Isla Bennett
Brittle nails are a common issue, affecting about one in five people. They can occur due to environmental factors, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions. The most common reason for brittle nails is that they are too dry, often as a result of frequent handwashing or exposure to harsh chemicals. Age is another factor, as nails tend to become thinner and weaker as we get older. Other causes include nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of biotin, zinc, or iron, as well as certain medications and underlying health conditions like psoriasis, iron deficiency anemia, and thyroid disorders. To prevent and treat brittle nails, it is recommended to wear gloves while doing household chores, moisturize regularly, practice proper nail care, and eat a balanced diet with adequate protein.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Aging, nutritional deficiencies, underlying medical conditions, environmental factors |
| Type | Dry and brittle, soft and brittle |
| Symptoms | Thin, soft, weak, splitting, cracking, breaking, peeling, flaking, discolouration, ridges |
| Treatment | Biotin supplements, colloidal minerals, gelatin, calcium, protein, iron-rich foods, hand creams, lotions, nail conditioners, nail oils, paraffin wax bath, manicures, gloves |
| Prevention | Proper nail care, avoiding nail biting and picking, moisturising, wearing gloves |
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What You'll Learn
Moisturise your nails and hands with a cream or lotion containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids
Moisturisers, creams, and ointments are essential to healing and protecting your nails. Nails become brittle due to a lack of moisture, so it is important to moisturise your nails and hands regularly. Lanolin, a type of wool alcohol, is a great ingredient to look out for in creams. It helps to trap water in your nails, preventing them from drying out and becoming brittle. Creams containing lanolin include Bag Balm and Cutemol.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are another key ingredient to look out for in creams and lotions. They are exfoliating acids that sweep away dirt and dead skin, and they are known to even out skin tone. AHAs are often found in chemical peels and have become increasingly popular in at-home skincare routines. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are two types of alpha-hydroxy acids that are great for holding water in your nails. Products containing AHAs include SkinMedica Brightening AHA/BHA Cream, Shani Darden Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum, and Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing and Polishing Powder-Cleanser.
It is recommended to moisturise your nails and hands multiple times a day, especially after they have been exposed to water. Applying a thick layer of cream before bed and wearing cotton gloves can also help to heal your nails.
In addition to moisturising, it is important to avoid products that contain harsh chemicals such as toluene and formaldehyde, as these can strip your nails of their natural oils and damage the keratin protein, leading to more fragile nails.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or working with cleaning fluids
Wearing gloves when your hands are in contact with water or cleaning products is an effective way to protect your nails from becoming brittle. This is because the gloves act as a protective barrier, shielding your nails from harsh chemicals and excessive water exposure, both of which can contribute to nail brittleness. When choosing gloves, opt for those made from durable materials, such as rubber or latex, that offer a snug fit while still allowing for some breathability.
It is important to wear gloves whenever you are cleaning, including when washing dishes, as this will minimize the time your nails are exposed to moisture and potentially harmful substances. Look for gloves that extend beyond your wrist to provide extra coverage, and ensure that they are comfortable and secure. This will not only protect your nails but also your hands, preventing them from becoming dry and irritated.
If you are using harsh chemicals or cleaning fluids, it is especially important to don gloves. These substances can be extremely drying and damaging to your nails, causing them to become weak and brittle over time. By creating a physical barrier, gloves can help to keep your nails strong and healthy. Remember to also apply a moisturizer or hand cream after any contact with water or cleaning products to further nourish your nails and skin.
You can also take proactive measures by applying a nail hardening treatment or clear nail polish to your nails before putting on the gloves. This extra layer of protection will help reinforce your nails, making them less susceptible to chipping and breaking. Additionally, ensure that you are maintaining proper nail care practices, such as keeping your nails trimmed and shaped, to reduce the incidence of breakage and splitting.
By incorporating the use of gloves into your nail care routine, you can effectively protect your nails from the damaging effects of water and cleaning fluids. This simple step, along with proper nail care and hydration, will promote stronger and healthier nails, reducing their brittleness over time. Remember to be consistent with your glove usage and to pair this habit with other nail-strengthening strategies for optimal results.
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Take biotin vitamin supplements
Biotin is a B vitamin supplement that can help heal your nails and prevent nail splitting and breakage. It is a rare case, but if you have brittle nails, it could be because you aren't getting enough biotin in your diet. Biotin supplements may help strengthen your nails and improve their growth.
Biotin is naturally found in meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables like sweet potatoes. However, if you are unable to get enough biotin through your diet, you can take biotin supplements. A recent study from Switzerland demonstrated a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails who took biotin supplements.
It is important to note that biotin supplements can interfere with certain medications and laboratory tests. Therefore, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements. Additionally, if your nails are still cracking after 6 months, it is recommended to see your doctor.
While taking biotin supplements can help improve nail health, it is also important to address any external factors that may be contributing to brittle nails. This includes things like nail biting, repeated washing and drying of the fingernails, and exposure to detergents and household cleaners. Keeping your nails moisturized and wearing gloves while doing household chores can help prevent brittle nails caused by these external factors.
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Avoid nail biting and picking
Nail biting is a common habit that can be difficult to break. However, it can cause damage to the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in abnormal-looking nails. It can also increase the risk of infection by damaging the skin around the nail and spreading germs from your fingers to your mouth.
To avoid nail biting and picking, try the following:
- Identify your triggers: Understand what triggers your nail-biting habit, such as physical triggers like hangnails, or emotional triggers like boredom, stress, or anxiety. Knowing your triggers can help you develop a plan to avoid or manage these situations effectively.
- Keep your nails trimmed short: Having shorter nails reduces the temptation to bite them and provides less surface area to bite.
- Apply bitter-tasting substances: Use over-the-counter bitter-tasting nail polish or natural alternatives like garlic-infused olive oil, neem oil, or jalapeño juice to deter nail biting. These unpleasant tastes can serve as reminders to stop putting your fingers in your mouth.
- Enhance the appearance of your nails: Get a manicure or paint your nails with a nice nail varnish. You are less likely to bite your nails if they look good, and you've invested time and money into their appearance.
- Seek accountability and support: Ask your loved ones to gently remind you not to bite your nails. Their support and accountability can help you become more aware of your habit and strengthen your commitment to quitting.
- Practice gradual behaviour change: Focus on breaking the habit gradually. Start by stopping nail biting on one set of nails, such as your thumbnails, and gradually work towards eliminating the habit on all nails.
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Get enough protein in your diet
The human nail plate is made up of layers of a protein called keratin, which also makes up the cells in your hair and skin. Keratin protects nails from damage and gives them their strength and flexibility. The more protein bonds present in the nail plate, the stronger and healthier the nails will be.
Protein bonds are formed by the interaction of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. These bonds provide structural support and stability to the nail plate, enabling it to withstand external stress and pressure. A strong protein bond can also help prevent bacteria and fungi from penetrating the nail plate, reducing the risk of infection.
Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy diet that includes sufficient protein to support the growth and maintenance of strong, healthy nails. A protein-rich diet can help ensure the formation of strong protein bonds in your nails, making them less prone to breakage.
You can get protein from a variety of sources, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It is recommended to include a good balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals in your diet to promote healthy nail growth and prevent your nails from becoming brittle.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several things you can do to reduce brittle fingernails. Firstly, you should try to identify the cause of the brittleness. This could be due to a number of factors, including:
- Ageing
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Underlying medical conditions
- Environmental factors
Once you have identified the cause, you can take steps to reduce brittle fingernails, such as:
- Moisturising your hands and nails regularly with a cream or lotion containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids
- Wearing gloves when doing household chores involving water or cleaning fluids
- Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein and iron-rich foods
- Avoiding nail biting and picking
- Limiting manicures and filing
Brittle nails are characterised by thin, soft, and weak nails that are prone to splitting, cracking, peeling, and breaking. They may also appear dull, pale, or opaque.
There are several potential causes of brittle nails, including:
- Ageing: As we age, our nails become thinner and more brittle, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in nutrients such as biotin, zinc, and iron can contribute to brittle nails.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain health conditions, such as iron deficiency anaemia, thyroid disorders, and psoriasis, can cause brittle nails.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to harsh chemicals, frequent handwashing, and cold, dry weather can all contribute to brittle nails.
Yes, there are several treatments that can help strengthen and improve the appearance of brittle nails:
- Moisturise your nails regularly with a dedicated nail oil or hand lotion containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids.
- Get a paraffin wax bath to soothe and moisturise your nails and hands.
- Take biotin vitamin supplements to prevent nail splitting and breakage.
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein and iron-rich foods to promote nail health.
- Limit manicures and avoid filing your nails too much, as this can thin and weaken them.
- Wear gloves when doing household chores or working with cleaning fluids to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and moisture.
If home remedies and nail care practices are not helping to strengthen your nails, you should consider seeing a doctor. Additionally, if you notice any accompanying symptoms, such as fatigue, weight changes, skin rash, or numbness in your fingers or toes, it may indicate an underlying medical condition, and you should seek medical advice.
