
Peeling nails can be caused by external factors, such as trauma to the nail, or internal factors, such as vitamin deficiency. If both your fingernails and toenails are peeling, this could be a sign of an internal cause. If only one is affected, it is more likely to be the result of an external cause.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | External or internal |
| External causes | Trauma or damage to the nail, including picking off nail polish, pressing on nails, and prolonged exposure to water |
| Internal causes | Vitamin deficiency, typically iron deficiency |
| Medical term | Onychoschizia |
| Treatment | Increase daily iron intake, use a rich moisturiser or nail oil, keep nails moisturised |
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What You'll Learn
- Peeling nails can be caused by external factors, such as trauma to the nail
- Peeling nails can be caused by internal factors, such as vitamin deficiency
- Peeling nails can be caused by prolonged water exposure
- Peeling nails can be caused by chemicals in hand soap and sanitizers
- Peeling nails can be caused by excessive dryness

Peeling nails can be caused by external factors, such as trauma to the nail
Certain chemicals and ingredients can also dry out nails and make them more susceptible to peeling. These include the chemicals needed for the adhesive for gel or acrylic nails, as well as ingredients found in hand soap, sanitizers, and laundry detergent.
If your fingernails are peeling but your toenails aren't, this usually indicates an external cause. However, if both your fingernails and toenails are peeling, this could signal an internal cause, such as a vitamin deficiency, typically an iron deficiency.
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Peeling nails can be caused by internal factors, such as vitamin deficiency
Peeling nails can also be caused by external factors, such as trauma or damage to the nail. Soaking your hands in hot water while doing the dishes or engaging in any other prolonged water exposure can dry out the nails, causing them to peel. Nails that are dried out from too much buffing can also be prone to peeling. Excessive dryness causes the nail to become brittle, so minor trauma can easily damage the nail.
Certain chemicals, such as those needed for the adhesive for gel or acrylic nails, and ingredients found in everything from hand soap and sanitizers to laundry detergent can dry out nails and make them prone to peeling.
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Peeling nails can be caused by prolonged water exposure
Additionally, certain chemicals and ingredients found in everyday products like hand soap, sanitizers, and laundry detergent can also contribute to nail dryness and peeling. For example, the chemicals needed for the adhesive in gel or acrylic nails can dry out nails.
To prevent and treat peeling nails caused by water exposure, it is important to keep your nails moisturised. Using a rich moisturiser or nail oil after contact with water can help prevent dryness and strengthen your nails.
If only your fingernails or toenails are peeling, it is likely due to an external cause such as prolonged water exposure. However, if both your fingernails and toenails are peeling, it may indicate an internal cause, such as a vitamin or iron deficiency.
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Peeling nails can be caused by chemicals in hand soap and sanitizers
Peeling nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including external trauma to the nail, such as picking off nail polish, pressing on your nails, or prolonged water exposure. In some cases, peeling nails can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or vitamin deficiency, such as an iron deficiency.
One often-overlooked cause of nail peeling is the use of certain chemicals found in everyday products, such as hand soap and sanitizers. These products can dry out nails, making them more prone to peeling and splitting. This is because excessive dryness causes the nail to become brittle, and even minor trauma can easily damage the nail.
To prevent nail peeling caused by chemicals in hand soap and sanitizers, it is important to keep your nails moisturized. Using a rich moisturizer or nail oil after washing your hands or using sanitizer can help to counteract the drying effects of these products.
In addition to hand soap and sanitizers, other products containing chemicals that can dry out nails include laundry detergent and the adhesives used for gel or acrylic nails.
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Peeling nails can be caused by excessive dryness
Dr. Rose suggests using a rich moisturiser or nail oil after buffing your nails to keep them from drying out.
If your fingernails are peeling but your toenails aren't, this signals an external cause. However, if both your fingernails and toenails are peeling, this signals an internal cause. Internal causes can vary, but sometimes dry, peeling nails can indicate a vitamin deficiency, typically an iron deficiency.
In addition, trauma or damage to the nail itself can cause peeling. This can include picking off nail polish and pressing on your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Peeling nails can be caused by external factors such as trauma to the nail, including picking off nail polish, pressing on your nails, or prolonged exposure to water. They can also be caused by internal factors, such as a vitamin deficiency.
External factors that can cause nails to peel include picking off nail polish, pressing on your nails, and prolonged exposure to water.
Internal factors that can cause nails to peel include vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency.











































