Split Fingernails
Can anybody answer a question to which my doctor has never given me any kind of helpful answer?
About 20 years ago, I noticed my left thumbnail showed what looked like a split-line very gradually moving down from the quick. When it finally got to the tip, I was dismayed to find that there was indeed a split, and this continued to grow. I found that the inner corners were sharp, and kept snagging my clothing, pockets, gloves, etc. So from then on, I just kept that nail very tightly trimmed.
Somebody suggested getting a clear nail varnish - I should probably have mentioned before that I'm a male, now on the verge of 70, and I've always kept my nails in as good shape as most females. I tried the varnish, which was fine at first, but as the nail grew, it lifted off from the nail, and left me with the same problem. It was even worse when the sharp inner corners of the split suddenly caught my clothing, and sometimes tore the nail apart, which was not only painful, but inconvenient, as it required the application of a bandage until the nail had repaired a little. Not easy around the top of a thumb!
This is no doubt a sign of advancing age, but I'm still lucky enough to be blessed with a remarkably youthful appearance, so if I can avoid the worst of it, I'll be very happy.
What's happened in the last few years is that the same problem has repeated in 3 other fingers, and it's getting bloody annoying! Nothing I do seems to have any effect at all, and having to keep my nails trimmed down tight every few days is really irritating and time-consuming. Not to mention that it leaves me with little to use for all sorts of things that nails are always used for.
I do wonder whether it's a dietary thing - but I do eat a broad range of food which I'm sure contains all the ingredients necessary for good health. So what can it be? Any answers appreciated, any suggestions welcome! Thanks.