack on the nail, it is necessary to ensure the intake of essential vitamin substances into the body. It is no secret that the lack of vitamins and minerals leads to drying, brittleness, deformation and pallor of skin appendages. How to properly compensate for this deficiency?

The optimal solution is to revise the diet, thanks to which we can get basic and easily digestible substances. Pharmaceutical preparations are also suitable, but their absorption is somewhat worse (in addition, pharmacy products can cause allergies in the patient). In any case, it is better to consult a doctor on this matter.

In case of excessive dryness and brittleness with thickening of the nail plate edges, iodine, calcium or magnesium deficiency, or vitamins A and E are usually suspected. These vitamins are fat-soluble: this means that they can be digested only in conjunction with fats. This is why tocopherol and retinol deficiencies are often observed in women who follow strict diets with reduced fat intake.

Calcium is an important component found in cheese, dairy products, cabbage, greens and nuts. To improve calcium absorption, it is best taken in combination with vitamin D: the latter is produced by the body under the influence of sunlight.

Iodine is a very necessary trace element for the body, which is present in sufficient amounts in seafood, greens, carrots, pineapples. Thanks to iodine, the normal function of the thyroid gland is improved, and hair and nail plates become stronger.

Magnesium is a key component found in beans, nuts, cheese, cereals, bananas and berries. In addition to magnesium, food plants are rich in silicon: in the absence of this element, nails become brittle and microcracks may appear.

Improve the condition and accelerate the healing of cracked nails can be included in the diet dishes from gelatin. The menu can be represented by meat or fish pouring, jellies, mousses, etc. Thanks to gelatin, it is often possible to improve not only the condition of the nails, but also the joints.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

Physiotherapy procedures are performed using special equipment, which is usually installed in physiotherapy rooms. Treatment can be carried out both in outpatient and inpatient settings.

The procedures involve exposure to different types of energy - these include quantum, magnetic, electrical and ultrasound. To get rid of cracked nails, the doctor may prescribe:

• ultra-high-frequency therapy;
• electrophoresis;
• phonophoresis;
• laser treatment;
• shockwave therapy;
• X-ray therapy, etc.

It should be taken into account that physiotherapy will not be able to eradicate the cause of the appearance of cracks on the nails. Therefore, in the course of treatment, additional methods are used, aimed at eliminating the initial factor. If this is not done, the problem may soon recur.

Folk treatment

A lot of folk recipes exist to strengthen the nails and prevent pathological changes in them. The simplest ways to get rid of cracks are considered the following:

• An affordable and simple remedy for cracked nails is vegetable oil infused with herbs. It is not difficult to prepare it: take fresh or dried herbs (sage, tarragon, cilantro, or even carrot tops), chop and pour unrefined vegetable oil. The amount of oil is determined visually: it should completely cover the layer of greens, but not more than that. The remedy is insisted in the cupboard for 2 days, after which the treatment begins. Take 1 tbsp. Of oil half an hour before breakfast, daily, and also rub into the nail plates twice a day (in the morning and at night).
• In the lack of calcium collect eggshells, well washed and dried, calcined on a hot dry frying pan, ground in a coffee grinder. The resulting powder is stored in a tightly corked container, preferably in the refrigerator. Take internally, 1 tsp. Daily, with food, for 2-3 weeks. Such calcium from the shell is assimilated much better than most pharmacy preparations.
• Prepare ointment for cracks. Mix 20 ml of marigold oil, half a boiled chicken yolk and 3 g of beeswax, preheated with a water bath. The remedy is stirred without removing from the fire and brought to the consistency of sour cream. The remedy is used to rub into the nails at night.

Herbal treatment

• Every day, several times a day drink freshly brewed infusion of horsetail. This plant is known for its diuretic properties, but few people know that it also perfectly copes with various diseases of the nails and hair. In a day should drink at least 2 glasses of infusion.
• Prepare a medicinal collection of three parts of elderflower, two parts of wheatgrass root, and one part of nettle leaves, alder fruit and shepherd's purse. Take one teaspoon of the mixture, pour 250 ml of boiling water in a thermos, insist overnight, the morning filtered. Drink a ten-day course, three times a day 100 ml. Every day you need to prepare a fresh infusion.
• Prepare an external remedy from 15 ml of aloe juice, 1 tbsp. Of homemade cream, 20 drops of sea buckthorn and turpentine oil, the same amount of marigold oil. All ingredients are mixed, rub into the nail plates 2-3 times a day, daily.

Homeopathy

In many cases, in the appearance of cracks on the nails with the problem helps to cope with homeopathy. We are talking about specific, effective and safe drugs that are allowed to take both adults and children. The main thing is to find a good homeopathic doctor who will select the optimal remedy. The choice can be made in favor of such homeopathic remedies:

• Thuja occidentalis - prescribed for the treatment of brittle, crumbling nails, peeling, deformed nails, etc. It also helps with nail psoriasis.
• Sepia - used for cracks located on the free edge side, as well as for frequent burrs, yellowness, and plate deformation.
• Acidum fluoricum - can be used if the nails are breaking, covered with cracks, furrows, longitudinal stripes.
• Alumina - helps with dry skin and cracked blistered nail plates.
• Antimonium crudum - will help if the nails are covered with cracks, crevices, outgrowths, as well as with subnail hyperkeratosis.
• Arsenicum album - prescribed for thinning and brittle plates.
• Graphites - helps with warping, thickening and cracking.
• Psorinum - used for brittleness and fragility.

If the cracks on the nails are due to fungal infection, remedies such as Silicea terra, Argilla, Veronica officinalis are beneficial. Painful cracks are eliminated with Berberis vulgaris.

The dosages of the remedies are individualized and determined by a homeopathic specialist.

Surgical treatment

In some situations, when drug treatment does not have the necessary effect, it is necessary to resort to cardinal methods - for example, the removal of the nail plate. The procedure is carried out in several ways:

• Laser method involves the use of a laser beam with a diameter of less than 1 mm. The beam simultaneously removes both the affected nail and the fungal pathogen, has a gentle effect, prevents recurrence of mycosis.
• Surgical intervention is most often used if the disease is neglected: the surgeon uses a scalpel to separate the plate from the base and remove it, after which he washes the wound with an antibacterial agent. The patient can go home almost immediately after the procedure.
• Chemical removal involves the use of a special tape and a chemical ointment reagent. The tape with ointment is kept on the affected nail for about four days, after which it is removed together with the softened plate.
• The radio wave method is a kind of "vaporization" of the affected nail areas. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so patients tolerate the session without much discomfort and can start normal daily activities on the second day after the intervention.

Prevention

Cracked nails are not only unsightly, they indicate serious health problems in the body. To avoid this problem, you should properly care for your nails, as well as nourish and moisturize - and not only the fingers, but also the entire body. To do this, it is enough to follow relatively simple preventive recommendations.

• You should not clean the house or wash dishes without wearing rubber gloves beforehand. As for your feet, you should watch the quality and cleanliness of your shoes on the inside: shoes should not steam, should be fresh and clean, free of unpleasant odors, moisture and dirt.
• You should not chew and pick your nails, try to correct some defects - for example, ingrowth: this should be handled by a specialist.
• It is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene, wash hands and feet regularly, prevent the development of fungal infection.
• Manicures and pedicures should only be done by professionals in trusted salons.
• It is necessary to eat right, drink enough fluids during the day, lead a healthy lifestyle. The diet should consist of about 70% vegetables, fruits and greens.

The listed recommendations are not complicated, but they help to maintain the health, strength and beautiful appearance of the nail plates.

Forecast

If timely use of adequate treatment, selected taking into account the root cause of the problem, the crack on the nail will have a favorable prognosis. In the absence of treatment, the crack can complicate: for example, often appear inflammatory foci, deformed plate, joins and spreads infection. Timely measures will help to avoid trouble and keep your hands and feet healthy.