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My nails are splitting into layers constantly. At first it was on seasonal changes but now frequently. Calcium is normal. What should I do? Thankyou Drs!
May 8, 2013

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Nail splitting usually takes the form of horizontal splits within the nail plate. It is often associated with long-wise (longitudinal) splitting or ridging of the nail plate. Together, these 2 diseases together fall under the umbrella of "brittle nail syndrome."
Common causes include:
1- Frequent wetting and drying of the hands is the most common cause. To prevent this, use gloves while doing house chores and keep your hands dry (too much moisture will induce nail splitting)
2- Cosmetics (hardeners, polish, polish removers), nail procedures
3- Occupational exposure to various chemicals (alkalis (detergents), acids, solvents..).
4- Injury (trauma)
5- Underlying medical condition, including anemia, hypothyroidism (poor thyroid function), and malnutrition.
6- Some skin diseases, such as psoriasis (there's a category of psoriasis that particularly affects nail beds)
7- Meds: namely if you're on retinoic acid treatment for acne
So what you should do is eliminate the causing agent if any exists in your case, and check your blood for anemia or thyroid malfunction (that is, do a complete blood cell count and a hormone test called "TSH" to check your thyroid function)
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