Sophia Delgado
Brittle nails, also known as onychoschizia, are a common issue that affects about one in five people, with higher rates among women. Nails can become brittle due to various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, aging, and exposure to harsh chemicals. While brittle nails usually result from external factors, they can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions such as hypothyroidism, anemia, or fungal infections. To strengthen brittle nails, it is recommended to moisturize regularly, wear gloves during household chores, eat a balanced diet, and avoid nail biting. Additionally, taking biotin supplements and ensuring adequate protein intake may help. While most cases of brittle nails can be addressed through home remedies, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional if concerns persist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to heal | It can take several weeks or months to improve nail strength and health. It generally takes about 6 months for adult fingernails to grow out completely and about 12 months for toenails. |
| Causes | Nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, aging, underlying conditions, frequent hand washing, nail biting, anemia, thyroid disorder, etc. |
| Treatment | Applying moisturizer, taking biotin supplements, wearing gloves while doing household chores, eating a balanced diet, avoiding nail biting and picking, limiting the use of nail polish and acrylic nails, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Healing brittle nails: supplements, vitamins, and diet
While there is no set timeframe for healing brittle nails, certain supplements, vitamins, and dietary changes can help support nail health and promote stronger, healthier nails over time.
Supplements
Biotin supplements are often recommended for brittle nails. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in healthy cell growth and metabolism. It is involved in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. While biotin deficiency is rare, consuming biotin through supplements or diet may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. A study on individuals with brittle nails found that taking 2.5 mg of biotin daily for six weeks to seven months improved symptoms in 63% of participants.
Vitamins
In addition to biotin, other B vitamins are important for nail health. Vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) are necessary for red blood cell production and oxygen transportation to nail cells. A deficiency in either of these vitamins can lead to nail discolouration and brittleness. To maintain healthy nails, adults require 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 and 400 mcg of folate per day.
Vitamin C is another essential nutrient for nail health. It is a key component in the production of collagen, which provides strength and structure to nails, hair, and teeth. As the body cannot produce vitamin C, it must be obtained through diet. Men require 90 mg, while women need 75 mg of vitamin C daily. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, green vegetables, and tomatoes are excellent sources of this vitamin.
Diet
A well-rounded diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats can contribute to nail health. Salmon is a great source of healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote shiny and strong nails. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and avocados. Sufficient protein intake is also important for nail health, as it provides the building blocks for nail growth. Lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, are good sources of protein and collagen.
In addition to dietary changes, staying properly hydrated is crucial for overall health, including nail health. While there is no definitive timeline for healing brittle nails, incorporating these supplements, vitamins, and dietary adjustments can help improve nail strength and overall nail health over several weeks to months.
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Moisturizing and conditioning
Brittle nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including frequent hand washing, aging, and nutritional deficiencies. To address this issue, it is important to focus on moisturizing and conditioning your nails and the surrounding skin.
Firstly, it is recommended to look for moisturizing hand lotions or creams that contain lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids. These products should be applied to the hands and nails after washing to replenish lost moisture. It is important to rub the lotion or cream directly onto the nails in addition to the surrounding skin. Applying a heavy hand cream or moisturizer before bed can also help to keep your hands, feet, and nails hydrated while you sleep.
Additionally, wearing gloves while doing household chores can protect your nails from harsh chemicals and detergents, as well as keep your hands dry. This includes wearing dishwashing gloves to minimize direct contact with water and cleaning products.
For more intensive moisturizing, consider trying "nail slugging," a trend that has gained popularity on social media. This technique involves massaging supermoisturizers into the nails and cuticles. Products such as Bliss Manicure's Best Friend, Nailtiques Nail Moisturizer, Creative Nail Design Solar Balm, and Kiehl's Imperiale Moisturizing Cuticle Treatment are specifically designed to nourish and moisturize nails. These treatments often contain ingredients like collagen, vitamin E, avocado oil, and shea butter.
Another option is to use a nail conditioner with lanolin a few times a day. However, it is important to avoid nail conditioners that contain alcohol, as these can further dry out your nails.
By consistently incorporating these moisturizing and conditioning practices into your nail care routine, you can effectively address brittle nails caused by dryness and external factors.
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Underlying health conditions
Brittle nails are often caused by external factors, such as overexposure to water, detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover. However, in some cases, they can be a sign of underlying health conditions.
One possible underlying condition that can cause brittle nails is anemia, a condition where the body does not produce enough hemoglobin, a protein responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anemia can be caused by iron deficiency, which leads to low red blood cell levels and is characterised by symptoms such as fatigue.
Another potential underlying condition is a thyroid disorder, also known as hypothyroidism. This condition affects the body's hormone production, impacting the absorption of minerals. Symptoms of low thyroid levels may include hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and depression, in addition to brittle nails.
Additionally, brittle nails could indicate nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of protein, iron, or vitamin B. According to Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor, "Our bodies are smart, so when we’re low in vitamins and minerals, our nails and hair will show it." Eating a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help ensure adequate nutrient intake for nail health.
In some cases, brittle nails may be a symptom of Raynaud's syndrome, which is characterised by circulation problems in the extremities. This condition can affect nail health, and treatment options are available from a doctor.
Furthermore, certain immune system disorders, such as psoriasis, can also lead to brittle nails. Psoriasis causes dry, scaly patches on the skin and can change the colour and texture of nails.
While less common, fungal infections could also be a cause of brittle nails, especially if the nails are thickening or turning yellow in addition to cracking.
It is important to note that nail issues are often unrelated to any serious underlying illness. However, if you are concerned about the condition of your nails or notice additional symptoms, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and potential treatment options.
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Environmental factors
Weather Conditions
Cold, dry weather can sap moisture from nails, making them brittle. This is particularly common during winter or in hot, dry environments. Nails are also more exposed to these elements when they are longer, making them more prone to drying out and cracking.
Household and Skincare Products
Frequent exposure to water and detergents can cause nails to become soft and brittle. This is often due to the repeated wetting and drying of nails from activities such as hand washing, doing the dishes, or cleaning. The use of harsh chemicals, such as household cleaners and nail polish removers containing acetone, can also strip nails of their natural moisture, leading to brittleness.
Nail Care and Cosmetics
The use of nail cosmetics and certain nail care practices can contribute to nail brittleness. For example, wearing nail polish for extended periods, regularly applying new coats, or using nail extensions can weaken nails. Additionally, nail biting and picking can cause microtraumas that weaken the nail structure.
Nutritional Deficiencies
A lack of certain nutrients in the diet can lead to brittle nails. Deficiencies in protein, iron, vitamin B, biotin, zinc, and amino acids (especially cysteine) have been linked to nail fragility.
Medical Conditions and Treatments
Certain medical conditions and their treatments can increase the susceptibility of nails to breakage. For instance, thyroid disorders, anemia, psoriasis, eczema, Raynaud's syndrome, osteoporosis, diabetes, and fungal infections can all impact nail health. Additionally, medications such as retinoids, antiretrovirals, and chemotherapy may have side effects that affect nail strength.
While brittle nails are common and often not a major cause for concern, it is important to maintain consistent nail care and address any underlying environmental or health factors that may be contributing to the issue.
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Home remedies and medical treatment
Home remedies
Brittle nails can be caused by too much or too little moisture, or a deficiency in vitamins or nutrients. Home remedies for brittle nails include:
- Moisturising your hands and nails with lotions or creams containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids.
- Applying natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, or shea butter to maintain hydrated cuticles and nails.
- Soaking your nails in nutrient-rich ingredients like apple cider vinegar, a sea salt mixture, or olive oil.
- Wearing gloves when doing household chores to keep your hands dry and protect your nails from harsh chemicals.
- Avoiding prolonged exposure to cold, dry weather and wearing gloves when going outside on cold days.
- Keeping your nails short to minimise the nail surface area where water and chemicals can be absorbed.
- Filing your nails regularly with a fine emery board to eliminate irregularities and prevent breakage and splitting.
- Eating iron-rich foods like red meat, spinach, or lentils, or taking iron supplements (consult your doctor first).
- Taking biotin supplements, a B vitamin that has been shown to improve nail strength and growth.
- Using nail hardeners with natural ingredients, avoiding those that contain formaldehyde.
Medical treatment
If your nails don't become stronger with home remedies, it's recommended that you talk to your doctor. Brittle nails can be a sign of an underlying condition such as iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, or Raynaud's syndrome. A doctor may recommend taking supplements to strengthen your nails or treating the underlying condition. For example, synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine can be prescribed for hypothyroidism, and calcium channel blockers or alternatives may be prescribed for Raynaud's syndrome.
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