YOU probably do not think much about your nails unless you are choosing what colour to paint them, using them to pick up small items, or scratching an itch.
But, when your nails start to crack or break, it could be a sign of brittle nails.
Your nails can become brittle, thin, and soft due to factors such as aging, nutritional deficiencies, underlying medical conditions, and even environmental reasons like damage from the chemicals in your household cleaning products.
Onychoschizia — the medical term for brittle nails affects about one in five people.
People of all ages can experience brittle nails, though they are most common among older adults.
Fortunately, there are a variety of options you can choose from to treat and prevent your nails from breaking.
Causes:
Nails tend to become thinner and weaker as you age.
This is because the production of keratin the protein that makes up nails slows down with age.
However, aging is just one of the many factors that can contribute to your nails becoming brittle.
Other reasons your nails might easily crack include:
Nutritional deficiencies: Nutrients such as biotin (vitamin B7), zinc, and iron are essential for strong and healthy nails.
A deficiency in any of these nutrients can contribute to brittle nails.
However, iron deficiency, in particular, is linked to the development of brittle nails.
Medications: Certain medications, such as retinoids, anti-retrovirals, and chemotherapy, can make your nails more prone to breakage.
Trauma: Injury to the nails or repeated microtraumas, such as biting or picking, can cause nails to weaken and become brittle over time.
Environmental factors: Cold, dry weather or repeated exposure to harsh chemicals, such as those in your household cleaning products, can sap moisture from your nails, leaving them weak and brittle.
Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as thyroid disorders, iron-deficiency anemia, psoriasis, eczema, Raynaud’s disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and fungal infections, can all make your nails susceptible to breaking.
Frequent handwashing: Repeated wetting and drying of your hands can contribute to a loss of moisture in your nails, which can make them brittle.
Nail care habits: Frequent nail polish use, nail extensions, and acetone-based nail polish removers can weaken the natural structure of the nails and dry them out, making them more fragile and prone to breaking.
How to fix brittle nails:
In many cases, consistent nail care can help improve the health and appearance of your nails.
If an underlying condition, such as iron deficiency anemia, is causing brittle nails, getting treatment for that condition may improve your nails.
If your brittle nails are the result of aging or other environmental factors, dermatologists (or, doctors who specialise in skin, nail, and hair health) recommend fixing your nails by
Moisturising your hands and nails with a cream or lotion containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Taking daily biotin (vitamin B7) supplements
Applying a thin coat of nail strengthener containing nylon fibres to your nails once a week
Keep in mind: it may take several weeks or months to improve your nail strength and health.
That said, staying patient with yourself and being consistent with your nail care routine is key.
Tips to prevent brittle nails:
Unless you have an underlying health condition causing brittle nails, you can protect the health and appearance of your nails through proper nail care and good nutrition.
Here are some ways you can prevent brittle nails at home:
Keep your nails trimmed and filed, rounding the edges in a curve with a fine emery board (or, nail file)
Wear gloves when doing chores that involve using cleaning products or getting your hands wet
Limit your use of nail polish, acrylic nails, and acetone-based nail polish remover
Avoid picking or biting your nails
Moisturise your nails and hands regularly with hydrating lotions
Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to ensure your nails get the vitamins and minerals they need, such as iron or vitamins A, B, C, D, and E
Generally speaking, brittle nails can be categorised as dry and brittle (too little moisture) or soft and brittle (too much moisture).
If your nails do not become stronger with home remedies, such as wearing gloves while doing household chores and moisturising your hands and nails after washing, talk to your doctor.
Brittle nails can also be a sign of an underlying condition, such as iron deficiency or hypothyroidism. – https://www.health.com/.
