Caleb Foster
Chipping nails are a common problem, and they can occur due to environmental factors or underlying health conditions. Nails that are prone to chipping are usually weak and brittle, and they can be caused by something as simple as aging, dehydration, or overexposure to water and cleaning chemicals. However, in some cases, brittle nails can indicate a more serious health issue, such as a hormonal imbalance, lung disease, or even cancer treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Ageing, exposure to chemicals, dehydration, diet, underlying health conditions, trauma to the nail, frequent washing, nail products, manicures, nail-biting, nail-picking, and buffing |
| Symptoms | Cracking, splitting, brittleness, thinning, flaking, peeling, discolouration, and ridges |
| Treatment | Wear gloves when washing dishes, dry hands and nails after washing, use hand cream with vitamin E, use a rich moisturiser or nail oil, use hypoallergenic products, eat a well-balanced diet, take supplements, use nail strengtheners, use acetone-free nail polish remover, and avoid picking polish off |
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What You'll Learn
Chipping nails can indicate an iron deficiency
Chipping nails, also known as onychoschizia, can be caused by a variety of factors, one of which is iron deficiency. While nail issues are often caused by external factors such as injury or overexposure to moisture, they can sometimes be an indicator of underlying health issues.
Iron deficiency can cause nails to become brittle, leading to easy breakage and chipping. This is because iron is essential for the production of strong connective tissues and the absorption of other vital nutrients. A lack of iron can affect the structure and integrity of the nail, making it more susceptible to damage.
In addition to iron deficiency, other possible causes of nail chipping include dehydration, vitamin B deficiency, hypothyroidism, and certain underlying health conditions such as an underactive thyroid. External factors such as excessive dryness from buffing, exposure to chemicals, and frequent contact with water can also contribute to nail chipping.
To address nail chipping due to iron deficiency, it is important to increase the intake of iron-rich foods or supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Additionally, applying lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids or lanolin can help moisturize and strengthen the nails. Wearing gloves while performing tasks that involve water, such as washing dishes, can also help prevent further chipping.
It is worth noting that nail chipping can be a symptom of more serious underlying health issues. For instance, untreated iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which is characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin in the body. Therefore, if nail chipping persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.
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External factors like manicures can cause chipping
Chipping nails can be a sign of underlying health issues, but they can also be caused by external factors, such as manicures. While manicures are meant to beautify the nails, they can sometimes lead to nail damage, especially if proper care is not taken.
One of the most common external causes of chipping nails is gel manicures. Gel manicures use a special type of polish that contains methacrylate resins, which harden under LED light to create a super glossy and long-lasting finish. However, if the gel polish is not applied correctly or cured properly, it can lead to chipping and peeling. Incomplete curing, improper nail preparation, and over-application of the gel polish are some of the most common issues that can cause chipping. Additionally, the free edge of the nail, where the nail plate ends at the tip of the finger, is more prone to chipping as it is thin and exposed.
Improper use of nail products, such as primers and UV/LED lights, can also contribute to chipping nails. The nail plate must be properly prepared and free of damage for the UV gel polish to adhere correctly. Inaccurate buffing, insufficient degreasing, and neglecting to use a primer can lead to issues with the adhesion of the manicure, resulting in chipping. Overfiling the nail plate can also cause pain and weaken the adhesion of the polish.
Furthermore, over-exposure to chemicals and physical trauma can damage both gel manicures and natural nails. The use of nail polish remover, detergents, disinfecting sprays, and harsh scrubs can dehydrate and weaken the nails over time. Excessive nail-picking, biting, or using nails as tools can also create small cracks and folds, preventing the gel polish from adhering properly.
To prevent chipping nails caused by manicures, it is recommended to take proper precautions in nail care. This includes wearing gloves during chores and when washing hands, using gentle cleansers, and choosing non-acetone-based polish removers without harsh chemicals. Additionally, ensuring that manicure tools are sterilized and properly disinfected is crucial for maintaining nail health.
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Chipping nails may be a sign of ageing
Chipping nails, or onychoschizia as doctors call it, can be a sign of ageing. As we grow older, our nails tend to grow more slowly and become dull, brittle and prone to breaking. They may also change in texture, thickness, shape, and colour.
The growth rate of nails slows down with age, with the average rate being around 3mm per month, and anything between 1.8mm and 4.5mm considered normal. Toenails grow slower than fingernails, and nails grow slower in old age.
The colour of nails may also change with age, turning yellow or opaque, and even developing dark stripes or ridges along the length of the nail, known as longitudinal melanonychia. These stripes are made up of melanin, the same pigment that gives hair and skin their colour. In some cases, dark ridges can be a warning sign of a more serious condition, such as melanoma or skin cancer.
Nails may also thicken with age, due to conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Fungal infections, which are common in older people, can also cause nail thickening and discolouration.
Other factors that can contribute to nail chipping include dehydration, iron deficiency, thyroid problems, and exposure to harsh chemicals or ultraviolet light.
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Using nails as tools can cause chipping
Chipping nails can be a result of several factors, including underlying health conditions, diet, and dehydration. One of the main causes of nail chipping is using nails as tools. Nails are not designed to be tools and can easily chip or break when used for tasks like opening cans, bottles, or packages.
The nail is a delicate structure comprising layers of a protein called keratin, which can be damaged or chipped when subjected to force or pressure. Using nails as tools can also cause peeling, splitting, or breakage. This is because the force exerted on the nails during these tasks can exceed their structural limits, leading to chipping.
Additionally, using nails as tools can cause trauma to the nail matrix, the area under the cuticle where nail growth originates. Injury to the nail matrix can result in temporary or permanent nail deformities, including nail bed damage, which can further increase the likelihood of chipping.
To prevent nail chipping, it is essential to avoid using nails as tools and instead opt for the appropriate instruments, such as scissors, bottle openers, or screwdrivers. Keeping nails trimmed and filed can also help reduce the risk of chipping by minimizing the leverage applied to the nails during everyday tasks.
Maintaining proper nail care is crucial to prevent chipping. This includes keeping nails moisturized, as dry and brittle nails are more susceptible to damage. Applying a nourishing cream with ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter can help maintain nail health and reduce the chances of chipping. Additionally, wearing gloves during activities like washing dishes or gardening can protect nails from excessive moisture or chemicals that may weaken them.
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Chipping nails could be a symptom of an underlying health issue
Chipping nails, or onychoschizia as doctors call it, can be a result of various external factors. These include dehydration, excessive dryness, and external trauma to the nail, such as picking off nail polish or buffing. In addition, your manicure, chemicals, or your diet can also cause your nails to become thin and flaky.
However, it is important to note that chipping nails could also be a symptom of an underlying health issue. An iron deficiency, also known as anemia, can cause nails to become brittle and more prone to chipping. Anemia occurs when the body has a low count of healthy red blood cells and lacks sufficient hemoglobin. Treating iron deficiency involves increasing iron intake through diet or supplements and keeping nails moisturized.
Another possible underlying condition is hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This can lead to symptoms such as cracked or brittle nails that are more susceptible to chipping. Addressing hypothyroidism may involve medical treatment to increase hormone levels and improve nail health.
While less common, chipping nails can occasionally indicate more serious health issues. For example, nail abnormalities may be a result of something that occurred months earlier, providing a window into your overall health. Therefore, it is advisable to pay attention to the condition of your nails and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Chipping nails can be caused by external factors such as exposure to chemicals, frequent manicures, and physical trauma. Internal factors such as dehydration, vitamin or iron deficiency, and certain health conditions like anaemia can also contribute to nail chipping.
To prevent nail chipping, it is important to identify the underlying cause. If chipping is due to external factors, reducing exposure to chemicals, avoiding the use of nails as tools, and maintaining proper nail care routines can help. For internal causes, addressing vitamin or iron deficiencies through dietary changes or supplements, staying hydrated, and consulting a doctor for underlying health conditions may be necessary.
While super glue is sometimes used to repair cracked nails, it is not recommended for direct skin contact due to potential irritation. Instead, consider visiting a nail salon for professional repair or opt for at-home remedies such as nail oils, hand lotions, or paraffin wax baths to moisturise and strengthen your nails.
