Isla Bennett
Peeling nails can be caused by various factors, including vitamin deficiency, certain medications, and underlying health conditions such as an underactive thyroid. In most cases, nails will continue to grow after peeling, although this may be slower or irregular. Onycholysis, or nail separation, can cause nails to pull away from the nail bed, often due to injury or fungus, and typically only affects one nail. While it is rare for the nail matrix to be permanently damaged, preventing nail regrowth, various treatments are available to encourage nail growth and improve the appearance of nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of nail peeling | Trauma or damage to the nail, vitamin deficiency, fungal infection, eczema, dehydration, certain medications, and underlying health conditions such as an underactive thyroid |
| Prevention and treatment | Wearing gloves when using harsh chemicals or doing chores involving water, applying moisturizers or nail oils, increasing iron intake, antifungal medications, and avoiding excessive buffing or use of adhesives |
| Nail growth | Nails are always growing, and it takes approximately 6-9 months for fingernails and 12-18 months for toenails to grow completely out |
| Nail abnormalities | Discoloration, flaking, ridges, and white lines or bands |
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What You'll Learn
Causes of nail peeling
There are several factors that can cause nail peeling. One of the most common causes is external trauma or damage to the nail. This can include physical trauma, such as using a nail buffer or manipulating the nails with any instrument or tool, or even just rubbing the nail. Soaking your hands in hot water for prolonged periods, such as when doing the dishes, can also dry out and damage the nails, causing them to peel.
Another cause of nail peeling is exposure to certain chemicals and ingredients. This can include the adhesives used for gel or acrylic nails, as well as ingredients found in hand soap, sanitizers, and even laundry detergent. These substances can dry out the nails, making them more prone to peeling.
Nail peeling can also be a result of too much or too little moisture. Spending time in hot or humid places can cause the nails to absorb too much moisture, making them soft and susceptible to damage. On the other hand, nails that are dried out from too much buffing or other causes can become brittle and easily damaged, leading to peeling.
In some cases, nail peeling can be a sign of an underlying health condition. For example, it can be a symptom of thyroid disease, which can cause a slower turnover rate of the skin and nails, making them more brittle. Peeling nails can also be a sign of anemia, often due to iron deficiency, which can cause changes in nail appearance. Certain skin conditions, such as eczema, can also trigger nail peeling by affecting normal nail growth and appearance.
Additionally, medications can sometimes affect nail growth and cause peeling. For instance, chemotherapy and other drugs can temporarily interfere with nail growth and lead to changes in nail appearance.
It's important to note that nail peeling is rarely a medical emergency. However, if you are concerned or if the peeling is accompanied by severe pain or bleeding, it is always best to seek medical advice.
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Treatment for nail peeling
Peeling nails are usually not a cause for concern, but they can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition. It is important to identify the cause of the peeling to determine the best course of treatment.
If your nails are peeling due to external factors, such as trauma or damage to the nail, it is recommended to gently remove any nail coatings without scraping or pulling, as this can cause nail damage and peeling. Instead, care for your nails by filing them with a nail file, buffing them with a one-directional motion, and keeping them short and moisturized. Avoiding prolonged exposure to water and wearing protective gloves during household chores can also help prevent nail peeling.
In some cases, nail peeling may be a result of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, such as iron deficiency or anemia. Treating this type of nail peeling involves increasing your daily iron intake through iron-rich foods or supplements. It is important to consult with a doctor before taking supplements, as excessive iron intake can interfere with the absorption of other minerals.
Additionally, certain skin conditions, such as eczema, can cause nail peeling. Treating eczema symptoms by keeping the skin moisturized and managing any inflammation can help prevent nail peeling.
If you suspect an underlying health condition, such as thyroid disease or a fungal infection, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance and treatment options. They may suggest blood tests to check for any deficiencies or conditions that could be causing the nail peeling.
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Prevention of nail peeling
Peeling nails can be caused by external trauma to the nail, such as damage to the nail itself, or an internal condition, such as a vitamin deficiency. If you notice that your nails are peeling, it is important to address the issue to prevent further damage and potential infection.
If you suspect that your nail peeling is caused by an external factor, you should try to identify the cause and take steps to avoid it. For example, if you notice that your nails are peeling after removing artificial nails, you should be sure to gently remove the nail coatings without scraping or pulling, as this can cause nail damage and peeling. You can also try filing your nails into a curve, instead of sharp points, to prevent snagging, breaking, and splitting.
Additionally, prolonged exposure to water can dry out and damage nails, causing them to peel. To prevent this, you should minimise direct water exposure to your nails and wear protective cotton-lined rubber gloves when performing household chores that involve water. Applying oil to your nails before putting on the gloves can also help to repel any water that may get inside.
If you suspect that your nail peeling is caused by internal factors, such as a vitamin deficiency, you should consider increasing your daily intake of the vitamin through your diet or supplements. For example, iron deficiency is a common cause of nail peeling, so you may want to incorporate more iron-rich foods into your diet or take iron supplements. However, it is important to be cautious when taking supplements, as excessive iron supplements can reduce the body's ability to absorb zinc.
In addition to iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins like biotin are important for nail health. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help ensure you are getting enough of these nutrients. You can also ask your doctor about taking biotin supplements to help strengthen your nails.
Finally, certain chemicals and ingredients found in products like hand soap, sanitizers, laundry detergent, and nail polish can dry out nails and make them prone to peeling. To prevent this, try to use hypoallergenic products, as these typically contain milder or natural chemical agents. When removing nail polish, use a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover instead of picking at the polish, as this can be traumatic to the nails.
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Health conditions indicated by nail peeling
Peeling nails can be caused by external factors such as trauma to the nail, artificial nails, and overexposure to moisture. However, in some cases, nail peeling may indicate an underlying health condition.
Vitamin Deficiency
Nail peeling can be a sign of vitamin deficiency, particularly an iron deficiency. This can be addressed by increasing iron intake through diet or supplements, always consult a medical professional before taking supplements.
Thyroid Disease
Peeling nails that do not heal or appear suddenly could be a symptom of thyroid disease. Blood work and a thorough examination can help determine if there is an underlying issue.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema can cause nail peeling. Eczema can cause the skin around the nails to become dry, flaky, inflamed, and prone to cracks, which can impact nail growth and appearance.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD causes reduced blood flow to the legs and feet, affecting the nail matrix and slowing nail growth.
Onycholysis
Onycholysis is a condition where the nail separates from the nail bed. It often occurs after an injury, but it can also be caused by fungi or other factors. While treatment may involve cutting away the affected nail, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
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Nail abnormalities
Healthy nails appear smooth and have consistent colouring. However, several factors can cause nail abnormalities, including age, trauma, and certain diseases and medications.
Yellow Nail Syndrome
Yellow nail syndrome is characterised by nails that thicken, lack a cuticle, grow slowly, and are loose or detached from the nail bed. It is most commonly associated with lung disorders and lymphedema. Nails may also be over-curved both transversely and longitudinally.
Leukonychia
Leukonychia is characterised by white streaks or spots on the nails, often due to drugs or disease. It is associated with poor health or nutritional deficiencies.
Koilonychia
Koilonychia is an abnormal shape of the fingernail. The nail has raised ridges and is thin and curved inward, resembling a spoon. This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anaemia.
Beau's Lines
Depressions that run across the fingernail are called Beau's lines. They can be a sign of malnourishment or diseases that cause a high fever, such as measles, mumps, and scarlet fever.
Clubbing
Clubbing is when nails thicken and curve around the fingertips, generally over the course of years. It is associated with low oxygen in the blood.
Onycholysis
Onycholysis occurs when the nail separates from its nail bed. It often appears after an injury to the nail but can also be caused by fungi or certain nail products. Nails may be discoloured or feature a wavy white line.
Pitting
Pitting refers to small depressions or pits in the nail and is common in people with psoriasis or alopecia areata.
Ridges
Vertical ridges may develop with age, and tiny raised lines can develop across or up and down the nail due to chronic picking or rubbing of the skin behind the nail.
Nail Separation
Nail separation can result from injuries to the fingers and hands, viral warts, infections, and certain medications.
Nail Discolouration
Discolouration of the nails can be a sign of different conditions, including arsenic poisoning, peripheral artery disease, and certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, nails are always growing. However, if there is severe damage to the nail matrix, some or all of the nail may not grow back.
There are several reasons why nails peel. It could be due to external factors such as exposure to harsh chemicals, prolonged water exposure, or certain manicure procedures. Internal factors such as vitamin or iron deficiency, dehydration, and underlying health conditions like lung disease or an underactive thyroid can also cause nail peeling.
To prevent nail peeling, it is recommended to wear gloves when handling harsh chemicals or when doing tasks that involve prolonged water exposure. Keeping nails moisturized with creams or oils and maintaining a healthy diet can also help prevent peeling.
