From the Research
Onychorrhexia is a condition characterized by brittle nails that split, crack, or break easily, often appearing as vertical ridges or splits running from the nail tip toward the cuticle, and can be treated with biotin supplements and proper nail care. Onychorrhexia affects the fingernails or toenails and can result from various factors including aging, repeated exposure to water and chemicals, nutritional deficiencies (particularly biotin, iron, and protein), certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, or trauma to the nail bed 1. Some key points to consider in the treatment of onychorrhexia include:
- Keeping nails moisturized with petroleum jelly or specialized nail oils
- Avoiding harsh chemicals by wearing gloves during cleaning activities
- Taking biotin supplements (typically 2.5-10 mg daily) 2
- Maintaining proper nail care by keeping nails trimmed short, avoiding aggressive filing, and limiting use of nail polish removers Improvement usually takes several months as nails grow slowly, with complete replacement of the nail plate requiring 4-6 months for fingernails and up to a year for toenails. Recent studies have shown that a combined treatment regimen of biotin and pyridoxine can be effective in treating onychoschizia, a related condition characterized by distal nail plate splitting 3. It's also important to note that onychorrhexia can be caused by underlying conditions such as tumors, inflammatory diseases, and traumas, and a thorough diagnosis should be made to rule out these causes 4. Overall, the most effective treatment for onychorrhexia involves addressing underlying causes and maintaining proper nail care, with biotin supplements playing a key role in improving nail health 5.