Caleb Foster
Soft fingernails can be a sign of an underlying health condition or external factors. If your toenails are strong and your fingernails are soft, an external factor is likely the cause. External factors include overexposure to water, detergents, and household cleaners. Internal factors include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and thyroid disorder. Weak nails can also be caused by bacterial or fungal infections. If you are experiencing soft fingernails, it is important to determine whether the cause is internal or external and to take the necessary steps to improve nail health.
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What You'll Learn
Dietary deficiencies
The condition of your nails is a reflection of your overall health. Soft nails can be a sign of vitamin or mineral deficiencies. A well-balanced diet that includes all the vitamins and mineral salts needed for nail growth is essential for maintaining healthy nails.
Soft, brittle nails can indicate a deficiency in vitamin B8 (biotin), B12, or C, as well as a deficiency in iron, zinc, or magnesium. Vitamin B deficiencies can cause changes in your nails. Spoon nails, where the nail appears concave horizontally or vertically, can be a sign of anemia, an iron deficiency, or hypothyroidism.
Nail changes, such as thinning or softening, can also be a sign of underlying conditions like psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease, or dermatitis, another inflammatory skin disorder. In addition, very pale nails can indicate illnesses like anemia, congestive heart failure, or liver disease, which may be linked to poor nutrition.
To address dietary deficiencies, it is recommended to restore a balanced diet and ensure adequate intake of all the necessary nutrients for nail growth. This includes vitamins B8, B12, and C, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium. In some cases, supplements or specific treatments may be recommended by a doctor or dermatologist.
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External trauma
Nail injuries can range from bruises under the nail to the complete separation of the nail from the nail bed. Subungual haematomas, or nail bruises, are characterised by a collection of blood under the nail, typically caused by a direct injury to the fingernail. This can result in intense pain and throbbing of the finger or toe. In some cases, the injured nail may fall off as a new nail grows back, which can take several months for fingernails and up to a year for toenails.
Trauma to the nail can also result in lacerations, tears, or splits in the nail. Repeated trauma, such as nail biting or cuticle biting, can lead to acute paronychia, a type of infection caused by bacteria under the nail. Ill-fitting shoes can cause repeated trauma to toenails, leading to deformities and cosmetic concerns.
To prevent external trauma to the nails, it is important to keep nails trimmed and avoid biting them or the cuticles. Additionally, proper safety precautions should be taken when working with sharp objects or machinery to reduce the risk of nail injuries.
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Underlying conditions
Soft fingernails can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. One of the most common causes is exposure to harsh chemicals, such as detergents, nail polish remover, and cleaning products. Working in wet environments can also lead to soft and
Certain internal issues can also be the culprit. For example, thyroid disease, anemia, peripheral artery disease, and Raynaud's disease can all cause nail brittleness due to decreased vascularization and oxygenation of the nail matrix. In some cases, soft nails may be a sign of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, such as low levels of B vitamins, calcium, or
Nail changes, such as discoloration, can also indicate underlying health issues. For instance, nails with a bluish tint can suggest oxygen deprivation in the body, which could be linked to lung or heart problems. Yellow nails are common and may be caused by dark nail polish, smoking, or a fungal infection. However, they can also indicate more severe conditions such as thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis in rare cases.
Curved or "clubbed" nails, which develop gradually over several years, could be associated with lung, inflammatory bowel, cardiovascular, or liver disease. Thick, overgrown nails may be caused by psoriasis or poor circulation. Nail discoloration, known as melanonychia, can be caused by skin cancer, infection, or injury. Additionally, chronic paronychia, an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the nails, can be caused by irritants, allergens, or fungal infections.
If you notice persistent nail changes or are concerned about potential underlying conditions, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist for further evaluation.
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Exposure to chemicals
Soft fingernails can be caused by exposure to chemicals, which can alter the organic elemental composition of the nail. This is a particular concern for those who work in nail salons, such as nail technicians, as well as painters and hairdressers. The chemicals found in nail products, such as polishes, glues, removers, and artificial nails, can be hazardous and cause a range of health issues.
One of the main chemicals found in artificial nails is ethyl methacrylate (EMA), which can cause contact dermatitis, asthma, and allergies in the eyes and nose. Both EMA and its similar chemical, methyl methacrylate (MMA), can lead to stinging, redness, and swelling of the eyes, nose, and other mucous membranes. Dibutyl phthalate, found in small amounts in nail polish and polish hardeners, can cause nausea and irritation to the respiratory tract and eyes, and has been linked to reproductive and developmental issues in animals.
The occupational use of harmful substances can lead to decreased sulfur levels in the exposed persons. This is likely due to the destruction of sulfur-rich proteins in the nails caused by alkaline and acid groups. As a result, the C/S ratio can be used as an indicator of the amount of damage to nail proteins by harmful agents.
To protect against exposure to these chemicals, nail salons should provide safety equipment such as nitrile gloves and proper masks. Good ventilation is also crucial to eliminating the need for heavy-duty respirator masks. Additionally, eating and drinking should be prohibited in areas where artificial nails are applied to prevent accidental ingestion of harmful chemicals.
It is important to note that soft fingernails can also be caused by other factors, such as diet, and it is recommended to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or are accompanied by other nail abnormalities.
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Moisture issues
Soft fingernails can be caused by too much or too little moisture, usually due to external factors.
Causes of Soft Fingernails due to Moisture Issues
Too Much Moisture
Soft fingernails can occur when your nails are exposed to too much moisture. This can be caused by:
- Over-moisturizing your hands: Using too much moisturizer on your hands can lead to excess moisture in your nails, making them soft and brittle.
- Exposure to harsh chemicals: The use of harsh chemicals, such as acetone-based nail polish removers, can wear down your nails over time, causing them to become soft and brittle.
- Soaking hands in water: Frequently soaking your hands in water while washing dishes, bathing, or swimming can contribute to excess moisture and lead to soft and brittle nails.
Too Little Moisture
On the other hand, a lack of moisture can also be a culprit. Dry nails can result from:
- Deficiency in vitamins and minerals: Low levels of B vitamins (especially B8, B12), vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, or magnesium can cause soft and brittle nails. Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients through a well-balanced diet can help maintain nail health.
- External factors: Exposure to external factors such as detergents, nail polish remover, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers can contribute to dry nails.
- Underlying conditions: In some cases, dry and brittle nails may be indicative of underlying conditions such as thyroid disease or iron deficiency anemia.
Solutions for Moisture-Related Soft Fingernails
For Soft Nails due to Excess Moisture
- Reduce moisturizer use: If you're applying too much moisturizer to your hands, try reducing the frequency or amount of moisturizer you use.
- Choose gentler nail products: Opt for nail polishes and removers that are free from harsh chemicals like acetone.
- Wear gloves: When engaging in activities that involve water, such as washing dishes or bathing, wear gloves to protect your nails from excessive moisture.
For Soft Nails due to Lack of Moisture
- Improve your diet: Ensure you're consuming a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those mentioned above, to promote nail health.
- Use moisturizers: Apply moisturizer to your hands and nails, especially after activities that may dry them out, to increase moisture content and reduce brittleness.
- Consider supplements: If you suspect a deficiency, consult your doctor or healthcare provider about taking supplements, such as biotin, to support nail health.
Remember, if soft fingernails persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft fingernails can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- External trauma to the nail, such as using your nails as tools, pressing on them too firmly, or removing acrylic nails.
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B8 (biotin), B12, or C, as well as a lack of iron, zinc, or magnesium.
- Exposure to harsh chemicals such as detergents, nail polish remover, or acetone.
- Moisture issues, either too much or too little.
- Underlying health conditions, such as anemia, thyroid disorders, or skin diseases like psoriasis.
There are several ways to treat and prevent soft fingernails:
- Ensure a well-balanced diet that includes all the necessary vitamins and minerals for nail growth. Consider taking supplements like biotin if needed.
- Protect your nails from external aggressors such as humidity, chemicals, and harsh manicures by using a treatment base coat.
- Keep your nails clean and dry to prevent bacterial or fungal infections.
- Apply a clear coat of nail polish to increase nail strength.
- Moisturize your hands and nails, especially if you have dry nails, and wear gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products to prevent further damage.
If your soft fingernails are accompanied by other symptoms or persist despite your efforts to strengthen them, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist. They may conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if your nail issues are related to an underlying health problem. Some signs to look out for include:
- Changes in nail colour, such as yellowing or paleness, which could indicate an infection or illnesses like anemia or liver disease.
- Ridges or indentations on the nails, which could be related to vitamin deficiencies, aging, or skin conditions like psoriasis.
- Nails separating from the nail bed, which could be due to injury or infection, and may also be linked to underlying illnesses.
