Isla Bennett
Soft toenails can be caused by a number of factors, including external trauma to the nail, such as using your nail as a tool, pressing into the nail too firmly, or removing acrylic nail polish. Nails can also become soft due to exposure to chemicals like nail varnish, which can weaken the protein structure of the nail, or frequent washing and hand sanitising, which can dry out the nails and make them coarse and brittle. In some cases, soft nails may be a result of internal factors, such as diet, but if your toenails are soft, this is more likely to be caused by external factors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | External trauma to the nail, such as using your nail as a tool, pressing into the nail too firmly, or removing acrylic nail polish |
| Cause | Exposure to chemicals like nail varnish, which can weaken the protein structure of the nail |
| Cause | Frequent washing and hand sanitising, which can dry out the nails and make them coarse and brittle |
| Cause | Weather exposure, constant use, and plenty of wear and tear |
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What You'll Learn
External trauma to the nail
Soft toenails can be caused by external trauma to the nail, such as using your nail as a tool, pressing into the nail too firmly, or removing acrylic nail polish. Nails can also peel if you soak your feet for too long in sudsy water.
If you have soft toenails, it could be a result of external factors such as exposure to chemicals like nail varnish, which can weaken the protein structure of the nail. Frequent washing and hand sanitising can also dry out the nails and make them coarse and brittle.
Your toenails may also be soft due to the constant use and wear and tear that your feet experience. This could be from walking, running, or any other physical activity that involves your feet.
Additionally, if you have a diet rich in lean protein and fruit and vegetables, it is likely that the cause of your soft toenails is external rather than internal.
To determine whether the cause of your soft toenails is internal or external, you can try protecting and nourishing your nails from the outside for a month to see if there is any improvement.
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Internal causes
Soft toenails can be caused by a number of internal factors. Firstly, exposure to chemicals such as nail varnish can weaken the protein structure of the nail. Frequent washing and hand sanitising can also dry out the nails, making them coarse and brittle.
Another internal cause of soft toenails could be a diet that is lacking in good quality, lean protein and fruit and vegetables.
Additionally, exposure to extreme weather conditions can weaken the nails, as can constant use and wear and tear.
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Diet
Soft toenails can be caused by a number of factors, including external trauma to the nail, such as using your nails as tools, pressing into them too firmly, or removing acrylic nail polish. They can also be caused by soaking your hands in sudsy water for too long, or by exposure to chemicals like nail varnish, which can weaken the protein structure of the nail. Frequent washing and hand sanitising can also dry out the nails, making them coarse and brittle.
A diet rich in good quality, lean protein and at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is essential for maintaining strong and healthy nails. Nails are primarily made of a protein called keratin, so ensuring you consume enough protein is crucial for nail health. Foods such as eggs, fish, beans, and nuts are excellent sources of protein and can help to strengthen your nails.
In addition to protein, certain vitamins and minerals are also important for nail health. Vitamin A, for example, promotes nail growth and can be found in foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach. Vitamin C is another key nutrient, as it helps the body absorb iron, which is essential for strong nails. Citrus fruits, peppers, and broccoli are all good sources of vitamin C.
Minerals such as zinc and selenium are also important for nail health. Zinc helps to strengthen nails and can be found in foods like oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds. Selenium, on the other hand, helps to protect the nails from damage and can be obtained from eating Brazil nuts, tuna, and chicken.
Finally, staying properly hydrated is crucial for nail health. Water helps to keep the nails supple and prevents them from becoming dry and brittle. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to keep your nails, as well as your skin and hair, healthy and strong.
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Exposure to chemicals
Soft toenails can be caused by exposure to chemicals, especially when combined with working in a wet environment. This can lead to increased nail brittleness and, if your nails are soft and peeling, it may be the main cause.
If you work with chemicals, it is recommended that you wear gloves to protect your nails. You should also regularly apply moisturising cream to your fingers and nails to help protect them.
If you have soft toenails, it may be a sign of an underlying condition. You should see your GP if your nails have changed in colour, texture, shape or thickness and you don't know why.
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Frequent washing
Soft toenails can be caused by external factors such as exposure to chemicals like nail varnish, which can weaken the protein structure of the nail. Frequent washing and hand sanitising can also dry out the nails, making them coarse and brittle. This is because nails are exposed to almost as much wear and tear as shoes, including weather exposure and constant use.
If you have soft toenails, it's important to protect and nourish them from the outside. Try using a nail hardener or a nail oil to strengthen the nail and prevent further damage. You can also try soaking your feet in a nail-strengthening solution, such as a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water.
If you're frequently washing your hands and feet, it's important to use a gentle, moisturising soap to prevent further drying of the nails. After washing, be sure to apply a moisturising cream or lotion to your hands and feet to help lock in moisture and keep the nails and surrounding skin hydrated.
Additionally, consider wearing gloves when doing tasks that require frequent handwashing, such as cleaning or washing dishes. This will help create a barrier between your nails and the water, reducing the amount of moisture they lose.
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Frequently asked questions
It could mean that you have exposed your nails to chemicals like nail varnish, which can weaken the protein structure of the nail.
Frequent washing and hand sanitising can dry out the nails and make them coarse and brittle.
Yes, it could be caused by external trauma to the nail itself, such as using your nail as a tool, pressing into the nail too firmly, or removing acrylic nail polish.
Yes, try protecting and nourishing your nails from the outside. You could also try to limit your exposure to chemicals like nail varnish.
