Dry, splitting fingernails, or onychoschiziam, is a common problem in both men and women, although it occurs most often in women. Oxychoschinziam occurs when moisture is lost in the nail beds, resulting in dry, brittle, splitting fingernails. Placing your fingernails in water or exposing them to chemicals are the major causes of the dryness. However, you can treat and prevent dryness in your fingernails.
Moisture Loss
Moisture loss is the primary cause of dryness in fingernails. As you age, the nail bed's natural oils and moisture are reduced, causing brittle and dry fingernails. According the Hooked On Nails website, brittle nails are characterized by vertical splitting or separation of the nail plate layers at the distal edge of the nail plate, which is a natural part of the aging process.
Water
Placing your hands in and out of water repetitively throughout the day or being in low-humidity environments, such as during the winter months, contributes to water and natural oil loss in your fingernails, resulting in dryness. According to University of Mississippi Health Care experts, studies have shown that repetitive and prolonged wetting and drying of the fingernails is the single most common cause of splitting and fissuring of the distal nail tips.
Chemical Exposure
Exposing your nails to chemicals can cause your nails to dry out and split. Chemicals such as household cleaners and detergents can contribute to the natural oil loss in your nail beds. Additionally, repeated exposure to acrylic or press-on nails as well as acetone fingernail polish remover will dry out and damage your fingernails.
Prevention
Preventing moisture loss in your nail beds is essential to avoid dry, splitting fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves on your hands when exposed to water or when cleaning with household chemicals and detergents. Keep your nails neatly trimmed and filed to avoid further splitting. Additionally, limit polishing your nails to once a week. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, a once-a-week application of clear nail polish containing nylon fibers may help by adding strength to your nails.
Treatment
Treatment of dry nails should begin with avoiding water and harsh soap exposure and remoisturizing hands and fingernails often throughout the day. University of Mississippi Health Care experts recommend drying your hands thoroughly after washing and applying a cream with alpha hydroxy acids to help the nails heal. Massaging the cream into your cuticles and around the fingertips will help to rehydrate your fingernails.
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