Nails Splinters or Brittle

Hands | General Practice | Nails Splinters or Brittle (Symptom)


Description

Many medical conditions can affect the shape or texture of nails. When nails break easily or splinter response usually is a sign of aging, long-term use of nail polish or exposure to wet conditions (including activities such as frequent swimming or washing dishes). Some diseases are also associated with nail changes. The Onychoschizia is the term that refers to soft or brittle nails.

Causes

Splinter hemorrhages can occur with infection of the heart valves (endocarditis). They may be caused by vessel damage from swelling of the blood vessels (vasculitis) or tiny clots that damage the small capillaries (microemboli).

Diagnosis and Treatment

Extensions or vitamins as biotin can help heal some brittle nails, likewise the application of moisturizers after soaking in water may also be of great benefit.

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