Does anyone know how to treat or cure splitting nails?

I have a thumb nail that has a full length vertical split that occurred after an injury. Nothing seems to help. Any suggestions?

Here's a good article I found on this topic. I take Biotin, as the article mentions. I noticed a big difference in my nail strength in about 6 weeks and my thumbnail that was vertically split completely healed in about 2-3 months. I now take it everyday. I had this problem as long as I can remember & nothing ever worked until this. A bonus is my hair seems thicker & grows faster too. Hope this info helps!


Brittle Splitting Nails

Onychoschizia or splitting of the fingernails is a common problem seen by dermatologists. The term onychoschizia includes splitting, brittle, soft or thin nails. Onychoschizia is more common in women.

Only very rarely are internal disease or vitamin deficiencies the reason (iron deficiency is the most common). One tip is that if the fingernails split, but the toenails are strong, then an external factor is the cause. 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). The best treatment is to apply lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids or lanolin containing lotions to the nails after first soaking nails in water for 5 minutes.

Wearing gloves when performing household chores that involve getting the hands wet is very helpful in preventing brittle nails. Cotton lined rubber gloves can be purchased in stores.

If soft, consider that the nails may be getting too much moisture or being damaged by chemicals such as detergents, cleaning fluids and nail polish removers (the acetone containing removers are somewhat worse than acetone free). Some feel that once a week application of clear nail prep once a week may help. Nail polishes with nylon fibers in them may add strength.

Be gentle to you nails. Shape and file the nails with a very fine file and round the tips in a gentle curve. Daily filing of snags or irregularities helps to prevent further breakage or splitting. Avoid metal instruments on the nail surface to push back the cuticle. If the nails are "buffed" do this in the same direction as the nail grows and not in a "back and forth" motion because this can cause nail splitting.

Biotin (a vitamin) taken by mouth is beneficial in some people. It takes at least 6 months, but does really help at least 1/3 of the time. Do not take this if you are pregnant. Calcium, colloidal minerals, and/or gelatin my help, but have not been shown to help as reliably as Biotin.

I know exactly what you mean, I have the same problem with the nail on my left middle finger. I hurt it one time and my nail never seemed to grow right after that...I've tried everything and it still splits..