- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
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Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he said, need to be aware, and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has been director of the Dermatopathology Laboratory since 1998 and chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology since 2000. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin and lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information is becoming a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he said. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
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Question
Split fingernails: What causes them?
What causes split fingernails? Can the splitting be prevented?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Split fingernails are typically a result of repetitive or prolonged contact with water — think dishwashing and tub baths, for example. Nail polish remover also can contribute to split fingernails. Split fingernails usually aren't a sign of vitamin, mineral or other nutritional deficiencies.
To prevent split fingernails, treat your nails gently:
- Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when using soap and water for prolonged periods or when using harsh chemicals.
- Avoid long soaks in the tub.
- Repair fingernail splits or tears with nail glue or clear polish.
- Use nail polish remover no more than twice a month. If you polish your nails, touch up the polish in the meantime. When you do use nail polish remover, avoid those that contain acetone.
- Limit manicures.
- Rub moisturizing lotion into your fingernails after washing your hands and after removing nail polish.
- Keep your fingernails neatly trimmed. Round the tips in a gentle curve.
If the splitting doesn't improve or you're concerned about your split fingernails, ask your doctor for additional suggestions.
