Onychoschizia: What it is and How to Treat it

Onychoschizia is a condition in which the nail falls apart or splits easily. Typically, those who have onychoschizia have nails that are thin, squashy ,and fragile, and contain crumple lines. Those with this disorder are more likely to develop nail infections. This condition is more commonly found in women than men.

What Causes Onychoschizia?

• Having nails submerged in any form of liquid for a long period of time
• Poor nutrition
• Certain vitamin deficiencies
• Nail polish remover
• Stress

How to Handle Onychoschizia

• Wear gloves when you are using cleaning materials or having your hands submerged in water for a long period of time.
• Use ointments or lotions that contain ingredients like alpha hydroxyl acid.
• Do not use your fingernails to dial the telephone or push against things.
• Learn how to treat your nails.
• Wear gloves in the winter.
• Trim your nails and file them to be flush with your fingertip.
• Do not buff the surface of your nails, this thins them out and they are already thin enough.
• Take a vitamin supplement that contains biotin. Women who are pregnant should not take this supplement.
• Use nutritional supplements to help increase the strength of your nails.
• Wear nail polish that contains nylon fibers. This will help strengthen your nails.