How to Make a Cracked Nail Stop Growing With the Crack in It

You must clip your nails very short to stop a crack from spreading down your nail.

Nail cracks typically occur due to trauma. Individuals who have weak nails due to diet or a medical condition may also experience cracking. A crack that extends the length of the nail can be a long term problem because the crack can spread into the nail bed, causing a lot of pain. You must stabilize the cracked portion of nail in order to prevent the damage from traveling into new growth. Trimming the affected nail is also key, as this will prevent the nail from catching and tearing even further.

Things You'll Need

• Nail clippers
• Nail glue
• Fine-grit nail file

Instructions

1. Trim the affected nail down to the nail bed.

2. Apply nail glue to the length of the crack.

3. Allow the glue to air dry.

4. Smooth the edge of the nail with a fine-grit nail file.

5. Maintain the affected nail by filing it every other day to keep the edge smooth and short.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove nail polish before attempting a repair.

• Consult a physician if your nail is extremely painful, as this may be indicative of an underlying fracture.

• Consult a physician if the crack extends into the germinal matrix (the crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail.)

• Consult a physician if there is a gap between the two edges that form the crack. This can lead to permanent nail damage if left untreated.

• If you fail to see any improvement, consult a physician. Some nail injuries will require surgical intervention.

• Nail glue is like super glue. It is very difficult to remove from skin, so avoid touching the glue until it's dry.

• Consult a physician if a portion of your nail bed is exposed.

References

• Jacqueline Howell; J&L's Nails; Fort Myers, FL.
• ASSH.org: Nail Bed Injuries