Cracked nails on hands and feet

Nails, like hair, should always be impeccable - and this is an indicator not only of grooming, but also of the general health of a woman. But what if unexpected problems appear - for example, a crack in the nail? Moreover, what to do if no home methods help to cope with the misfortune?

If the problem does not go away, or even worsens or recurs, then you need to look for the cause in the general condition of the body. There is no point in hiding a crack in 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 in five has some kind of nail problem. 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 due to ignoring hand protection during cleaning, scrubbing, washing dishes, etc.

Causes nail cracks

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

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

Infections, both fungal and bacterial, can also cause severe damage to the nail plate and root.

Lack of vitamins and minerals, disturbances of trophic processes have an extremely negative effect on the development and growth of nail tissue, which ultimately becomes weakened, thinned and vulnerable to any external influences.

Violations during manicure work can cause damage to the nail and even the matrix itself. Cracks in the nail often appear after improper filing or improper removal of the cuticle.

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

Risk factors

A crack in the nail appears as a result of a variety of diseases and conditions that can disrupt the formation and growth of the nail plate:

• dystrophic processes occurring under the influence of genetic factors (we are talking about onychogryphosis, leukonychia, platonychia, etc.);
• pathological nail changes – grooves, detachments, arising as a result of disorders of the endocrine system;
• systemic diseases, internal diseases – for example, chronic problems with the kidneys, cardiovascular or respiratory system;
• dermatological pathologies such as eczema or psoriasis;
• mechanical or chemical damage;
• avitaminosis, mineral and water-salt metabolism disorders.

Pathogenesis

The nail plate, as well as the skin and hair, belongs to the horny structures. The nail is essentially a large number of plate-like layers, with keratin fibers located between them. At the same time, the strength of the plate depends on the concentration of cysteine acid in them, which is usually genetically determined.

The nail is naturally colorless, and its structure consists of pores, which ensures adequate air exchange and moisturizing processes. The layers and areas between them are filled with fat and moisture, which together provide elasticity and a healthy appearance of the nail. With a lack of moisture or fat, the structure of the nails deteriorates, the layers separate from each other, cracks may occur.

Nail formation begins with the matrix zone. This zone has excellent blood supply: evidence of this is the rich pink shade of the initially transparent nail plate. If the blood supply deteriorates for any reason, the health and appearance of the nail invariably suffers.

The nail fold, if there is no damage on it, is designed to cover the plate from external adverse effects, including from infectious invasion.

Symptoms nail cracks

The symptoms of cracks in nails are usually very indicative and noticeable. Probably, any person who cares about their own health will quickly notice changes in their hands and feet.

The first signs of pathology can be different, and their appearance should be responded to immediately:

• change in the color of the nails, the appearance of grayish or yellowish stripes;
• compaction or thinning of the plate, detachment, appearance of chips;
• zonal destruction of the nail, inflammatory processes in the periungual area.

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

A crack in a fingernail caused by mechanical injuries is often accompanied by pain and other unpleasant sensations. If nothing is done, the plate can even split into two, 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.

Cracks in toenails are especially painful, because a person has to wear shoes that create additional pressure on the damaged area. Fungal infection often joins in, because closed shoes usually provide optimal conditions for the growth and development of fungus. Treatment of such a pathology is long, requiring considerable effort and patience from the patient.

A crack on the finger near the nail can also be a sign of mycosis, and if left untreated, the lesion will quickly spread directly to the nail plate. However, skin cracks caused by dehydration, vitamin deficiency, hormonal problems usually do not spread to the nails, 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 in the nail may be related to onychorrhexis, a disease in which the nail plates split and chip longitudinally. [ 2 ] In most patients, this pathology is the result of a dystrophic process associated with metabolic disorders. Thus, a crack along the fingernail is often caused by the following problems:

• dermatological diseases (mycosis, psoriasis, eczema);
• injuries (including manicure injuries);
• exposure to chemicals, aggressive solutions;
• frequent stress, neuroses;
• blood diseases;
• infectious pathologies.

Fingernails always suffer more often from cracks and peeling, and this despite the fact that fungal infection "loves" feet and toes more. A vertical crack on a nail can exist both separately and in multiple quantities. The plate divergence usually begins from the free side, gradually deepening to the nail base, and sometimes widening.

But a crack under a fingernail is rarely related to onychorrhexis and is provoked mainly by a foreign body getting under the plate: this could be a needle, wire, plant thorns, etc. The damage is accompanied by unpleasant sensations, even pain. With deep trauma, suppuration may develop.

A transverse crack in the nail has many common causes with onychorrhexis:

• improper performance of manicure work, violations during grinding and filing;
• regular traumatic injuries (for example, in patients engaged in certain types of activities: musicians, furniture assemblers, etc.).

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

Constant mechanical impacts can lead to the formation of a fairly large crack on the nail of the big toe and toe. This disorder is characterized by the fact that as the plate grows, it will diverge to the sides, simultaneously disrupting the structure of soft tissues and causing severe pain. In such a situation, it is recommended to glue the plate with an antibacterial patch or cover it with shellac: a strong layer of gel polish will hold the split and prevent infection. As the nail grows, it is trimmed until the crack disappears.

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

Cracks in the nails of a child

Problems with nails in childhood always require a doctor's consultation, since there are many reasons for the problem. And these are not only infections, skin or systemic diseases. It is necessary to pay attention to the child's mental state, mood, behavior. Childhood neuroses and stress almost always affect health. In addition, children often like to bite their nails: this is associated not only with constant nervous tension, but also with a lack of certain vitamins and microelements in the body.

Other possible factors should not be excluded:

• mechanical impacts to the nail phalanx;
• infections (fungal or microbial);
• allergic processes;
• dermatological problems, endocrinological, vascular or neurological disorders;
• long-term use of medications (eg, antibiotics);
• incorrect diet.

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

Complications and consequences

Cracks in nails can progress if you do not pay due attention to their treatment and prevention. Such ignoring the problem in most cases leads to an unfavorable result: an infection (usually fungal) joins in, and external disorders are supplemented by unpleasant sensations in the form of pain, burning, itching, etc.

In addition, with the long-term existence of the pathology, the general immunity also suffers, which affects the entire condition of the body:

• chronic diseases are exacerbated;
• allergic processes appear;
• the risk of infection spreading beyond the nail plates increases.

When a crack in the nail grows over a long period of time, the problem can become chronic: the immune defense weakens, and it becomes increasingly difficult to get rid of the problem.

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

Diagnostics nail cracks

If cracks appear on your nails, you should consult a dermatologist. He will examine your nail plates under a special light, evaluate their general condition and indicators of density, color shade, transparency, etc. It is often possible to accurately determine the root cause of cracks using a microscopic method, spectral microelement analysis, and a study of the level of vitamins in the body. In some cases, you have to consult with doctors of a narrow specialization - for example, a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, surgeon, etc.

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

Instrumental diagnostics are used when there is a suspicion of any internal problems in the body. For example, an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, thyroid gland, chest X-ray, etc. may be prescribed.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics are carried out with the following pathologies:

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

Treatment nail cracks

Treatment of cracks in nails is carried out in a comprehensive manner, with mandatory care procedures and nutritional correction. Sometimes, simply cutting off the damaged area with scissors helps: over time, a new healthy area grows back. To prevent the crack from recurring, the plate is glued with an antimicrobial patch until it completely grows back. If the damage is significant and covers the entire nail surface, then surgical intervention may be required.

When the root cause of the problem is a disease of internal organs or a systemic disease, it is imperative to visit a doctor and undergo a thorough diagnosis. If the underlying pathology is not eliminated, it will be almost impossible to get rid of cracks forever.

If the injury was caused by contact with aggressive chemical solutions, then it is necessary to take measures to protect your hands – for example, regularly wear rubber gloves.

The problem associated with a fungal infection is solved by a doctor on an individual basis. For example, advanced 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. Additionally, it is recommended to connect external treatment, including baths with a solution of potassium permanganate, salt and sodium bicarbonate.

In some cases, the doctor prescribes a specific treatment using 1-2% tinol or 5% chrysarobin with chloroform. After the procedure, an antifungal agent is applied. This treatment continues for at least 2 weeks, after which the affected area is filed down and the antifungal drug is continued to be applied under an adhesive plaster 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 is until a completely healthy nail plate grows back.

It is also possible to use other topical medications, such as Exoderil, Bifonazole, Fukortsin, etc.

It is recommended to take special multivitamin-mineral complexes internally.

Medicines that a doctor may prescribe

Fluconazole	An antifungal drug prescribed by a doctor, selecting individual dosages depending on the type and severity of the infection. Possible side effects: 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	Antifungal agent for external use. As a rule, Exoderil is applied to the affected areas twice a day for several months (up to six months). Side effects are isolated and are expressed in local manifestations (redness, itching, local irritation of the skin).
Fukortsin	Antiseptic and disinfectant with broad antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Used to treat affected areas up to 3 times a day. Duration of use - until the symptoms of the crack completely disappear. Fukortsin is not prescribed to children under 12 years of age.
Calcium D 3 Nycomed	Chewable tablets with calcium help strengthen nails and improve their structure. Take 1 tablet twice a day. Hypersensitivity reactions and digestive disorders are possible during treatment.
Calcemin	A combination of calcium citrate and carbonate. Prescribed for children from the age of five and adults. The average daily dose is 2 tablets. The duration of administration is determined individually. Side effects are extremely rare and are expressed in the form of allergic reactions or nausea.

How to repair a crack in a nail?

If the problem of a crack appeared suddenly - for example, after mechanical damage to the plate - then it is better to visit a manicurist who will be able to "fix" the defect professionally. It is better to do such a procedure 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:

• buff the affected nail surface yourself with a fine-grained file (non-metallic);
• apply an adhesive base to the polished area (for convenience, you can use a manicure brush);
• when the glue dries, you need to place a miniature piece of silk on the treated area, and then fix it on top twice with glue;
• After the glue has dried, the area 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 fabric, using a piece of ordinary napkin and transparent varnish. True, this procedure will not have such a long-lasting effect, but will help "hold out" until the moment of professional restoration in the salon.

Vitamins for cracked nails

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

The optimal solution would be to review the diet, thanks to which we will be able to obtain basic and easily digestible substances. Pharmaceuticals are also suitable, but their absorption is somewhat worse (in addition, pharmaceutical products can cause allergies in the patient). In any case, it is better to consult a doctor about this.

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

Calcium is an important component found in cheeses, fermented milk 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 microelement for the body, which is present in sufficient quantities in seafood, greens, carrots, pineapples. Thanks to iodine, the normal function of the thyroid gland is established, and hair and nail plates become stronger.

Magnesium is a key component found in beans, nuts, cheeses, cereals, bananas and berries. In addition to magnesium, food plants are rich in silicon: without this element, nails become brittle and microcracks may appear.

You can improve the condition and speed up the healing of cracks in the nails by including gelatin dishes in your diet. The menu can be represented by meat or fish aspic, jelly, mousses, etc. Thanks to gelatin, it is often possible to improve not only the condition of the nails, but also the joints.

Physiotherapy treatment

To perform physiotherapy procedures, special equipment is used, which is usually installed in physical therapy rooms. Treatment can be carried out both in outpatient and inpatient settings.

The procedures involve the impact of different types of energy - quantum, magnetic, electrical and ultrasound. To get rid of cracks in the nail, the doctor may prescribe:

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

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

Folk remedies

There are many folk recipes for strengthening nails and preventing pathological changes in them. The simplest ways to get rid of cracks are considered to be the following:

• An affordable and simple remedy for cracked nails is vegetable oil infused with herbs. It is easy to prepare: take fresh or dried herbs (sage, tarragon, cilantro, or even carrot tops will do), chop and pour unrefined vegetable oil. The amount of oil is determined visually: it should completely cover the layer of herbs, but no more. The remedy is infused in the cupboard for 2 days, after which treatment begins. Take 1 tbsp. of oil half an hour before breakfast, daily, and also rub into the nail plates twice a day (morning and night).
• If there is a calcium deficiency, collect the eggshells, wash them well and dry them, heat them in a hot dry frying pan, and grind them in a coffee grinder. Store the resulting powder in a tightly sealed container, preferably in the refrigerator. Take 1 teaspoon daily with food for 2-3 weeks. This calcium from the shell is absorbed much better than from most pharmaceutical preparations.
• Prepare an ointment for cracks. Mix 20 ml of marigold oil, half a boiled chicken yolk and 3 g of beeswax, preheated using a water bath. Stir the product without removing from the heat and bring to the consistency of sour cream. Rub the product into the nails at night.

Herbal treatment

• Drink freshly brewed horsetail infusion daily, several times a day. This plant is known for its diuretic properties, but few people know that it also copes well with various nail and hair diseases. You should drink at least 2 glasses of infusion per day.
• A medicinal mixture is prepared from three parts elderberry flowers, two parts couch grass root, and one part nettle leaves, alder fruits, and shepherd's purse. Take one teaspoon of the resulting mixture, pour 250 ml of boiling water into a thermos, leave overnight, and filter in the morning. Drink for ten days, three times a day, 100 ml. A fresh infusion should be prepared every day.
• An external remedy is prepared from 15 ml of aloe juice, 1 tbsp. of homemade cream, 20 drops of sea buckthorn and burdock oils, the same amount of marigold oil. All ingredients are mixed, rubbed into the nail plates 2-3 times a day, daily.

Homeopathy

In many cases, homeopathy can help to cope with the problem of cracked nails. We are talking about specific, effective and safe drugs that can be taken by both adults and children. The main thing is to find a good homeopathic doctor who will select the best remedy. The choice can be made in favor of the following homeopathic drugs:

• Thuja oxidentalis - is prescribed to treat brittle, crumbling nails, when they peel off, become deformed, etc. It also helps with nail psoriasis.
• Sepia - used for cracks located on the free edge, as well as frequent hangnails, yellowing, and deformation of the plates.
• Acidum fluoricum – can be used if nails break, become covered with cracks, furrows, and longitudinal stripes.
• Alumina – helps with dry skin and cracked, swollen nails.
• Antimonium crudum - will help if nails are covered with cracks, crevices, growths, and also with subungual hyperkeratosis.
• Arsenicum album - prescribed for thinning and fragility of the plates.
• Graphites – helps against deformation, thickening and cracks.
• Psorinum - used for brittleness and fragility.

If nail cracks are caused by a fungal infection, then such remedies as Silicea terra, Argilla, Veronica officinalis are beneficial. Painful cracks are eliminated with the help of Berberis vulgaris.

The dosage of the drugs is individual and is determined by a homeopathic specialist.

Surgical treatment

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

• The 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, and prevents relapse of mycosis.
• Surgical intervention is most often used if the disease is advanced: 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 the ointment is kept on the affected nail for about four days, after which it is removed along with the softened plate.
• The radio wave method is a kind of "evaporation" of the affected nail areas. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so patients endure the session without any particular discomfort and can resume their normal daily activities on the second day after the intervention.

Prevention

Cracks in 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 them - and not only your fingers, but your entire body. To do this, it is enough to follow relatively simple preventive recommendations.

• You should not clean the house or wash dishes without putting on rubber gloves first. As for your feet, you need to monitor the quality and cleanliness of your shoes from the inside: shoes should not steam, should be fresh and clean, without unpleasant odors, moisture and dirt.
• You must not bite or pick your nails, or try to correct certain defects, such as ingrown nails: this should be done by a specialist.
• It is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene, regularly wash your hands and feet, and prevent the development of fungal infections.
• Manicures and pedicures should only be done by specialists in trusted salons.
• You need to eat right, drink enough liquids throughout the day, and lead a healthy lifestyle. The diet should consist of about 70% vegetables, fruits, and greens.

The listed recommendations are simple, but they help to maintain the health, strength and beautiful appearance of the nail plates.

Forecast

If you use adequate treatment in a timely manner, selected taking into account the root cause of the problem, then a crack in the nail will have a favorable prognosis. Without treatment, a crack can become complicated: for example, inflammatory foci often appear, the plate is deformed, an infection joins and spreads. Timely measures will help to avoid troubles and maintain the health of your hands and feet.