How to Get Rid of Split Nails

How to Get Rid of Split Nails

How to Get Rid of Split Nails

A set of glamorized fingernails are parts of any stylish wardrobe. The painted talons are matched with the colors and patterns of dresses, adding a touch of daintiness to your grooming. So what happens if one of your fingernails incur damage, specifically splitting open from the tip to across its surface? Hiding it with nail polish will infect the wound while letting it heal on its own simply looks too tacky. Good thing you have many options to get rid of split nails.

Wound and BreakageWhen you have a split nail, there are two things that you are dealing with. You have to address the wound beneath the nail, which is initially painful, then you also have to make sure that the breakage does not grow any further. Keep the nail clean at all times to avoid the risk of infection, Remember, the wound is well concealed by the nail, so the healing process takes much longer as compared to a normal gash.

Treating the WoundThe wound is closely connected to the fingernail. So if the nail collides with any object, the wound stands to worsen, even to the point of infection. You should treat the nail with care and do the necessary measures to clean and disinfect the wound. Upon splitting your nail, you should wash it with soap and water. Apply a topical cream then wrap it in a bandage to keep germs and foreign objects from entering.

Materials Used:

• antibacterial soap
• water
• hand towel
• anti-inflammatory ointment
• bandage or adhesive strip

Procedure:

Wash your hands with an anti bacterial soap. Rub the soap gently on the damaged fingernail.

Rinse your hands with care using a soft hand towel.

When your hands are dry, apply an ample amount of anti-inflammatory ointment on the split nail. Spread it across the nail to minimize the risk of infection.

Wrap your finger with a bandage or an adhesive strip.

Repeat the entire process come mid afternoon or nighttime. Do the routine everyday until the wound has completely healed.

If your wound gets infected, you must consult your doctor. He or she will open the nail, so the wound can "breathe." Special ointments will be applied, sometimes accompanied by an antibiotic, to treat the infection. The wound should be gone soon, if you religiously follow your doctor's orders.

For Serious Cases - Consult Your DoctorNails that are split violently should be rushed to the doctor. Regular washing and anti-inflammatory ointments may not be sufficient to treat the nail trauma. Only the doctor has the tools and knowledge to address the worst cases. Aside from the sharp pain and numbness that comes with the split, be watchful for certain signs on your cracked nails that may signify something serious. Here are the details that you should watch out for:

• blood beneath the nail
• pus
• extreme pain followed by numbness
• significant swelling of the fingertip (might be a broken bone)

When you get home, after consulting the doctor, apply an ice bag wrapped in cloth to the split nail. The cold will soothe the pain and swelling, causing the wound to heal much faster. You'll be able to control your split nails in the process.

Preventing a Split NailIf you are not careful with your hands, having a nail cracked or split is easy, especially when handling sharp and heavy items (Learn how to get rid of cracked and ridged finger nails). Wear protective gear whenever necessary and avoid things that can potentially damage your nails. So you'll have a clearer idea, better take note of the following tips:

• Long nails are stylish but they are more prone breakages. Short nails, on the other hand, are much safer. If you want to maintain a set of long nails, you must be extra careful with your hands.
• Apply nail polish that is formulated to strengthen your nails. Regular nail polish make your nails more prone to damage.
• When manicuring your nails, try using wooden items instead of sharp metal ones. Metal items can split your nail open after a forceful collision. (For the proper way of manicuring, read how to give yourself a manicure)
• Wear rubber gloves when doing activities that are potentially dangerous to your nails, including washing the dishes. The combination of water and detergent softens your nails, which can be cracked by a fairly hard hit.
• Apply nail cream to your fingernails after washing. Nail creams are known to strengthen your nails, giving them a nice healthy glow.
• Don't use your nails for prying milk cans, bottles and other hard or sharp objects. Many other items can be used anyway.
• Wash powerful chemicals from your nails immediately upon contact. Your nails, hard as they are, can be weakened or even eroded by solutions like paint thinner, acid, or toilet bowl cleaner.

Once you get used to being careful with your fingers, the chances for having a split nail becomes dramatically lower. Some of your normal activities may become more tedious, but it's okay. Having a set of split nails is far worse anyway. If you enjoyed reading this article, might as well read how to care for your nails.

To hear more information about nail care click here.