Onychorrhexis (Brittle Nail)

Onychorrhexis (brittle nail) is fragile brittle nails with longitudinal ridging/splitting, from aging/chemicals/trauma/nutritional deficiency/iron deficiency/thyroid disease/fungal infection/psoriasis. Treatment: nail care; avoid acetone/harsh chemicals; gloves for wet work; emollients/nail hardeners; biotin supplementation; treat cause (fungal: oral terbinafine; iron deficiency: iron; thyroid: treat thyroid; psoriasis: topical/systemic therapy); avoid trauma; follow-up dermatology.

Common Symptoms

Brittle fragile nails; longitudinal ridging/splitting; by aging/chemicals/trauma/nutrition

Causes and Pathogenesis

Nail-plate dehydration/structural weakness causes brittleness.

Treatment

Nail care; emollients; biotin; treat cause; avoid chemicals

Preventive Measures

Gloves for wet work; moisturize nails; avoid acetone.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Dermatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.