Onychoschizia or nail fragility: what it is and how to treat it

Onychoschizia, or brittle nails, is a nail disorder characterized by the layering separation of the free edge of the nail plate. This issue affects both fingernails and toenails and is one of the most common conditions seen in dermatological consultations.

Although it may seem merely aesthetic, onychoschizia can indicate various internal and external factors that affect a person’s overall health. This highlights the importance of understanding what it is, what causes it, and what to do about this problem.

What is onychoschizia?

Onychoschizia is a nail disorder that manifests as noticeable fragility in the nails. It is characterized by horizontal splitting of the free edge of the nail. This problem affects both fingernails and toenails and can present in one or several nails at the same time.

People suffering from onychoschizia often notice that their nails break easily, causing discomfort and aesthetic concerns. In any case, this condition is quite common, especially among women and older individuals, who have a higher predisposition due to hormonal factors and the natural aging of the nails.

It is important to highlight that onychoschizia is not only an aesthetic issue, but it can also indicate other underlying conditions, such as nutritional deficiencies or exposure to harsh chemicals. Hence the importance of its identification and proper treatment.

Causes of onychoschizia

Onychoschizia can be triggered by a combination of external and internal factors. Understanding these causes is essential to properly address the problem and prevent its occurrence. Let’s take a look at the different factors contributing to onychoschizia, both external and internal.

External Factors

External factors are those related to the environment and daily practices that can weaken the nails. The most significant are:

• Prolonged exposure to water: Constant alternation between hydration and drying can weaken the nail structure, making it more prone to splitting.
• Use of solvents and harsh chemical products: Frequent contact with these products dehydrates the nail plate, leading to its fragility.
• Inadequate manicure practices: Incorrect techniques and the use of aggressive tools can damage the nails, contributing to onychoschizia.
• Repeated physical trauma: Constant hits or pressure on the nails can weaken their structure, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Chemical or physical damage: The use of cosmetic lacquers, gel nails, and other aggressive treatments can worsen nail fragility.

Internal Factors

Internal factors refer to aspects of general health that affect the strength of the nails from within. The most important are:

• Nutritional deficiencies: The lack of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins A and C can weaken the nails, making them more prone to damage.
• Systemic diseases: Conditions such as thyroid diseases, psoriasis, and eczema have a direct impact on nail health, significantly weakening them.
• Use of certain medications: Some treatments, especially cancer chemotherapy, can have side effects that affect nail integrity.
• Physiological changes related to age: As we age, nails tend to become more fragile due to natural changes in body physiology, increasing the risk of onychoschizia.

Symptoms of onychoschizia

Onychoschizia manifests mainly through horizontal splitting of the free edge of the nail. In fact, this is the most evident symptom of the condition. This splitting creates a layered appearance in the nails, where the nail plate visibly divides, compromising the integrity of the nail.

Additionally, people suffering from onychoschizia often notice that their nails are much more fragile and break easily. This situation, aside from causing frustration, often leads to aesthetic concern. Furthermore, nails affected by this condition tend to lose their natural shine and, consequently, take on a dry and dull appearance that is easily recognizable.

One of the most characteristic common symptoms is the visible separation into layers, where the different layers of the nail clearly separate. In more severe cases, individuals may experience pain or discomfort when touching or using the weakened nails, making daily activities more difficult.

Treatment of onychoschizia

The treatment of onychoschizia focuses on strengthening the nails and preventing factors that contribute to their fragility. The good news is that by implementing preventive measures and proper care, it is possible to reduce symptoms and improve nail health. Let’s look at some effective strategies to treat and prevent onychoschizia.

Trauma prevention

To begin with, it is important to avoid using nails as manual tools. Actions such as opening cans, scratching surfaces, or performing similar tasks can damage the nail plate, aggravating nail fragility. Keeping nails protected from these types of trauma is a key step in preventing onychoschizia

Protection and care

A very useful strategy is to wear gloves when handling detergents and other chemicals. Cloth-covered or rubber gloves provide a protective barrier that helps prevent dehydration and chemical damage that can further weaken the nails. This daily protection helps maintain nail health.

Hydration and nutritional supplements

Regularly applying moisturizers to the nails and periungual tissue helps maintain flexibility and prevent dryness, which can contribute to nail splitting. In addition, specific vitamin supplements, such as those containing biotin, iron, and zinc, can help strengthen nails from the inside and promote healthy, resilient growth.

Onychoschizia is a common problem that can be easily treated

Onychoschizia, though a common problem, does not have to be a constant source of concern. By taking appropriate measures, it is possible to keep nails strong and healthy, even if signs of fragility have already appeared. The key is to adopt a proactive approach to nail care, which includes avoiding known risk factors such as the use of harsh chemicals and repeated trauma, and focusing on practices that strengthen the nail structure, such as regular hydration and nutritional supplementation.