Noah Sinclair
Dry, cracked nails can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, or psoriasis. They can also be caused by repeated washing and drying of the hands, or overexposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover. Age is another common factor, as nails tend to become thinner and more brittle as we get older.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cracking | Can occur in the middle of the nail, at the tip, or across the nail |
| Thickness | Nails that crack are thinner than usual |
| Flaking | Nails may flake off in spots |
| Dryness | Dry nails are the result of too little moisture |
| Age | Nails commonly change as people age, becoming dull and brittle |
| Medical conditions | Can be caused by iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, psoriasis, thyroid problems, or anemia |
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What You'll Learn
Ageing
Nails can also become dry and brittle due to repeated washing and drying of the hands, or overexposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover.
To prevent nails from drying out, you can try wearing gloves while doing household chores and moisturising your hands and nails after washing them.
If your nails do not become stronger with home remedies, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor. Dry and brittle nails can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, or thyroid dysfunction.
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Thyroid problems
Dry, cracked nails can be caused by a number of factors, including thyroid problems. The thyroid is responsible for maintaining a person's metabolism and many functions for growing skin, hair and nails. People with thyroid dysfunction can experience nail problems, including dry, cracked and brittle nails.
There are two main types of thyroid problems: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, while hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of hormones. Both conditions can cause a range of symptoms, including changes in the nails.
If you are experiencing dry, cracked nails and suspect that it may be due to a thyroid problem, it is important to see a doctor. They will be able to run tests to check your thyroid function and determine if there is an underlying issue. Treatment for thyroid problems may include medication, lifestyle changes or, in some cases, surgery.
While dry, cracked nails can be a sign of thyroid problems, it is important to note that they can also be caused by other factors, such as aging, frequent exposure to water or harsh chemicals, or certain medical conditions. If you are experiencing nail changes, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Iron deficiency
Dry, cracked nails can be caused by a number of factors, including ageing, exposure to harsh chemicals, frequent hand-washing, and underlying medical conditions. One such medical condition is iron deficiency, also known as anaemia.
The cracking of nails due to iron deficiency is typically characterised by thin, weak, and fragile nails that are prone to splitting, bending, breaking, chipping, tearing, or peeling. The nails may also appear "worn down" and take longer to grow and heal. In some cases, iron deficiency may be accompanied by other nail problems, such as discolouration, pits, jagged edges, or a rough surface.
If you suspect that your dry, cracked nails may be due to iron deficiency, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend a blood test to check your ferritin levels, which are a measure of the body's iron stores. If iron deficiency is confirmed, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements or recommend dietary changes to increase your iron intake.
Additionally, there are some home remedies that can help improve the health of your nails. This includes wearing gloves while doing household chores to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and moisture, moisturising your hands and nails regularly, and trimming away any damaged parts of your nails to prevent further tearing.
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Psoriasis
Dry, cracked nails can be caused by a number of factors, including psoriasis.
Ageing is one of the most common reasons for nail cracking. As people age, their nails tend to become drier, thinner, and more brittle. This makes them more susceptible to cracking and splitting. Additionally, frequent exposure to water, harsh chemicals, and detergents can also contribute to nail dryness and cracking.
Underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, or hypothyroidism, can also lead to dry and brittle nails. People with thyroid issues may experience nail problems due to the thyroid's role in regulating metabolism and supporting the growth of skin, hair, and nails.
It is important to note that nail cracking can be a sign of an underlying health condition. If home remedies, such as moisturising and wearing gloves during household chores, do not improve the condition of your nails, it is recommended to consult a doctor. They can help identify any potential underlying causes and provide appropriate treatment or guidance.
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Water exposure
On the other hand, soft and brittle nails are caused by too much moisture. This is often due to overexposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover. Nails that are exposed to excessive water and moisture can become dull and brittle, and they may also take longer to grow and heal.
To prevent water-related nail issues, it is recommended to wear gloves while doing household chores and to moisturise hands and nails after washing. This can help lock in moisture and protect the nails from becoming overly dry or soft and brittle.
Additionally, as people age, their nails commonly change, becoming thinner and more brittle. This natural ageing process can make nails more susceptible to the effects of water exposure, whether it be from frequent washing or overexposure to moisture.
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Frequently asked questions
Dry and cracked nails are typically caused by a lack of moisture. This can be the result of repeated washing and drying of the hands, or overexposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover.
Dry and cracked nails are typically thin, weak, and fragile. They may be easier to split, bend, break, chip, tear, or peel. They may also be brittle and flake off in spots.
You can try home remedies such as wearing gloves while doing household chores and moisturising your hands and nails after washing. You can also buy products to repair cracked nails, or make your own repair kit at home.
Yes, dry and cracked nails can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition such as iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, psoriasis, or thyroid dysfunction. If your nails don't become stronger with home remedies, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor.
