Fixing a Split Toenail: Home Care for Strong Nails

Learn why your toenail is split and how you can fix it yourself

Co-authored by Hannah Madden | Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Last Updated: December 4, 2022 References

Home Remedies

|

Causes

|

Preventing Future Splits

|

Video

|

Tips

A split toenail can be a real pain: small splits are unsightly, and can cause discomfort and swelling in the toe. Ultimately, the best way to fix a split toenail is to grow it out, but there are some techniques you can use to speed up the healing process and keep your nail strong as it grows. Read this article to learn more about split toenails, including why they happen and what you can do to prevent them in the future.

Things You Should Know

File your toenail and trim off any loose or torn pieces. Hold the nail together with a bandage for a temporary solution.
Soak your toe in cold water for 20 minutes, then pat it dry and apply petroleum jelly.
Let your toenail grow out naturally, and keep trimming it as it grows.
See a doctor if you notice any signs of infection, like increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Home Remedies

1
File down the crack. Filing your nail will help smooth out any torn or jagged edges to prevent further damage. Use a clean file and file your nail in the direction of the split. Keep filing just slightly past the base of the crack to make sure your nail stays smooth and even.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Filing works for both horizontal and vertical splits. Either way, it will make your nail less jagged and less likely to catch on things, like socks or carpet.
- If part of the nail is still attached but hanging on very loosely, use scissors or nail clippers to trim it off before filing.^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  National Health Service (UK)
  Public healthcare system of the UK
  Go to source}
2
Hold the nail together with tape for a temporary solution. Trim a portion of clear tape or a bandage for a piece just large enough to cover the split. Apply it directly to the crack, using a free finger to hold the crack together. Then, trim off any excess tape.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- This method works best when the split in your toenail does not extend down into your nail bed. Severe splits will need more immediate attention.
- This solution is useful if you split your toenail while at work or on-the-go. It’s not a long-term solution, though. Fix the split at home or go to a professional salon as soon as possible.
Advertisement
3
Soak your toe in cold water for 20 minutes. Soaking in cold water will reduce pain, irritation, and swelling. Once you’ve cleaned up your nail a bit, fill a bowl or shallow dish with cold water, then soak your feet. Set a timer and wipe off your feet with a towel once it goes off.^{[4]
X
Research source}
4
Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the area. Petroleum jelly adds moisture and helps promote healing. Dry your toe off well, then spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly onto the split. Cover it with a clean bandage to avoid wiping it off throughout the day.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Petroleum jelly helps moisturize your nail and the surrounding area, which promotes healing.
- Change your bandage once a day to help prevent infection and keep the area clean.
5
Soak your toe in salt water once a day to prevent infection. When your nail is cracked or torn, it leaves you at risk for bacterial infections. To prevent this, fill a bowl with 5 c (1,200 mL) of warm water and 1 tsp (5 g) of salt. Soak your toe in the mixture for 20 minutes, once a day for 3 days.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- When you’re done soaking, dry your foot off well, then reapply petroleum jelly and a new bandage.
6
Trim your nails regularly. Most split toenails will heal on their own as your nail grows out. Keep trimming your toenails like you normally would, cutting back the split as you go. Eventually, you’ll trim off the entire split area, and your nail will be back to normal again.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}
- Toenails can take up to 18 months to grow back completely. If the split is near the bottom of your nail, you may have to wait a while for it to disappear all the way.
7
Seek medical attention if the split is severe or gets infected. While most split toenails go away on their own, some splits require a doctor to take a look. Always go to the doctor if you have diabetes or neuropathy, and make an appointment if you notice any signs of infection, like:^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Increased pain
- Redness
- Heat
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Pus

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Causes

1
Injury The most common cause of a split toenail is some sort of injury or trauma to the foot. Maybe you stubbed your toe really hard, or maybe you kicked a soccer ball with a bit too much enthusiasm. These injuries can cause a nail to split or tear, especially if it’s already fragile.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
2
Moisture Repeat or extended exposure to wet, cold conditions can weaken nails over time. This makes them more vulnerable to cracking, splitting, or tearing.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
3
Fungus Different types of nail fungus can cause your nails to weaken, leading to cracking. Athlete’s foot is a common type of nail fungus, but your nails may also crack if you have mycotic nails.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
4
Underlying medical conditions Skin conditions and medical disorders can make the nails weaker. Nail psoriasis, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and certain cancers and cancer treatments can all lead to split nails.^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
5
Age As we get older, our nails naturally get a little bit weaker. You may notice that your nails are more brittle or thinner, which is totally normal.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Future Splits

1
Treat any underlying conditions. Chronic split nails could be the result of an underlying medical condition like a fungus or vitamin deficiencies. If you experience chronic broken nails, let your doctor know. They can look for underlying problems and prescribe medical treatment as necessary.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Toe fungus is relatively common, and fortunately, is fairly easy to treat.
2
Keep your feet and toenails dry. Going back and forth between wet and dry can make your nails extra brittle. Minimize the number of times you get your nails wet and then dry by making sure you wear waterproof foot gear on days with rain or snow.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you have particularly sweaty feet, be sure to air out your feet regularly and change into clean socks whenever you can.
3
Moisturize your nails on a daily basis. Use foot cream, cuticle cream, or petroleum jelly on the area around your nails to keep them hydrated. Apply a treatment at least once a day and allow it to soak in completely to keep your nails from getting brittle and splitting.^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Keep your nails extra moist by keeping some foot cream by the sink and moisturizing them every time you get out of the shower.
4
Wear nail polish and fake nails less often. The process of applying and removing both nail cover such as polish, wraps, and decals, as well as fake nails can be harsh on your toes. Minimize how often you apply beauty products to your nails and allow them to grow naturally.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- Try to save pedicures for special events instead of getting your toes done every week. This will help keep your nails strong and save you money, too.