Nail Disorders: Trachyonychia and Onychorrhexis

Clinical Characteristics

Onychorrhexis is characterized primarily by longitudinal ridging and splitting or brittleness of the nail plate, often presenting as part of nail matrix abnormalities in conditions like taxane-related nail toxicity 1
Onychorrhexis can be caused by repetitive trauma to the nail plate, leading to distal onycholysis 2
Onychorrhexis may be associated with systemic conditions or medication side effects 3
Onychorrhexis does not typically present with pitting or the characteristic "rough" appearance, and may be accompanied by thinning of the nail plate and increased fragility 1
Onychorrhexis can be a manifestation of nail matrix damage from various causes including medications, trauma, or systemic disease 3

Preventive measures for onychorrhexis include daily use of topical emollients on periungual folds, matrix and nail plate, and protective nail lacquers to limit water loss 3
Both trachyonychia and onychorrhexis benefit from avoiding nail trauma, excessive water exposure, and harsh chemicals 3