Ava Monroe
Changes in the texture, colour, or shape of your nails can indicate an underlying health issue. Thinning nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutrient deficiencies, overexposure to moisture or chemicals, acute trauma, and the use of certain nail products. While some causes are harmless, others may require medical attention. Thinning nails can also be a natural part of ageing, as fingernails tend to become thinner and more brittle with time. It is important to be mindful of any changes in your nails and consult a board-certified dermatologist if you have any concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Nutrient deficiencies, chronic conditions, injury, overexposure to moisture, aging, or underlying health conditions |
| Nutrient Deficiencies | Low calcium, iron, vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, or protein |
| Chronic Conditions | Vitamin deficiencies |
| Injury | Repeated pressure or friction, tight-fitting shoes or gloves, biting fingernails, picking at polish, using nails to open cans, or acute trauma |
| Overexposure to Moisture | Soaking hands in water for too long |
| Aging | Vertical ridges, which are common later in life and not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms |
| Underlying Health Conditions | Hypothyroidism, Raynaud's syndrome, or Erythema multiforme |
| Appearance | Brittle, weak, soft, thin, spoon-shaped, washboard-shaped, clubbed, split, peeling, breaking, cracking, or changing color, texture, or shape |
| Treatment | Eating nutrient-rich foods, taking supplements (with doctor's guidance), moisturizing nails, applying lotion after drying activities, or seeing a board-certified dermatologist |
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What You'll Learn
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Thinning nails can be caused by various factors, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Nails are made from a substance called keratin, and a diet rich in nutrients can strengthen them.
Vitamin B deficiencies, including B12, are associated with nail issues. B12 deficiency can lead to nail hyperpigmentation, resulting in conditions like longitudinal melanonychia, diffuse bluish discolouration, and reticulate pigmentation. Dusky red half-moons on the nails could indicate a lack of B12 and be a sign of underlying conditions like lupus, heart disease, or arthritis. Terry's nails, characterised by a white nail with a pink band at the tip, can also be due to a B12 deficiency and may indicate liver disease or congestive heart failure.
Iron deficiency is another common cause of thinning nails. Spoon nails, where the nail appears concave horizontally or vertically, are often linked to anaemia and iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can also cause peeling and thin nails. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking iron supplements, as advised by experts.
Vitamin C is essential for nail health, and a deficiency can lead to peeling and thin nails. Vitamin D is also crucial, and its deficiency may result in unhealthy nails.
Other nutrients that contribute to nail health include vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, protein, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and copper. A well-rounded diet that includes these vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining strong and healthy nails.
While thinning nails can be a sign of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, it is important to remember that nail issues can also arise from external factors, such as nail polish, acrylics, and overexposure to moisture.
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Overuse of nail polish and acrylics
Thinning nails can be a sign of underlying health issues, including vitamin deficiencies and chronic conditions. However, nail issues often occur due to injury or overexposure to moisture. In many cases, nail health is a reflection of nutritional intake and digestive health. A lack of nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and protein can lead to thin and peeling nails. Nails are made from keratin, which can be strengthened by consuming a nutrient-rich diet.
One of the main contributors to nail thinning is the overuse of nail polish and acrylics. The chemicals and harsh solvents found in these products can weaken nails, making them prone to peeling and breakage. Repeatedly applying and removing nail polish can dry out and damage nails. When nail polish is removed, the top layers of the natural nails are often peeled away, leaving the nails weaker and more susceptible to damage.
Acrylic nails, in particular, can be damaging as they are often applied to natural nails with glue, making them difficult to remove. The process of applying and removing acrylic nails can cause nail trauma, leading to thinning and peeling. Additionally, the chemicals used in acrylics, such as acrylates, formaldehyde, and toluene sulphonamide-formaldehyde resin, can contribute to contact dermatitis and chronic paronychia.
To mitigate the effects of nail polish and acrylics, it is important to give your nails a break and allow them to recover. Avoid picking at your nail polish and use non-acetone nail polish removers. When removing gel polish, ensure that you soak your nails thoroughly and avoid excessive scraping.
While nail art and enhancements can be a form of self-expression, it is essential to be mindful of the potential impact on nail health. By understanding the risks and taking proper care, you can maintain strong and healthy nails while still enjoying the creative aspects of nail polish and acrylics.
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Nail trauma
Nail biting is a common cause of nail trauma and can lead to acute paronychia, a type of bacterial infection. It can also cause dystrophy, which is the inflammation of the nail matrix, resulting in horizontal ridging, depressions, and raised areas. The cuticles are almost always damaged, disrupting the nail's waterproof seal, causing nails to thin and peel, and increasing the risk of infection.
Other causes of nail trauma include picking at your nail polish, using your nails to open cans, and frequent manicures or pedicures. Overusing nail polish or acrylics can cause nails to become thin and peel due to the chemicals and harsh solvents in these products. Additionally, removing nail polish too aggressively can damage the surface layers of your natural nails, making them weaker and more prone to breakage.
To treat nail trauma, it is important to stop any habits that may be causing the issue, such as nail biting or picking at nail polish. In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary, especially if there is a risk of infection or if the injury is severe. For example, in the case of subungual hematoma, where blood becomes trapped between the nail plate and nail bed, a physician may need to drain the blood to relieve pressure and pain.
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Ageing
Thinning nails can be a natural part of the ageing process. As people age, their nails may change in appearance and texture. These changes can be minor, such as the development of ridges or changes in nail curvature, or they can be more noticeable, such as thickening or thinning of the nail plate.
Nail thinning can be caused by a variety of factors related to ageing. One factor is a decrease in nail growth, which can cause the nail to become thinner and more brittle. Repeated wetting and drying, exposure to harsh chemicals, or the use of cosmetics can also contribute to nail thinning over time. Additionally, conditions like anaemia, hardening of the arteries, and hormonal problems can lead to changes in nail texture, including thinning.
It is important to note that while nail thinning may be a natural part of ageing, it can also be a sign of more serious health problems. For example, thinning nails can be related to iron deficiency, kidney disease, liver problems, or nutritional deficiencies. In some cases, thinning nails may be an early sign of more severe conditions like heart and lung disease, diabetes, or even skin cancer. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider if you notice significant changes in your nail texture, thickness, or colour, as they can help determine if the changes are due to ageing or an underlying medical condition.
To maintain nail health as you age, it is recommended to pay more attention to your nails and incorporate nail care into your daily routine. This can include gentle exfoliation, filing nails to a healthy length, buffing, and applying oils to promote elasticity and moisture. Regularly moisturising your cuticles and nail beds can also help improve nail health. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the impact of traditional hand soap and hot water on your nails, as these can contribute to dryness and brittleness.
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Underlying health conditions
Thinning nails can be caused by overexposure to moisture, injury, or more serious underlying health conditions. While nail issues are often caused by poor diet or poor digestion, they can also indicate vitamin deficiencies, chronic conditions, or other underlying health issues.
Thinning nails may be a sign of iron deficiency, which can also cause nails to become spoon-shaped, or "koilonychia". This condition can be caused by various factors, including high altitude, and can be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional.
Horizontal ridges, or "Beau's lines", on the nails may indicate a pause in nail growth and could be related to underlying health issues. These include high fever, vitamin deficiency, injury, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and chemotherapy.
Curved or "clubbed" nails are often inherited but may be associated with underlying health conditions such as lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, or liver disease. Thick, overgrown nails that resemble ram horns may be hereditary or caused by conditions like psoriasis, poor circulation, or skin diseases such as eczema (dermatitis) and lupus.
Yellow nails, or "yellow nail syndrome", can indicate lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or a serious nail infection. Dark lines beneath the nail may be a sign of melanoma, a severe type of skin cancer, and should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible.
While most nail issues are harmless and can be treated with home remedies, some may indicate underlying health conditions that require medical attention. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you notice any concerning changes in your nails or experience other unexplained symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Thinning nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including external factors like overexposure to moisture or chemicals, nutrient deficiencies, and internal factors like chronic conditions or poor digestion.
Overexposure to moisture or chemicals, such as detergent, cleaning fluids, nail treatments, and nail polish or polish remover, can cause thinning nails. Additionally, repeated pressure or friction on your nails, such as from biting your nails, picking at your polish, or using your nails to open cans, can weaken them over time.
Yes, thinning nails can be indicative of internal factors such as nutrient deficiencies, including low calcium or a deficiency in iron, vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, or protein. In some cases, thinning nails may also be a sign of a chronic condition or poor digestion.
To treat thinning nails, it is important to first identify the underlying cause. If the cause is external, try to avoid exposure to moisture or chemicals, go natural, and moisturize your nails regularly. If the cause is internal, focus on improving your diet by including more nutrient-rich foods, especially those high in iron, or take a multivitamin supplement.
While thinning nails can be caused by harmless external factors, they can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. If you notice any other changes to your nails, such as changes in colour, texture, or shape, it is recommended to consult a board-certified dermatologist to determine if further medical testing is required.
