Why are my toenails splitting down the middle?

Split nails are common. They can affect both fingernails and toenails and are usually the result of physical trauma
physical trauma
Injury, also known as physical trauma, is damage to the body caused by an external force. This may be caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and other causes. Major trauma is injury that has the potential to cause prolonged disability or death.
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, such as an object crushing them
. However, wear and tear, as well as nutrient deficiencies, are also potential causes. In some cases, a person can take preventive measures to avoid splitting their nails.
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How do I stop my toenail from splitting down the middle?

How to prevent split nails
  1. Keep your nails clean and healthy.
  2. Refrain from keeping your hands or feet in water for long periods.
  3. Use moisturizer on your nails and cuticles.
  4. Use nail hardening products if necessary. ...
  5. Don't bite or pick around your nails.
  6. Refrain from using nail polish remover.
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What deficiency causes split toenails?

Nutritional deficiencies

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.
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Why are my nails splitting vertically?

Brittle nails may occur due to medical problems, including gland (endocrine system) diseases, tuberculosis, Sjögren syndrome, and malnutrition. People with other skin diseases, such as lichen planus and psoriasis, as well as people taking oral medications made from vitamin A, may also develop nail splitting.
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Will a vertical nail split ever heal?

“The other thing you may see in the beginning is white spots in the nail plate. They will grow out past the free edge, but the split itself can be permanent and stay there for the rest of your life (but only if the damage to the matrix is severe).”
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10 Causes of Weak



What vitamin should I take for splitting nails?

Biotin. Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R and vitamin H. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods and supplements may help strengthen your brittle fingernails.
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Why do my toenails crack and split?

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.
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Can vitamin B12 deficiency causes 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.
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Why do my big toenails split vertically?

Split nails are common. They can affect both fingernails and toenails and are usually the result of physical trauma, such as an object crushing them. However, wear and tear, as well as nutrient deficiencies, are also potential causes. In some cases, a person can take preventive measures to avoid splitting their nails.
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Can a split toenail grow back together?

After a nail separates from the nail bed for whatever reason, it will not reattach. A new nail will have to grow back in its place. Nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months for a fingernail and up to 18 months for a toenail to grow back.
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How can I stop my nails splitting vertically?

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.
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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.
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Does vitamin D deficiency affect nails?

Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the body which is an essential contributor to having healthy nails. If you find yourself with brittle and weak nails, it could mean a lack of Vitamin D. Perhaps, book yourself a Nail Strengthening Treatment (IBX).
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What do nails look like with anemia?

Spoon nails are thin and soft and shaped like a little spoon that is often capable of holding a drop of water. There are many causes, but the most frequent one is iron deficiency anemia.
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Can vitamin D deficiency cause nail ridges?

Ridges in nails usually come from aging but can also indicate improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiency, or even a more pressing medical condition, according to 2022 research.
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How do you fix cracked toenails?

How can you fix a cracked nail at home?
  1. Nail hardener: Add nail hardener to your nail crack and let it dry. ...
  2. Lightless gel: Apply lightless gel to your nail, specifically over the crack. ...
  3. Nail glue and silk: Place a silk wrap or strip over your nail. ...
  4. Nail glue and tea bags: Cut the tea bag to the shape of your nail.
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How can I strengthen my toenails?

15 Tips for Stronger Nails
  1. Take a biotin supplement. ...
  2. Minimize exposure to water. ...
  3. Stay hydrated. ...
  4. Pay attention to your diet. ...
  5. Be careful about the products you use. ...
  6. Avoid using gel or acrylic nails, if possible. ...
  7. Give your nails a break from polish. ...
  8. Keep your nails on the shorter side.
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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).
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Does low vitamin D cause weight gain?

A vitamin D deficiency is unlikely to cause weight gain. However, it may cause other health problems or unpleasant symptoms, which are worth avoiding. You can maintain adequate vitamin D levels through a combination of limited sun exposure, a vitamin-D-rich diet, and taking vitamin D supplements.
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What foods strengthen nails?

“Iron deficiency can lead to brittle nails, and protein deficiency leads to ridges,” says Hanna. Dark, Leafy Greens: The calcium, iron and antioxidants in dark, leafy greens, like spinach, broccoli, kale and collard greens, can boost nail health.
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Are bananas good for nails?

Bananas are full of potassium, mineral silica – which is thought to improve the look of your nails and zinc – which strengthens your nails. Bananas also contain vitamin B6 which also contributes to health nails.
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What do nails with vitamin deficiency look like?

“Scattered white spots on the nails, which usually start appearing around middle-school age, can signify a zinc deficiency,” explains Norris. The fix: Give your nails a break from polish or other products and allow the nail to grow.
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How can you tell if you have low vitamin D?

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include muscle weakness, pain, fatigue and depression. To get enough D, look to certain foods, supplements, and carefully planned sunlight.
...
Signs and symptoms might include:
  1. Fatigue.
  2. Bone pain.
  3. Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps.
  4. Mood changes, like depression.
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What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
  • a pale yellow tinge to your skin.
  • a sore and red tongue (glossitis)
  • mouth ulcers.
  • pins and needles (paraesthesia)
  • changes in the way that you walk and move around.
  • disturbed vision.
  • irritability.
  • depression.
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Is Vaseline good for toenails?

In fact, many already apply Vaseline to their cuticles as a soothing, healing medicine when dry or cracked. Turns out, it's also a great help when painting your own nails if applied on your cuticles or any skin surrounding your nail.
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