Liam Carter
Brittle nails, or onychoschizia, are a common issue, affecting about one in five people. Nails can become fragile due to various factors, such as nutritional deficiencies, aging, underlying health conditions, and environmental factors. While brittle nails usually don't require medical attention, consistent nail care and certain lifestyle changes can help strengthen and restore them to their former health. This introduction will discuss the causes of brittle nails and provide an overview of the various ways to address and prevent this issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, chronic conditions, hypothyroidism, iron deficiency, Raynaud's syndrome, chemotherapy, frequent hand washing, nail biting, ageing, environmental factors, frequent nail polish use, extensions, acetone-based removers |
| Prevention | Moisturize regularly, wear gloves while washing dishes or cleaning, eat a balanced diet, avoid nail biting, limit nail polish use, avoid frequent hand sanitizer use, change shampoo if it is drying, take biotin supplements, drink water, eat protein and calcium |
| Treatment | Clip or file nails, apply nail hardener, use non-acetone nail polish remover, treat underlying conditions, apply moisturizer after hand sanitizer use, take synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, calcium channel blockers for Raynaud's syndrome |
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What You'll Learn
Moisturise your hands and nails regularly
Brittle nails are often a result of too little moisture. Nails can become brittle due to factors like aging, nutritional deficiencies, underlying conditions, and damage from household cleaning products. Nails also tend to become thinner and weaker as you age.
To prevent and treat brittle nails, moisturise your hands and nails regularly. Moisturising your hands will also keep your cuticles from becoming ragged. Moisturisers with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are particularly good for nail health. You can also try nail lotions and oils.
If you regularly use hand sanitiser, try not to get it on your nails and use it in moderation. Alcohol-based sanitisers dry out nails and hands, leading to brittle nails. When cleaning, wear rubber gloves to avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals. Many household cleaning products contain chemicals that can weaken the nail, so it is important to protect your hands and nails when using them.
Drinking enough water is also important for nail health. Without adequate moisture, nails can become brittle and break and peel easily. Water helps nails retain moisture and stay strong.
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Take biotin supplements
While brittle nails are common and usually do not require medical attention, they can be frustrating to deal with. One way to address this issue is by taking biotin supplements, also known as vitamin B7, which is an essential nutrient that supports your metabolism.
Biotin deficiency is rare, and brittle nails are often caused by other factors, such as nutritional deficiencies in zinc and iron, underlying health conditions, aging, or environmental factors. However, some people have reported that taking biotin supplements has helped boost their nail growth and strength.
A Swiss study found a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails who took biotin supplements. Additionally, 63% of the patients evaluated showed clinical improvement, indicating a positive response to biotin in treating brittle nails.
Biotin is found in many foods, including liver, eggs, salmon, pork, nuts, and seeds. Adult daily multivitamins and prenatal vitamins typically contain 100% of the recommended daily value for biotin. However, other supplements marketed for hair and nail growth can contain up to 10,000% of your daily value.
It is important to note that no studies have proven that biotin supplements will change the appearance of your nails. Before starting any new supplement, it is always recommended to speak with your doctor, as biotin supplements may cause mild side effects such as an upset stomach.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning
Wearing gloves while washing dishes or cleaning is an effective way to prevent brittle nails. This is because frequent hand washing and exposure to water can cause nails to become weak and brittle. By wearing gloves, you can reduce the amount of time your nails are submerged in water, helping to keep them strong.
It is important to choose the right type of gloves for this purpose. Rubber gloves are ideal for household chores as they create a barrier between your nails and the chemicals in cleaning products. Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can sap moisture from your nails, leading to dryness and brittleness. By wearing gloves, you can minimise the contact between these chemicals and your nails, keeping them healthier.
Wearing gloves can also protect your nails from physical damage during cleaning tasks. For example, when washing dishes, it is common to scrub pots and pans vigorously, which can cause micro-traumas to your nails if they rub or bump against hard surfaces. Gloves act as a protective layer, reducing the impact of these forces on your nails and helping to prevent breakage.
Additionally, wearing gloves can be particularly beneficial if you have a habit of nail biting or picking. Keeping your nails covered during tasks that may induce stress or anxiety can help prevent these behaviours, allowing your nails to grow stronger and healthier.
In conclusion, wearing gloves while washing dishes or cleaning is a simple yet effective strategy to protect your nails from moisture loss, chemical exposure, physical damage, and nail-biting habits. By incorporating this habit into your nail care routine, you can help prevent brittle nails and promote overall nail health.
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Avoid nail biting and picking
Nail biting and picking are often associated with children, but these behaviours can extend into adulthood. Nail biting, in particular, is especially common, with about 45% of teens showing this behaviour. Still, many others persist past the age of 18. In fact, 20 to 30% of people are thought to engage in habitual nail biting.
Nail biting typically begins in childhood and can continue through adulthood, and the side effects can be more than cosmetic. Repeated nail biting can make the skin around your nails feel sore, and it can damage the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in abnormal-looking nails. Chronic nail biting can also leave you vulnerable to infection as you pass harmful bacteria and viruses from your mouth to your fingers and from your nails to your face and mouth.
If you struggle with chronic nail biting or picking, you may also be at risk for other types of body-focused repetitive behaviours, including skin picking and hair pulling. These behavioural disorders are related to obsessive-compulsive disorders, and some people have a genetic tendency toward them.
To stop biting your nails, dermatologists recommend keeping your nails trimmed short. Having less nail provides less to bite and is less tempting. Applying bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails is another way to stop biting them. This safe, but awful-tasting formula discourages many people from biting their nails.
You can also try to:
- Identify your triggers. These could be physical triggers, such as the presence of hangnails, or other triggers, such as boredom, stress, or anxiety.
- Replace the nail-biting habit with a good one. When you feel like biting your nails, try playing with a stress ball or a fidget toy instead.
- Ask your dentist for help. In some cases, they may be able to apply an oral device to your teeth to make it impossible to bite your nails.
- Keep your nails looking their best. You are less likely to bite your nails if they look nice or if you've spent money on getting them done in a salon.
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Eat a nutrient-dense diet
While there are many reasons why nails become brittle, nutritional deficiencies are one of the most common causes. Eating a nutrient-dense diet can help prevent and repair brittle nails.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a critical nutrient for nail health. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. While biotin deficiency is rare, consuming biotin-rich foods or supplements can help strengthen brittle nails. Organ meats, such as liver, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and even cauliflower, are excellent sources of biotin.
Vitamin C is another vital nutrient for nail health. It is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that gives shape, strength, and structure to nails, hair, and teeth. As the body cannot produce Vitamin C, it is important to include Vitamin C-rich foods in your diet. Citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries, and kiwis are well-known sources of Vitamin C, but bell peppers, green vegetables, and tomatoes contain even higher amounts.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for maintaining shiny and strong nails. They help lubricate the nails and can be found in fatty fish like salmon, as well as plant-based sources such as tofu, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
In addition to these specific nutrients, it is important to consume a well-rounded diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Protein is also crucial for nail health, and can be obtained from animal sources like chicken, turkey, and salmon, or plant-based sources such as beans, legumes, and tofu.
Finally, staying hydrated is essential for nail health. Drinking enough water is key to keeping your body functioning properly and promoting healthy nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Some ways to prevent brittle nails include moisturising regularly, wearing gloves while doing household chores, eating a balanced diet, avoiding nail biting and picking, and limiting the use of nail polish and acrylic nails.
Remedies for brittle nails include taking biotin supplements, drinking enough water, eating a nutrient-dense and protein-rich diet, using nail lotions and oils, and wearing rubber gloves when cleaning to avoid contact with harmful chemicals.
Several medical conditions can cause brittle nails, including iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, and Raynaud's syndrome. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect any of these conditions or if your brittle nails do not improve with home remedies.
