Why are my toenails cracking?

Toenails can crack because of an underlying systemic disease including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, anemia, psoriasis, eczema, and peripheral vascular disease.

What deficiency causes cracked toenails?

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiency causes of cracked nails. The body also requires proteins and B vitamins to effectively build strong, healthy nails.

How do I get my toenails to stop cracking?

A lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid may soothe your nail area. Some people use a layer of clear nail polish to protect cracked nails. To prevent more splits, wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when your hands are in water. Gently file down any nail snags or uneven edges so they don't lead to more cracks.

Why do my toenails crack and peel?

Moisture can cause nails to become weak and brittle. Long-term exposure can cause the skin around the nail to soften. The nail itself becomes brittle making it easier to break, bend, or split. Overexposure to moisture can occur while doing dishes, washing hands, or repeated nail polish use.

What vitamin should I take for splitting nails?

Biotin is an essential vitamin that helps maintain the health of the nervous system, hair, and nails. Biotin is a B-vitamin that occurs naturally in foods, such as legumes, salmon, and eggs.

Causes of brittle toenails and its management - Dr. Rasya Dixit

Why are my big toenails so brittle?

Dry and brittle nails are the result of too little moisture. They're most commonly caused by the repeated washing and drying of fingernails. On the other hand, soft and brittle nails are caused by too much moisture, often a result of overexposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover.

Will a cracked toenail heal itself?

If the toenail is broken due to trauma and there are no other underlying issues, the toenail will typically heal itself and begin the regrowth process within about 6 to 8 weeks (the entire regrowth process can take 3 to 18 months for toenails).

Why do my big toenails split horizontally?

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.

What does fungus toenails look like?

Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration. Brittle, crumbly or ragged. Distorted in shape. A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail.

Can low B12 cause brittle nails?

B12 deficiency results in anaemia; alongside nail and skin changes, symptoms include fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss. Lack of vitamin B12 leads to deformation of nails, making them rounded and curved, nails tend to become dry and unnaturally dark.

How does vaseline help your nails grow overnight?

The use of Vaseline for nail growth is actually unfounded, and even for those who struggle to grow their nails, using Vaseline is not a solution. What petroleum jelly does to your fingernails and cuticles is to lock in moisture (via Fabbon) and to make them stronger and less likely to break, per My Glamm.

What kills toenail fungus instantly?

Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.

What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

In medical terms this is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium,” says Batra. The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail to form a white or yellow chalky substance under the nail plate. "As keratin debris spreads under the nail, the nail plate typically becomes lifted up off of the nail bed.

What happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?

If you have toenail fungus and it goes untreated, you may experience: Pain in your feet and toes due to thickened, distorted toenails. Spread of the fungus to your skin, causing athlete's foot. Infection of the surrounding areas, causing cracked skin, and increasing bacterial spread.

How can I strengthen my toenails?

Can fungus cause nails to split?

The infection is caused by a fungal microbe that invades the nail bed. Fungal nail infection is also termed onychomycosis and tinea unguium. Fungal nail infection causes fingernails or toenails to thicken, discolor, disfigure, and split (mycotic nails).

How do I keep my toenails healthy as I age?

What are Covid nails?

COVID nails are nail changes that happen a few days or weeks after a COVID-19 infection. They're either a sign that the infection stressed your body, or they could be a rare symptom of the infection itself, depending on your symptoms.

Why are my toenails thin and splitting?

Basically brittle nails can be divided into dry and brittle (too little moisture) and soft and brittle (often too much moisture). The usual cause is repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails. This makes them dry and brittle. This is often worse in low humidity and in the winter (dry heat).

What does Vicks VapoRub do for toenails?

Vicks VapoRub

Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus.

What your toenails say about your health?

Yellow Toenails

Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

How do you treat brittle toenails?

Apply a hardener to the toenail to keep it strong. Make sure you moisturize your toenails to keep them moist. Good moisturizers include coconut oil or almond oil. If toenails are dry, try soaking them, and apply a moisturizer when done.

Should I cut off my fungus toenail?

Nail removal: If you have a severe infection or other treatments just don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.

What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?

The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting.

What are the stages of toenail fungus?