Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are often to blame for vertical nail splits because they weaken the keratin that makes up the nails. When the nails are weak, they are more susceptible to breaking and splitting. Bacterial infections can also cause horizontal nail splits, which occur when the nail plate splits across its width.
Several different types of bacteria can cause nail infections. One of the most common is the Pseudomonas bacterium, often found in water sources like swimming pools and hot tubs. This bacterium can cause greenish-black discoloration of the nails, pitting, ridges, and brittleness.
Staphylococcus aureus is another type of bacteria that can cause nail infections. This bacterium is often present on the skin, nose, or mucous membranes. It can enter the nails through small cuts or abrasions and cause yellowing, thickening, and brittle nails.
Streptococcus pyogenes is a causative bacterium of most nail infections. This bacterium is responsible for strep throat and impetigo, and it can also cause paronychia, an infection of the tissue around the nails. Paronychia can lead to pus-filled blisters called abscesses and redness, swelling, and warmth around the nails.
