What is a characteristic feature of onychorrhexis?

Onychorrhexis is characterized by the presence of lengthwise ridges on the nails, which can often appear as split or brittle nails. This condition typically arises due to various factors such as nutritional deficiencies, excessive exposure to moisture or chemicals, and trauma. The lengthwise ridges can lead to further nail brittleness, making the nails more susceptible to breaking or splitting.

In contrast, highly curved nails, bitten nails (often associated with nail biting behaviors), and dark discoloration pertain to different nail conditions. Therefore, understanding the specific features of onychorrhexis helps in identifying and distinguishing it from other nail disorders.