Toenail Cracking Down the Middle? Here's Why

Do you have a toenail cracking down the middle, forcing you to hide your feet in thick socks and close-toed shoes? If you suffer from this embarrassing condition, you’re not alone.

Cracked toenails can be the result of a number of factors. Frequent exposure to water and dry conditions can result in cracked nails. Harsh beauty products, such as nail polish remover and some soaps, can also put your nails through the ringer, leading to your nails cracking.

Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fungal infections, psoriasis, poor circulation, medication side effects, and thyroid issues are also known to cause toenails to peel, bend, and crack.

Unfortunately, genetics can also cause your toenails to crack down the middle, which means that there is very little you can do to rectify the problem. You can protect your toenails from rubbing against shoes and socks, which can irritate your nails, with toe caps or protector tubes.

If you notice that your toenail is cracking down the middle, do not pick at or scrape along the cracked area, and keep your toenails trimmed to prevent them from cracking further. Also try to limit the amount of strenuous activity you participate in as the added pressure can exacerbate the problem.

If you are experiencing cracked nails, it is advised to have your nails evaluated by a podiatrist to ensure there is not an underlying infection, like nail fungus, that could be causing the problem. If a bacteria or fungus is the culprit, there are several methods of treatment that can be employed in order to prevent cracked nails in the future. A vitamin supplement, such as Biotin, along with other topical treatments, can also help by strengthening your nails.

For more information about foot health and to make an appointment with one of the highly-skilled podiatrists at Triad Foot & Ankle Center, please click here to schedule an appointment or call any of our offices in the Piedmont Triad.