A split nail can be really bad.Small splits can make it difficult to do daily tasks.Bigger splits can be very painful.There is only one true fix for a split nail.There are tricks you can use to keep the length of your nail.There are many things you can do to keep your nail from splitting again.
Step 1: The nail should be held together with tape for a solution.
Cut a piece of clear tape large enough to cover the split.Use a free finger to hold the crack together.Remove any excess tape.The method works best if the split in your toe doesn't extend into your nail bed.There are severe splits that need immediate attention.If you split your toe at work or on-the-go, this solution is useful.It is not a long-term solution.Fix the split at home or go to a salon.
Step 2: Put the file down.
You can file down the crack if the toenail damage does not extend into the nail bed.If you want the best results, use a clean file and file in the direction of the split.If the split is horizontal, file in a single direction.To make sure your nail stays smooth, file past the base of the crack.It can make the split worse if you file a dry nail.If you can, soak your nails in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes before filing.
Step 3: Glue the splits together.
You can glue the split together if it doesn't extend down into the nail bed.Use an orange stick to press the split together after applying a small amount of nail glue.This takes no more than 2 minutes.Once the split is dry, rub a cotton swab on the skin next to your nail to remove excess glue.After the glue has dried, apply a clear top coat to your nail to seal the crack and blend the nail together.
Step 4: Use the tea bag method.
A piece of paper can be removed from a tea bag.After applying a base coat or clear top coat to your nail, let it dry for 30 seconds so that it becomes tacky.To smooth the tea bag paper, press it down so that it covers the split completely.To blend the paper to your nail, trim it and file it down.You should file in the direction of your split.Further damage could be caused by filing against your split.To turn the paper translucent, apply another layer of top coat.
Step 5: The split needs to be trimmed once it has grown past the finger.
Once the full extent of the split has grown out, you can trim it off.Carefully cut under the split with a pair of nail scissors.If you want to avoid new splits, file your nail down in a single direction.
Step 6: The nail must be kept clean.
If the nail is cracked, wash it with warm water and mild soap.The water of the injured nail should be slow.You don't want the towel to catch the cracked or split nail and pull it, so take care not to use hot water, excessive force, or a towel on the nail.You can soak the nail in water for 15 minutes at a time.
Step 7: First aid must be applied.
If the split extends down into the nail bed, apply first aid.Wrap the toe up and apply pressure until the bleeding stops.Once the bleeding is over, apply an antibiotic to the area and cover it with a bandage.Minor cracks should not be treated the same as severe splits.You need to care for the damaged tissue as well as the split nail since these splits are more than cosmetic.
Step 8: If the bleeding or pain persists, seek medical attention.
If bleeding doesn't stop after a few minutes of continued pressure, or if the area around your nail hurts so much that you cannot walk, you should seek medical attention immediately.There could be damage to the skin, bones, and/or nerves under the nail.If you have diabetes or have peripheral neuropathy, you should seek medical attention for a split nail.
Step 9: Don't leave the nail alone.
It will be tempting to cut or pull off your nail.It is best to leave the split alone until it reaches your nail bed.If the skin is still raw, use an antibiotic cream every day and keep a bandage on the area.Your doctor can clip your nail if it is catching on objects.
Step 10: It's a good idea to use an over-the-counter medication for pain management.
If your toe hurts, you can use an over-the-counter pain killer to manage it.Make sure to consult your doctor before starting a new pain management routine, and follow the dosage recommendations provided on the package.Aspirin should not be given to children or teens.Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used instead.Unless your doctor recommends it, don't apply pain treatments until the broken skin has healed.
Step 11: Remove the split once it has grown out.
Once the full extent of the split has grown past the tip of your finger, you can trim it off.Cut the split with a pair of nail scissors.Make sure you run the file in a single direction so you don't split it.If you still have pain in your nail bed, don't trim the split.Cut away the split with regular nail trimmers.The pressure on your nail could encourage the split to spread.
Step 12: You can work with your doctor.
The cause of chronic split nails could be an underlying medical condition.Let your doctor know if you have chronic broken nails.They can prescribe medical treatment for underlying problems.
Step 13: Wet your nails more frequently.
You can make your nails brittle by going back and forth between wet and dry.Make sure you wear waterproof foot gear on days with rain or snow to minimize the number of times you get your nails wet.If you soak the nails for 15 minutes a day, pat them dry, and then apply a moisturizers, you can add more hydration to the nail.
Step 14: Your nails need to be hydrated on a daily basis.
You can keep your nails hydrated by using foot cream, cuticle cream or petroleum jelly.If you want to keep your nails from getting brittle and splitting, apply a treatment at least once a day.When you get out of the shower, keep some foot cream by the sink to keep your nails moist.
Step 15: Wear fake nails less frequently.
The process of applying and removing both nail cover such as polish, wraps, and decals, as well as fake nails can be hard on your toes.Allow your nails to grow naturally by limiting how often you apply beauty products to them.
Step 16: Improve your nails.
For about 10 minutes once a week, apply coconut, argan, or tea tree oil to your nails.This will reduce brittleness.You can take a supplement to strengthen your nails.Don't use nail hardening agents.They may offer some benefits, but they often contain ingredients that do more harm than good.