Quantcast Onychoschizia means plate-like splitting of the free edge of the nail. This image displays the plate-like splitting of the nail in onychoschizia. Onychoschizia is most often caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails. This image displays onychoschizia. Onychoschizia means splitting of the fingernails, as displayed in this image. In onychoschizia, the nail plate peels off in layers, as displayed in the image.
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Nail Splitting (Onychoschizia):
Information for adults

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Picture of Nail Splitting (Onychoschizia): Onychoschizia means plate-like splitting of the free edge of the nail. Divider line
Onychoschizia means plate-like splitting of the free edge of the nail.
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Self-Care Guidelines
  • Reduce how often you wet and dry your nails. 
  • Wear plastic or rubber gloves over thin cotton gloves while doing all housework, including food preparation.
  • Keep the nails trimmed short to reduce worsening of nail splitting.
  • Soak the nails in water daily, 15 minutes at a time, to increase the water content (hydration) of the nails.
  • Apply moisturizers (emollients), such as petroleum jelly or Cetaphil®, to improve nail hydration.
  • Nail-hardening agents containing formaldehyde may increase nail strength, but they should be used cautiously, as they can cause brittleness and other nail problems.  Apply these hardeners only to the free edge (growing end) of the nail.
  • Acrylate-containing hardeners are also effective, but they may cause an allergic reaction in the skin.
When to Seek Medical Care
Nail splitting is generally considered a cosmetic problem, but see your doctor if the condition becomes bothersome.
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

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