Ava Monroe
There are many reasons why fingernails break, and it's a common problem that affects nearly everyone at some point. Nails are made up of layers of a protein called keratin, which also makes up the cells in hair and skin. As we age, our nails naturally decrease in strength, making them more prone to breaking. Other factors that can cause breakage include vitamin and mineral deficiencies, iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, and frequent hand washing. Additionally, external factors such as exposure to water, harsh chemicals, and certain underlying illnesses can also contribute to nail breakage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Nails tend to decrease in strength over time, making them more prone to breaking. |
| Exposure to water | Constant washing and sanitizing can cause nails to dry out and become brittle. |
| Lack of moisture | Nails that are hard and brittle lack enough moisture. |
| Excess moisture | Nails that are soft and brittle have been overexposed to water or cleaning solutions. |
| Iron deficiency | Nails may become brittle if the body does not get enough iron, leading to low red blood cell levels. |
| Thyroid disorders | Brittle nails can be an early indicator of thyroid conditions like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and Graves' disease. |
| Raynaud's syndrome | This condition is characterized by circulation problems in the extremities, which can affect nail health. |
| Psoriasis | An autoimmune disorder that causes dry, scaly patches on the skin, including under the nail beds, changing the color and texture of the nails. |
| Vitamin and mineral deficiencies | Deficiencies in B vitamins, calcium, iron, or fatty acids can contribute to weak and brittle nails. |
| Nail products | The use of harsh nail products, such as those containing toluene and formaldehyde, can damage nails and make them more prone to breaking. |
| Nail-biting | Nail-biting can weaken nails and make them more susceptible to breaking. |
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What You'll Learn
Aging
As we age, our nails undergo various changes that can make them more prone to breakage. Age affects the production of keratin, the protein that our nails are made of, resulting in thinner, more fragile nails that break easily. The growth rate of nails also slows down with age, and they may become more susceptible to fungal infections, which can further weaken the nail structure.
One of the most common issues with ageing nails is brittleness, which can lead to splitting and breakage. This condition, known as onychoschizia, is characterised by horizontal splits across the width of the nail plate. It is often caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails, exposure to harsh chemicals, and the use of nail cosmetics like nail polish and removers. Older nails are more vulnerable to these external factors, and the frequent use of such products can worsen the problem, leading to more severe brittleness and fragmentation of the nail tips.
Age-related changes in the nail plate include alterations in its thickness, contour, surface, and colour. Nails may become thicker or thinner, and conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to increased thickness. Discolouration is also common, with nails turning yellow, grey, pale, or opaque. In some cases, dark stripes or ridges may appear, which could indicate a serious condition like melanoma or skin cancer. It is important to consult a doctor if you notice significant changes in nail texture or colour.
To help prevent ageing nails from breaking, proper nail care is essential. Moisturising the nails and hands regularly, especially after exposure to water, can help combat dryness associated with ageing. Avoiding harsh nail products and limiting the use of alcohol-based sanitisers can also prevent further drying and weakening of the nails. Keeping nails trimmed and filed smoothly can reduce the chances of snagging and subsequent breakage. Additionally, wearing rubber gloves during household chores and insulating gloves in cold, wet weather can provide protection from external factors that can contribute to nail breakage.
Nutrition also plays a role in nail health. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, can promote stronger nails. Biotin, a B vitamin supplement, is particularly beneficial for nail health and can aid in healing. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplements to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs.
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Iron deficiency
Fingernails that are cracked, split, or brittle can sometimes be a sign of a health problem, such as iron deficiency. Iron deficiency, or anaemia, occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all the body's tissues. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including nail abnormalities.
Nails affected by iron deficiency may become thin, soft, and brittle, with an increased tendency to split or break. In many cases, iron deficiency causes a specific type of nail abnormality known as "spoon nails" or "koilonychia". Spoon nails are characterised by a concave, spoon-like indentation in the nail, which can become deep enough to hold a drop of water. This condition is believed to be related to decreased iron levels in the epithelial cells that line the skin and nails, leading to weakened connective tissue under the nail plate.
Treating iron deficiency typically involves addressing the underlying cause. Dietary changes, such as increasing the consumption of iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements, can help correct the deficiency. Iron-rich foods include red meat, spinach, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods like bread or breakfast cereal. In some cases, medical treatments or procedures may be necessary to manage the condition causing the iron deficiency. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of action.
While treating the underlying iron deficiency is crucial, there are also direct measures that can be taken to care for brittle nails and prevent further breakage. These include maintaining short nails, avoiding biting or picking at nails, moisturising the hands and nails, and wearing gloves when performing tasks that involve water or harsh chemicals. Additionally, supplements like biotin (vitamin B7) have been found to prevent nail splitting and breakage. However, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially during pregnancy.
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Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is a subtype of psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that can also affect the joints. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's immune system overreacts, causing new skin cells to grow too fast. Typically, new skin cells grow every 28 to 30 days, but in people with psoriasis, new cells grow and move to the skin surface every three to four days, creating a skin rash.
Nail psoriasis can manifest in a variety of ways, including:
- Discoloration: The nail bed, or the skin underneath the nails, may change colour, appearing yellow, red, pink, brown, grey, or purple.
- Pitting: Nails may develop dents or pits, which can vary in size and depth and can be present in varying numbers.
- Nail structure changes: Horizontal grooves known as Beau's lines may form across the nails. Nails may become thin and brittle, leading to crumbling. The thick layer of skin underneath the nail tip may start to peel and separate from the nail bed, a condition called onycholysis.
- Subungual hyperkeratosis: A chalky substance may develop underneath the nail, causing pain or discomfort and potentially leading to nail thickening.
- Splinter haemorrhages: Very narrow, reddish-purple lines or blood spots may appear under the nails.
Nail psoriasis can be treated in several ways, including:
- Topical treatments: Corticosteroid creams, ointments, or nail polishes can be applied directly to the nails. Vitamin D or retinoid creams can also be rubbed into the nail and cuticle daily.
- Oral medications: In more severe cases, liquid medicines or pills may be prescribed to treat both psoriasis and any associated fungal infections.
- Injections: Corticosteroids or other psoriasis medications can be injected directly into or near the nails to treat symptoms such as nail thickening and separation.
- Phototherapy: Ultraviolet light treatment used for skin psoriasis may also be beneficial for nail psoriasis.
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Exposure to water
Water-related activities such as swimming and water aerobics can cause nail damage. Even everyday activities like showering, hand washing, and dishwashing can put stress on your nails. The repeated washing and drying of fingernails can lead to dry and brittle nails, which are caused by a lack of moisture. On the other hand, overexposure to detergents and household cleaners can result in soft and brittle nails due to too much moisture.
To prevent water damage to nails, it is recommended to keep nails short to reduce the surface area for water absorption. Moisturizing the cuticles before and after water exposure can help, as well as using acetone-free, hydrating polish removers. Regular use of a non-greasy hand cream with protective ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil can shield nails from frequent hand washing while keeping hands nourished.
Additionally, wearing gloves when in contact with water can provide a protective barrier for your nails. Cotton-lined rubber gloves are ideal for household chores like washing dishes, while swimming in a pool or the ocean can be made safer for your nails by wearing swim gloves.
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Vitamin B deficiency
Vitamin B is crucial for maintaining energy levels, mood, and brain power. It also plays a significant role in improving hair, skin, and nail health. A deficiency in vitamin B can lead to unhealthy nails.
Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, which is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. It also helps the body produce neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which helps to regulate mood and cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. A deficiency in vitamin B6 can cause a variety of symptoms, including a greasy rash on the forehead and around the nose, low sex drive, irritability, anxiety, depression, and headaches.
Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Biotin is required for the body to break down fats and is important for healthy hair, nails, and skin. A deficiency in vitamin B7 can lead to brittle hair and nails, dry and flaky skin, a rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth, tiredness, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Biotin supplements are often recommended to help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth.
Vitamin B9, also known as folate, is important for nail growth and health by contributing to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells. A deficiency in vitamin B9 can cause a pigment change in nails, making them rigid and brittle.
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in iron absorption and the development of red blood cells. Both iron and vitamin B12 are necessary for maintaining strong and healthy nails. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in changes in nail pigmentation, such as entirely blue nails or bluish-black pigments with wavy longitudinal dark streaks.
Incorporating vitamin B-rich foods into your diet can help improve nail health. These include Greek yogurt with nuts, seeds, or berries, chicken, turkey, peppers, cauliflower, bananas, celery, Brussels sprouts, tuna, garlic, sunflower seeds, pistachio nuts, prunes, avocado, and eggs. Additionally, taking a B-complex supplement may be beneficial if you believe you are deficient in vitamin B due to your diet or lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why your nails might be breaking. It could be due to an external factor, such as overexposure to water, or an internal factor, such as a vitamin deficiency or an underlying health condition.
Some common external factors that cause nails to break include frequent hand washing, exposure to household cleaning products, and nail biting.
Some common internal factors that cause nails to break include vitamin B, C, or D deficiency, iron deficiency, and underlying health conditions such as thyroid disorders or Raynaud's syndrome.
To prevent your nails from breaking, you can try to identify and address the underlying cause. Additionally, you can try to keep your nails moisturized, limit manicures and exposure to nail polish remover, and wear gloves when doing tasks that involve water or cleaning fluids.
