Nails splitting

[vonniesims]

I have been on Benepali for eight weeks now and my nails are splitting and breaking. Does anyone else experience this and have you found a good way to manage it please?

[thelmar]

Hi

My nails split vertically which can be very painful. I have found that the only answer is gel overlays. Unfortunately I am having surgery next month and I have to have the gel removed for that. Mine is not caused by Benepali but I have fibromyalgia as well as RD and I understand splitting nails is a symptom of that.

[Creakywrists]

My nails have also been breaking off since starting Benepali. Twice this has caused quite a lot of damage to the nailbed which I’ve been warned is a common place for infection to develop. My GP arranged for me to have the my big toe dressed until it started to heal and the podiatrist suggested using peach kernel oil to keep the nails soft - her mother has RA! I bought a bottle from Amazon and have enough to last about 2 years.

[Caza in reply to Creakywrists]

Does it work?

[Creakywrists in reply to Caza]

It has certainly made them softer. My toe nails haven’t broken since using it but a quarter of my my thumb nail broke off recently so I now use it on my finger nails as well - I now have very short nails by choice.

[vonniesims in reply to Creakywrists]

Thankyou, will try it

[cpetry]

Hi! My nails were always weak and tend to break easily or split into flakes, but since I started with the RA it's even worse. As thelmar, I found the solution is the gel (either nail polish or artificial nail); however, since the last time I took it off I couldn't repeat it because my nails are super broken with a split just in the middle like a small "v".

I also use those strengthening and anti-fungus treatment.

[vonniesims in reply to cpetry]

Thankyou, will try it

[Ninaseven]

I have always had great nails but with RA and taking methotrexate my nails started to split both on my feet and hands. I use a product called nailtique and it works great. I have trouble finding it but when I do I stock up. Hope u can find it.

[vonniesims in reply to Ninaseven]

Thankyou, will try it too

[Deniseelk]

Hi there! My experience is that I noticed ridges running vertical down my nails ( always had beautiful nails) and I knew something was up with my health before I got diagnosed so can only blame the RA not my meds! Interestingly, when I mentioned it to my mum she said her nails had done the same when she was diagnosed with liver cancer so there’s always a chance it’s a health issue! Have a look at The Simply feet limited website as they sell lots of nail treatments and pampering and there seems to be health advice on their site too. Maybe somebody else has tried their products to comment?

[nomoreheels]

Mine used to break up the nail bed, annoying as it's too high up to file your nail to the split. Since I've used Renunail I rarely have that problem any more but it's not something you use all the time, there are instructions how to use it. It's a big bottle too, 30ml amazon.co.uk/Lewinns-Privat.... I also use OPI Avoplex cuticle oil & have a little tube of the same but in gel form that I keep in my bag. It smells gorgeous! amazon.co.uk/OPI-Avoplex-Na.... Check prices though, there are various suppliers on Amazon & the links may not be from the most economical.

I also use gloves when I need to have my hands in water, detergents can be drying on the nails too & cause troubles like splitting.

[Nuttyshirlz in reply to nomoreheels]

I buy Opi from Qvc and only use a crystal nail file and got it part of a collection.

Still have ridges but I was told off my nurse that the ridges are a clue that doctors can tell you got arthritis x

[nomoreheels in reply to Nuttyshirlz]

I have an OPI crystal nail file too, much better I find. You'll have to watch out for the Avoplex then, may be cheaper still.

[Nuttyshirlz in reply to nomoreheels]

Yeah I do look out. I no some ppl might think 20 quid for a nail file a lot but cheaper crystal nail files not same. In all time I’ve had mine and being on my arthritis pills I’ve only had one split nail and I’ve sort it out back to normal. I believe it’s with using oil and file on regular basis x

[nomoreheels in reply to Nuttyshirlz]

I know what you mean & I do have a cheap crystal file too but it's not a patch on my other which I've just remembered is a Leighton Denny one, £12 I think. I'm sure oil helps, not only my nails but my cuticles thank me for it!

[Nuttyshirlz in reply to nomoreheels]

Yeah I’ve a Leighton one too. Lol x

[juliea793]

I have been on Enbrel for years and my nails have the ridges. Since being on a better diet they are stronger but do split. I use a pearlized polish as disguises the ridges. Good nail care also . Not sure about anything like Gel nails that stay on for more than a few days.

[Hidden]

I have been on MTX for one month and my nails have improved from what they’ve been for a long time. It seems the folic acid my doctor told me to take daily is what has helped my nails. All breaking, splitting, pealing has stopped. Even the dry cuticles have disappeared. Ask your doctor about it. Mine is a prescription but I don’t know if one is needed. Unfortunately, I am losing a lot of hair which the folic acid doesn’t seem to be helping at all.