Onychoschizia Explained
Onychoschizia, also known as nail splitting and brittle nails, is a splitting of the free-edged tip of the nail.[1] There is also often a longitudinal split in addition to the separation of keratin layers.[2]
Cause
Frequent hand-washing is the usual cause, but it is also part of normal ageing.[3] Manicures, nail polish and remover, nail biting, and repeated trauma such as typing, can contribute to nail splitting.[1] Dehydration likely plays a role.[3] Nutritional deficiencies that can result in nail splitting include iron, selenium, and zinc.[1] Some skin diseases such as psoriasis and lichen planus may feature such nails.[3]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is by its appearance, but sometimes blood tests are required to look for iron deficiency, thyroid problems, and kidney problems.[1]
Treatment
Treatment is by discontinuing nail polish and applying moisturiser.[2] An acceptable alternative is gel nails.[2] Some favourable response has been reported with biotin if the person is deficient in vitamin B7.[1] It is not routinely given.[1]
Epidemiology
It is common among women and occurs in almost a third of newborns.[2]
Other animals
It also occurs in hooved animals such as horses.[4]
See also
Notes and References
- Book: Sloan . Brett . Waldman . Reid A. . Grant-Kels . Jane M. . Dermatology for the Primary Care Provider . 2022 . Elsevier . Philadelphia . 978-0-323-71236-1 . 277–278 . https://books.google.com/books?id=IfwqEAAAQBAJ&dq=Onychoschizia&pg=PA277 . en . 16. Multiple nail: nail splitting.
- Book: James . William D. . Elston . Dirk . Treat . James R. . Rosenbach . Misha A. . Neuhaus . Isaac . Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology . 2020 . Elsevier . Edinburgh . 978-0-323-54753-6 . 785 . 13th . https://books.google.com/books?id=UEaEDwAAQBAJ&dq=Diseases&pg=PA785 . en . 33. Diseases of the skin appendages .
- Book: Johnstone, Ronald B.. Weedon's Skin Pathology Essentials . 2017. Elsevier . 978-0-7020-6830-0. 2nd. 31. 2. Diagnostic clues and "need-to-know" items.
- Colombo . Victor E. . Gerber . Françoise . Bronhofer . Max . Floersheim . George L. . Treatment of brittle fingernails and onychoschizia with biotin: Scanning electron microscopy . Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology . December 1990 . 23 . 6 . 1127–1132 . 10.1016/0190-9622(90)70345-i . 2273113 .
