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Musculoskeletal System Health
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Nail Health
Fixing a Split Toenail: Home Care for Strong Nails Download Article 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: January 17, 2025 Fact Checked
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Home Remedies
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Causes
|
Preventing Future Splits
|
Tips
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This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Sarah Gehrke is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist based in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008. Sarah also has a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Walden University and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 547,419 times.
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.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Home Remedies
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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]XResearch 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]XResearch 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.
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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]XResearch 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]XResearch 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]XResearch 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 Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Increased pain
Redness
Heat
Tenderness
Swelling
Pus
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Causes
Download Article
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 MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine 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 ClinicEducational 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 ClinicEducational 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 Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals 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
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Preventing Future Splits
Download Article
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 DermatologyProfessional 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 ClinicEducational 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 DermatologyProfessional 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]XResearch 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.
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Tips
Or, you can make a patch out of a tea bag. Paint your nail with a base coat, then cut a piece of a tea bag and place it on top. Finally, cover the area with nail polish and a top coat. The tea bag acts as a “glue,” covering the split and holding your nail together. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
If you’re concerned about the look of your nail, use nail glue to glue the split together. Then, paint your nails with nail polish. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
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Medically reviewed by: Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Sarah Gehrke is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist based in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008. Sarah also has a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Walden University and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. This article has been viewed 547,419 times. 22 votes - 84% Co-authors: 7Updated: January 17, 2025 Views: 547,419 Categories: Nail HealthArticle SummaryX
To fix a minor split toenail, file down the nail, which will keep it smooth and help avoid further cracking. Alternatively, tape over the crack with a small stretch of clear tape to hold it together. If your split extends into the nail bed, or if it causes bleeding, inflammation, or severe pain, apply an antibiotic ointment to your toe and wrap it in a bandage. You should also wash it regularly with warm water and mild soap to reduce the risk of infection. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or if the area around the nail hurts so much that you can’t walk, seek medical attention immediately. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to prevent future split toenails, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Oct 21, 2020
"I had a severe split handnail, not a toe nail, and I soaked my nail in warm water everyday and it healed quickly and was less painful! Thank you very much."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Medically reviewed by: Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse Co-authors: 7Updated: January 17, 2025 Views: 547,41984% of readers found this article helpful. 22 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article 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 
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Medically reviewed by: Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Sarah Gehrke is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist based in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008. Sarah also has a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Walden University and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. This article has been viewed 547,419 times. 22 votes - 84% Co-authors: 7 Updated: January 17, 2025 Views: 547,419 Categories: Nail Health Article SummaryX
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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] 
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] 
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] 
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] 
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] 
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] 
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] 
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] 
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] 
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] 
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] 
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] Advertisement 
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] 
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] 
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] 
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]