Top Signs of Brittle Nails
If you have weak and brittle nails, you’re definitely not alone. Onychoschizia, or brittle nails, affects about 20 percent of the population. Interestingly, women are twice as likely to have this issue compared to men. Jobs that require frequent exposure to water, cleaning chemicals, or other irritating substances also increase the risk.
The main signs of brittle nails include:
– Peeling at the tips
– Nails that easily split, fracture, chip, or crack near the ends
– Slow-growing nails or nails that won’t grow long
– Vertical ridges on the nails
– Pain around the nails during everyday activities
– Hangnails or ripped skin near the cuticles
It’s important to note that white spots on the nail bed are not related to brittle nails. These spots, often called “nail bruises,” are due to an abnormality in the nail matrix where the nail grows and are not a cause for concern.
What Causes Brittle Nails?
Several factors can cause brittle nails. External variables such as personal hygiene and exposure to chemicals or physical irritants are common culprits. Genetics, vitamin deficiencies, and other health conditions also play a part, but external factors are typically the main cause. For instance, dry heat and low humidity can worsen nail health. One way to tell that external factors might be at play is if your fingernails are fragile but your toenails are strong and healthy.
Here are some specific causes:
Frequent Hand Washing
Wetting your nails causes them to absorb water and swell. As they dry, they lose moisture and contract. Repeatedly doing this can lead to brittle nails, especially for swimmers or people who wash dishes often without wearing gloves.
Frequent Manicures
Regularly painting your nails or getting manicures can dehydrate and weaken them. Nail polish, primers, and removers often contain harsh chemicals like acetone or alcohol. The more frequently you get manicures, the higher your risk of developing brittle nails.
Iron Deficiency
Brittle nails can sometimes indicate a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient-related cause as it’s crucial for oxygen transport to the nail matrix. Foods rich in iron include beans, lentils, spinach, Swiss chard, brown rice, pumpkin seeds, and cashews.
Anemia
Anemia, a condition with low hemoglobin levels, can impair nail development. Hemoglobin transports oxygen, including to the nail matrix at the root.
Biotin Deficiency
Biotin (vitamin B-7) deficiency is another possible cause. It’s more common in people who smoke, drink heavily, consume a high-processed-food diet, have liver conditions, Crohn’s disease, or are pregnant. Biotin supplements may help increase nail thickness and strength.
Thyroid Disease
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to brittle nails. For instance, hypothyroidism reduces oil production, leading to less lubrication for nails.
Aging
As part of the natural aging process, nails can become brittle and dry. Toenails may grow thicker, harder, and slower, particularly in post-menopausal women or those who have undergone other hormone-related changes.
Natural Remedies for Brittle Nails
If you’re struggling with brittle nails, several natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help improve their condition.
Avoid or Reduce Manicures
One way to strengthen your nails is to avoid manicures. The chemicals in nail polish, removers, and primers dry and weaken nails. If you must get manicures, try to take breaks to let your nails heal.
Choose Healthier Nail Polish
Look for nail polish that’s free of harmful chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), camphor, and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP or TPP). Water-based nail polishes are better for your nails, even though they take longer to dry.
Moisturize Your Hands Regularly
Apply moisturizing lotion to your hands after washing them to keep your nails hydrated and prevent chipping and breaking. Thick lotions and hand creams are more effective than watery ones.
Avoid Excessive Hand Washing
Wash your hands only when necessary, using a mild, natural soap to avoid harsh chemicals. Fully dry your hands after washing and apply a moisturizing lotion. Avoid waterless hand sanitizers high in alcohol as they can dry out your skin and nails.
Wear Gloves
Use natural latex gloves when doing chores that expose your hands to water and harsh chemicals. Even short exposures can damage your nails, so it helps to be cautious.
Limit the Length of Showers
Long, hot showers can over-saturate your nails, making them prone to bending and tearing. Try to limit showers to 15 minutes or less.
Apply Liquid Vitamin E to Your Hands
Vitamin E oil nourishes and strengthens nails and cuticles. Use 100 percent organic liquid vitamin E oil to avoid toxic fillers. Apply a little oil to your nails and massage it in.
Try All-Natural Cuticle Oils
Opt for cuticle oils made from all-natural ingredients like beeswax, jojoba oil, flaxseed oil, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E oil. They’re effective and cost-efficient.
Try a Biotin Supplement
Biotin, a water-soluble B vitamin, supports nail health. Taking a biotin supplement may help make your nails firmer and reduce splitting.
Follow a Plant-Based Diet
A plant-based diet includes a variety of protein sources such as beans, lentils, seeds, nuts, and quinoa. It also provides biotin through natural sources like grains, bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli.
Be Gentle During Nail Care
Use a fine-grit nail file and move it in one direction from the side to the center. Avoid cutting or picking at your cuticles. Regularly filing off jagged areas and keeping your nails short can prevent further damage.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While brittle nails are often a cosmetic issue that can be improved with lifestyle changes, sometimes they indicate a medical problem like thyroid disease, anemia, or Raynaud’s syndrome. If your nails turn mostly white with darker lines at the edge, it could signal jaundice. Yellow nails might indicate thyroid disease, lung disease, or diabetes. Rippled or ridged nails might point to psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.
If you have other symptoms alongside brittle nails, or if your toenails are also brittle, consult your healthcare provider.
Points to Remember
Brittle nails that peel, chip, fracture, or grow slowly are often caused by frequent washing, drying, or manicures. Simple changes such as wearing gloves while washing dishes, moisturizing your hands, applying liquid vitamin E, and avoiding manicures can help.
In some cases, brittle nails might indicate an underlying health condition like anemia or thyroid disease. If lifestyle changes don’t help after several months, it’s best to seek advice from your healthcare provider.
