Isla Bennett
Peeling and flaking nails are a common issue, often caused by repetitive wetting and drying of the hands. This can cause the nail to swell and become soft, making it vulnerable to damage. When the nails harden, they compress, causing small cracks in the nail plate. In some cases, peeling nails can be a sign of an internal cause, such as a vitamin deficiency. However, this is less common and usually only a concern if the peeling is persistent or sudden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Repetitive wetting and drying of hands |
| Vitamin deficiency | |
| Excessive dryness | |
| Treatment | Wear gloves when doing the dishes |
| Dry hands and nails thoroughly after washing | |
| Regularly apply hand cream that contains vitamin E |
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What You'll Learn
It could be a vitamin deficiency, such as a lack of iron
Flaky nails are usually nothing to worry about, but they can be a sign of vitamin deficiency, such as a lack of iron. This is more likely to be the case if both your fingernails and toenails are affected.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause nail changes, and iron deficiency is a common cause of flaky nails. Iron helps produce haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. A lack of iron can lead to brittle nails that are prone to flaking and splitting.
If you suspect that your flaky nails are due to an iron deficiency, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform tests to check your iron levels and recommend appropriate treatment. Treatment may include dietary changes to increase iron intake or taking iron supplements.
In addition to addressing any underlying deficiencies, you can also take steps to protect your nails from further damage. This includes wearing gloves when doing tasks that involve water, such as washing dishes, and regularly applying a moisturising hand cream that contains vitamin E. Keeping your nails well-hydrated can help prevent them from becoming brittle and reduce the risk of flaking and splitting.
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It could be caused by repetitive wetting and drying of the hands
Peeling nails are a common issue and often not a cause for concern. However, if you are concerned about your nails flaking, it could be caused by repetitive wetting and drying of the hands. This is one of the most common reasons for peeling nails. When your nails are frequently exposed to water, they absorb moisture, causing the nail plate to swell. As a result, the nail becomes soft and vulnerable to damage from minimal trauma. When the nails harden, they compress, causing small cracks in the structure of the nail plate. Over time, this repetition of softening and hardening causes the nail plate structure to fracture, and peeling and splitting is the result. If you work in a profession that requires frequent soaking of the hands, such as hairdressing, house cleaning or bar work, your nails may be more susceptible to peeling.
To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that you wear gloves when doing the dishes, dry your hands and nails thoroughly after washing them, and regularly apply a hand cream that contains vitamin E to replenish any moisture that is lost.
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It could be a result of excessive dryness
Flaky nails are usually nothing to worry about, but they can be a sign of excessive dryness. Nails that are dried out from too much buffing can become brittle and easily damaged. This means that a small nick can turn into a big split.
Excessive dryness can be caused by a vitamin deficiency, typically an iron deficiency. It can also be caused by repetitive wetting and drying of the hands. When nails are frequently exposed to water, they absorb moisture, causing the nail plate to swell. As a result, the nail becomes soft and vulnerable to damage from minimal trauma. When the nails harden, they compress, causing small cracks in the structure of the nail plate. Over time, this repetition of softening and hardening causes the nail plate structure to fracture, and peeling and splitting is the result.
To prevent this from happening, Dr Peters recommends wearing gloves when doing the dishes, drying your hands and nails thoroughly after washing them, and regularly applying a hand cream that contains vitamin E to replenish any moisture that is lost.
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It could be caused by too much buffing
Flaky nails are usually nothing to worry about, but they can be a sign of vitamin deficiency, typically iron deficiency. They can also be caused by repetitive wetting and drying of the hands, which is common in professions such as hairdressing, house cleaning or bar work. When nails are frequently exposed to water, they absorb moisture, causing the nail plate to swell and become soft and vulnerable to damage.
However, flaky nails can also be caused by too much buffing. According to Dr Peters, 'Excessive dryness causes the nail to become brittle so minor trauma easily damages the nail. That means a small nick can turn into a big split when nails are too dry'. To prevent this, Dr Peters recommends wearing gloves when doing the dishes, drying your hands and nails thoroughly after washing them, and regularly applying a hand cream that contains vitamin E to replenish any moisture that is lost.
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It could be caused by a build-up of dead nail cells
Flaky nails are usually caused by repetitive wetting and drying of the hands. This can be a particular problem for people who work in professions that require frequent soaking of the hands, such as hairdressing, house cleaning or bar work. When nails are frequently exposed to water, they absorb moisture, causing the nail plate to swell. As a result, the nail becomes soft and vulnerable to damage from minimal trauma. When the nails harden, they compress, causing small cracks in the structure of the nail plate. Over time, this repetition of softening and hardening causes the nail plate structure to fracture and flaking and splitting is the result.
Flaky nails can also be caused by a build-up of dead nail cells. Just as dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of your skin, the nail is also composed of layers of dead nail cells. Without proper exfoliation, these dead cells can build up and cause nails to peel.
If both your fingernails and toenails are peeling, this could signal an internal cause, such as a vitamin deficiency, typically an iron deficiency. However, this is rare.
To prevent flaky nails, Dr Peters recommends wearing gloves when doing the dishes, drying your hands and nails thoroughly after washing them, and regularly applying a hand cream that contains vitamin E to replenish any moisture that is lost.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails can flake due to repetitive wetting and drying of the hands, vitamin deficiency, excessive dryness, too much buffing, or a build-up of dead cells.
To prevent flaking, Dr Peters recommends wearing gloves when doing the dishes, drying your hands and nails thoroughly after washing them, and regularly applying a hand cream that contains vitamin E to replenish any moisture that is lost.
Yes, dry, flaking nails can indicate a vitamin deficiency, typically an iron deficiency.
Yes, flaking nails are a common issue and often not a cause for concern. However, if you have tried home remedies and your nails are not improving, or if the peeling occurs suddenly, it could be advisable to consult a medical hand specialist, dermatologist or primary care physician.
If both your fingernails and toenails are flaking, this signals an internal cause.
