Onychorrhexis | |
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Other names | Brittle nails |
Onicorrexis in a adult | |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Onychorrhexis (from the Greek words ὄνυχο- ónycho-, "nail" and ῥῆξις rhexis, "bursting"), is a brittleness with breakage of finger or toenails that may result from hypothyroidism, anemia, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, or after oral retinoid therapy.[1]: 786 It can also be seen in melanoma that involves the nail and onychomycosis.[2]
Onychorrhexis affects up to 20% of the population.[1]: 786 [3]