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):
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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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Overview
Onychoschizia, commonly known as nail splitting but also known as onychoschisis or lamellar dystrophy, is a condition that causes horizontal splits within the nail plate. Nail splitting is often seen together with onychorrhexis – long-wise (longitudinal) splitting or ridging of the nail plate – and these 2 diseases together are called "brittle nail syndrome."
  • Frequent wetting and drying of the hands is the most common cause of nail splitting, so this condition is, therefore, common among house cleaners, nurses, and hairdressers.
  • Nail splitting may also be caused by nail cosmetics (hardeners, polish, polish removers/solvents), nail procedures, and occupational exposure to various chemicals (alkalis, acids, cement, solvents, thioglycolates, salt, sugar solutions).
  • Injury (trauma) may also play a role in the development of brittle nails.
  • 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.
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

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