Liam Carter
Brittle nails, or onychoschizia, are thin, weak, and fragile nails that are prone to splitting, cracking, or breaking. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, exposure to drying chemicals, and frequent handwashing. While brittle nails are not usually a major cause for concern, they may sometimes be indicative of underlying health conditions such as thyroid disorders, iron-deficiency anemia, or psoriasis. In most cases, maintaining a consistent nail care routine and addressing any nutrient deficiencies can help improve the appearance and strength of brittle nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical term | Onychoschizia |
| Commonality | Affects about one in five people, more common in women than men |
| Age | More common among older adults, but people of all ages can experience it |
| Nail properties | Thin, weak, soft, fragile, dry, dull, opaque, pale, worn down, slow growth |
| Nail issues | Crack, chip, split, bend, break, peel, tear, snap, crack, pit, discoloration, jagged edges, rough surface, ridges, dents |
| Causes | Ageing, nutritional deficiencies (e.g. biotin/vitamin B7, zinc, iron, calcium, fatty acids), trauma/injury, environmental factors (e.g. cold, dry weather, humidity), frequent handwashing, exposure to harsh chemicals, frequent nail polish use, nail extensions, acetone-based nail polish removers, underlying health conditions (e.g. thyroid disorders, iron-deficiency anaemia, psoriasis, eczema, Raynaud's syndrome/disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, fungal infections, cancer treatment) |
| Treatments | Consistent nail care routine, clear nail polish, nail moisturizer, hand moisturizer, supplements (e.g. biotin, multivitamins), wear gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products, file nails regularly, soak nails in water then apply lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids |
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What You'll Learn
Ageing and hormone changes
Ageing and hormonal changes in the body, especially during menopause, are common causes of weak and brittle nails. During menopause, the body experiences a decline in hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, which play a crucial role in maintaining skin and nail hydration. This hormonal imbalance leads to decreased collagen production, resulting in nails that are more prone to damage, breakage, splitting, and dryness.
Oestrogen is responsible for regulating water levels in the body, and its decline affects fluid balance. This can cause dehydration, impacting the production of keratin, a protein that is essential for nail health. As a result, nails become brittle and susceptible to damage. Additionally, hormonal changes during menopause can affect nutrient absorption in the gut, inhibiting the uptake of nutrients vital for nail health, such as biotin, zinc, and calcium.
The decline in oestrogen levels during menopause also contributes to skin ageing and weakened hair and nails. This is because oestrogen plays a role in regulating collagen levels, and its decrease leads to a loss of collagen, causing nails to lose elasticity and firmness. The reduction in collagen production also affects hair follicles, resulting in hair thinning and dryness, which often accompanies brittle nails during menopause.
While ageing and menopause are significant factors in hormonal changes, other conditions can also contribute. For example, hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, has been linked to brittle nails. Additionally, deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, calcium, iron, and fatty acids, can further exacerbate nail problems.
To counteract the effects of ageing and hormonal changes on nail health, several measures can be taken. Lifestyle changes, such as wearing gloves during household chores and outdoor activities, can protect nails from damage and dehydration. Dietary modifications, including increasing vitamin and mineral intake, can also help improve nail strength and appearance. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can indirectly benefit nail health by regulating hormone levels and improving skin and nail integrity.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Weak and brittle nails can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. Nails are a part of the body's outer layer, or integumentary system, which also includes the skin, hair, and glands. This system acts as a barrier between the outside world and the body's internal functions. As such, nail health is closely associated with overall bodily health.
Iron deficiency is another common cause of weak and brittle nails. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen to every cell in the body, including the nails. A deficiency can cause changes in nail shape, such as nails becoming concave or spoon-shaped. A lack of iron can also cause anaemia, which may lead to further nail issues.
Other nutritional deficiencies that may cause nail issues include a lack of zinc, protein, magnesium, and calcium. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is key to maintaining nail health.
It is important to note that while nutritional deficiencies can cause weak and brittle nails, there are also many other potential causes, including external factors such as overexposure to moisture or certain chemicals, or internal factors such as ageing, thyroid issues, or other underlying health conditions. If you are concerned about the health of your nails, it is best to consult a doctor or dermatologist, who can help determine the root cause of any issues.
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Environmental factors
Moisture Levels
Too much or too little moisture is the most common cause of brittle nails. Nails that are hard and brittle lack enough moisture, while soft and brittle nails have too much. Frequent wetting and drying of the nails from activities like hand washing, doing dishes, or exposure to humid environments can strip the nails of their natural moisture. On the other hand, using excessive moisturizers, harsh chemicals like acetone, or overexposure to detergents and household cleaners can result in nails with too much moisture, leading to brittleness.
Seasonal Changes
Seasonal changes, particularly the winter months, can also impact nail health. Onychoschizia, the medical term for brittle, splitting nails, tends to increase in severity during winter. This may be due to the drier environment and reduced moisture levels during this season.
Chemical Exposure
Detergents, cleaning fluids, nail treatments, and nail polish or polish removers can all contribute to nail brittleness. The chemicals in these products can be harsh and damaging to the nail structure, especially with frequent or prolonged exposure.
Physical Trauma
External trauma to the nail, such as using your nail as a tool, pressing too firmly, or removing acrylic nail polish, can also lead to weakness and brittleness. Nails can also become brittle if you soak your hands for too long in sudsy water.
Age and Gender
While not strictly an environmental factor, it is worth noting that age and gender play a role in nail health. Nails naturally decrease in strength and become more brittle over time. Additionally, women tend to experience brittle nails more frequently than men, possibly due to constitutional differences in nail structure.
In summary, maintaining healthy and strong nails involves finding a balance between moisture levels, avoiding harsh chemicals, and being mindful of seasonal changes. Proper nail care, including the use of moisturizers, protective gloves, and supplements, can help counteract the environmental factors contributing to weak and brittle nails.
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Medical conditions
Weak, brittle nails, or onychoschizia, can be caused by a variety of medical conditions and external factors. While brittle nails are rarely a sign of a serious issue, they can indicate certain health problems and vitamin deficiencies.
Ageing
Nail strength naturally decreases with age, making nails more prone to breaking. Nails commonly become dull and thinner with age, while toenails tend to get thicker and harder. Age-related changes to the nails are unavoidable, but the risk of brittle nails can be reduced through proper nail care.
Iron deficiency and anaemia
Low levels of iron in the body can lead to iron deficiency, also known as anaemia. This results in decreased red blood cell levels and can cause extreme fatigue. Iron-rich foods, such as red meat or spinach, can help address this deficiency, although iron supplements are also an option after consulting with a doctor.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid levels, can lead to brittle nails, along with other symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and depression. Treatment for this condition is available in the form of synthetic thyroid hormones.
Raynaud's syndrome
This condition is characterised by circulation problems in the extremities, which can affect nail health. Treatments include calcium channel blockers or alternative medications.
Infectious diseases
Infectious diseases, such as syphilis and pulmonary tuberculosis, can cause nonspecific alterations to the nails, including thinning, fissuring, and overall fragility.
Endocrine disorders
Endocrine disorders can lead to nail changes in about 5% of cases, with nails becoming brittle and soft. Successful therapy for the underlying disorder can often reverse these nail changes.
Nutritional deficiencies
A severe deficiency of vitamins, trace elements, and amino acids from daily food intake can result in nail thinning and fragility. Ensuring adequate protein intake is vital, as nails are made up of keratin protein. Biotin vitamin supplements, as well as supplements containing colloidal minerals, gelatin, and calcium, can help strengthen nails.
Medication ingestion
Certain medications, such as systemic medications like cancer chemotherapeutic agents, retinoids, or antiretrovirals, have been linked to brittle nails.
Trauma
Trauma to the nail, either through external injury or occupational and professional activities, can contribute to nail damage and alteration. This includes routine activities such as household chores and exposure to chemicals.
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Nail care habits
Brittle nails, or onychoschizia, are thin, weak, and fragile nails that are prone to splitting, cracking, or breaking. They can be caused by various factors, including aging, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, exposure to drying chemicals, and frequent handwashing.
Moisturize your nails and hands
Increasing the moisture content of your nails and hands can help if your nails are dry and brittle. You can soak your nails in water for about five minutes and then apply a lotion containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids. Additionally, consider using a moisturizer on your hands and nails during the day or at night before bed.
Wear gloves when doing household chores or using chemical products
Protect your nails from harsh chemicals and detergents found in household cleaning products by wearing rubber gloves. This will help prevent further damage and strengthen your nails over time.
Limit exposure to water
Too much exposure to water can weaken your nails. Try to keep your hands out of the water when taking a bath, and wear gloves when washing dishes or using other cleaning products.
Avoid harsh nail products
Frequent use of nail polish, nail extensions, and acetone-based nail polish removers can weaken the natural structure of your nails and make them more prone to breaking. Look for nontoxic and acetone-free alternatives, and limit the use of hand sanitizers as they can dry out your nails.
Consider taking supplements
Nutritional deficiencies, especially in biotin (vitamin B7), zinc, and iron, can contribute to brittle nails. Consider taking dietary supplements, but always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
See a dermatologist or healthcare professional
If you've tried various remedies and haven't noticed any improvement, consider consulting a dermatologist or another skincare professional. They can assess your nail health, provide personalized advice, and prescribe prescription-strength nail treatments if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Weak and brittle nails, or onychoschizia, are typically thin, weak, and fragile. They are prone to cracking, chipping, splitting, bending, breaking, tearing, or peeling. They can be either dry or soft and may look “worn down”.
Weak and brittle nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Aging: Nails tend to become thinner and weaker as we age due to the decreased production of keratin, the protein that makes up nails.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A deficiency in nutrients such as biotin (vitamin B7), zinc, calcium, iron, or fatty acids can contribute to brittle nails.
- Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as thyroid disorders, iron-deficiency anemia, psoriasis, eczema, Raynaud's syndrome, osteoporosis, diabetes, or fungal infections, can make nails susceptible to breaking.
- Trauma: Repeated microtraumas, such as nail-biting, picking, or using your nails as tools, can weaken the nail over time.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to cold, dry weather, harsh chemicals, or frequent handwashing can sap moisture from your nails, leaving them weak and brittle.
- Nail care habits: Frequent use of nail polish, nail extensions, or acetone-based nail polish removers can weaken the natural structure of the nails and make them more fragile.
There are several treatments and home care tips that can help strengthen weak and brittle nails:
- Moisturizing: Apply lotion or moisturizer to your hands and nails to increase moisture and reduce brittleness.
- Nail shaping: Filing your nails regularly can help eliminate rough edges that may crack.
- Protection: Wear rubber or protective gloves when doing household chores or using chemical products to prevent further damage and strengthen nails.
- Supplements: Taking biotin (vitamin B) supplements can help strengthen nails. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
- Clear nail polish: For people with soft nails, applying a clear coat of nail polish can help increase nail strength over time.
Weak and brittle nails are not usually a major cause for concern. However, it is recommended to see a doctor if you notice additional symptoms or if home remedies are not effective. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Fatigue: This could be a symptom of iron deficiency or anemia.
- Weight gain or loss: This could indicate a thyroid issue.
- Pain, redness, discoloration, or swelling: These could be signs of an underlying condition or infection.
- Other symptoms: Horizontal lines on the nails, nail beds splitting away from the nail bed, or other symptoms that concern you.
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, here are some general tips for preventing weak and brittle nails:
- Proper nail care: Avoid excessive filing of the nail plate, as it can thin the nail and weaken it.
- Avoid overexposure to moisture: Limit exposure to water and avoid soaking your hands for too long, as it can cause nails to peel.
- Limit exposure to chemicals: Detergents, cleaning fluids, and nail treatments can contribute to nail brittleness.
- Improve nutrition: Ensure you are getting enough protein and nutrients in your diet, as nail health is closely associated with nutritional intake and digestion.
