Sophia Delgado
Brittle nails, or onychoschizia, can be a sign of ageing, or the result of external factors such as overexposure to water, detergents, and household cleaners. However, brittle nails can also be a sign of underlying health conditions, including nutritional deficiencies such as iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, Raynaud's syndrome, and psoriasis. In rare cases, cracked nails can be a sign of cancer or indicate a need for chemotherapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Nails become more brittle with age due to a decrease in strength. |
| Gender | Brittle nails are more common in women than in men. |
| Moisture | Nails can become brittle due to too much or too little moisture. |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Lack of nutrients such as protein, iron, or vitamin B can lead to brittle nails. |
| Anemia | Anemia, caused by iron deficiency, can result in brittle nails. |
| Thyroid disorders | Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause brittle nails. |
| Raynaud's syndrome | This condition, characterised by circulation problems, can affect nail health. |
| Psoriasis | An immune system disorder that causes dry, scaly patches under nail beds. |
| Nail products | Using harsh nail products containing toluene and formaldehyde can contribute to brittle nails. |
| Nail habits | Nail-biting, frequent filing, and polishing can weaken nails and make them more prone to brittleness. |
| Household chores | Repeated exposure to water, detergents, and household cleaners can cause nails to become brittle. |
| Health conditions | Cancer treatment, yeast or mold infections, and other underlying health issues can lead to brittle nails. |
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Ageing
Brittle nails are a common issue that can affect almost anyone. Nails can become brittle due to moisture issues or as a result of an underlying health condition. As you age, your nails may change in appearance and texture. Fingernails, in particular, tend to become thinner and more brittle with age, while toenails may get thicker and harder.
Age-related nail changes are natural and expected, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of brittle nails and maintain their health. For example, it is important to take good care of your nails as you age. This includes keeping your nails moisturised and wearing gloves when doing household chores to keep your hands dry. You can also buy lanolin-rich nail conditioners online or look for moisturising hand lotions that contain lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids. Applying lotion or cream directly to your nails can help keep them strong and prevent them from becoming brittle.
In addition to external factors, internal factors, such as certain medical conditions, can also contribute to brittle nails. For example, thyroid disorders can affect the body's absorption of minerals, leading to brittle nails. Iron deficiency, also known as anaemia, is another common condition associated with brittle nails. It occurs when the body does not produce enough haemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
While age-related nail changes are inevitable, maintaining proper nail care and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of brittle nails. Eating iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements, as recommended by a doctor, can help prevent iron deficiency and improve nail health. Additionally, ensuring adequate protein intake is crucial as nails are made up of keratin protein. By taking these steps, you can promote stronger and healthier nails even as you age.
It is worth noting that significant changes in the texture, thickness, colour, or shape of your nails may indicate an underlying medical condition. Therefore, if you notice any unusual or persistent nail changes, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Brittle nails can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, and there are several nutrients needed to keep nails strong and healthy.
Protein
Nails are made up of a protein called keratin, which also makes up the cells in our hair and skin. A lack of protein in the diet can lead to brittle nails. Eating the right amount of protein is vital for boosting keratin production and maintaining strong nails.
Iron
Iron is another essential nutrient for nail health. Iron deficiency, or anaemia, can cause brittle nails. The body needs iron to produce healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to all tissues. Low red blood cell levels can lead to brittle nails.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin, a B vitamin, is important for nail health. A deficiency in biotin can cause brittle nails. Biotin is found in meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B is also necessary for nail health. A deficiency can lead to brittle nails.
Calcium
A lack of calcium can contribute to brittle nails.
In addition to these nutritional deficiencies, other factors can cause or contribute to brittle nails. These include age, frequent hand washing, and the use of nail cosmetics.
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Thyroid disorders
Brittle fingernails can be a sign of a thyroid disorder. An individual with a thyroid disorder may produce too many or too few hormones, which can affect the body's absorption of minerals. This can cause nails to become brittle and split away from their nail beds.
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This can lead to many symptoms, including hair loss, fatigue, weight gain or loss, constipation, and depression. In addition, people with hypothyroidism may experience dry, brittle, and coarse hair or dull, thin nails that break easily. These symptoms can often be treated with synthetic thyroid hormones, such as levothyroxine, which can be taken orally.
It is important to note that changes in nail health can be caused by various factors, including age, gender, and external environmental factors. However, if you notice any changes in your nail health or any other concerning symptoms, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend checking your thyroid function, especially if you are experiencing other symptoms of a thyroid disorder.
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Raynaud's syndrome
Brittle nails, or onychoschizia, are common and can affect nearly anyone. They can be caused by external factors, such as too much or too little moisture, or they can be a sign of an underlying condition. In less common cases, brittle nails can be a symptom of several conditions, one of which is Raynaud's syndrome.
There are two types of Raynaud's syndrome: primary and secondary. Primary Raynaud's syndrome, also called Raynaud's disease, occurs on its own and is not connected with another disease or condition. It is not serious and does not damage your blood vessels, although it may disrupt some of your daily activities. Secondary Raynaud's syndrome, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, occurs due to an underlying condition, medication, or lifestyle factor. This type can be more serious and may lead to skin ulcers and, in rare cases, tissue death (gangrene).
The symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome include skin colour changes, cold skin, and a pins-and-needles sensation. In severe cases, skin sores or gangrene can occur if the condition is left untreated for a long time. Common triggers for Raynaud's attacks include cold weather and stress, and it is more common in people who live in colder areas.
Several diagnostic tests can help determine if you have primary or secondary Raynaud's syndrome. One test is a nailfold capillaroscopy, where a drop of oil is placed at the base of your fingernail and examined under a microscope. If the capillaries are enlarged or abnormal, it may indicate a connective tissue disease and secondary Raynaud's syndrome. Other tests include blood tests to check for autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and other conditions.
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Psoriasis
Brittle nails, or onychoschizia, can be caused by several factors, including external factors and underlying health conditions. One such underlying condition is psoriasis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes the body to produce too many skin cells, resulting in thick, itchy, scaly patches on the skin.
Nail psoriasis is a specific type of psoriasis that affects the nails, causing changes in their appearance and texture. It is estimated that around 82% of people with psoriasis may experience nail changes, with fingernails being affected more often than toenails. Nail psoriasis can manifest in various ways, including pitting, nail bed separation, and discoloration. In some cases, nails may become thick, develop pinprick holes, or change colour or shape. These changes can make it difficult to move the fingers and toes, and tenderness or pain in the nails may occur.
The exact cause of nail psoriasis is unknown, and it can vary in severity. While it usually occurs in individuals with general psoriasis, in rare cases, the nails may be the only parts of the body that show signs of the condition. Additionally, nail fungus can sometimes accompany nail psoriasis, causing further nail changes. It is important to distinguish between nail psoriasis and nail fungus, as they have different treatments.
Treatment options for nail psoriasis include various medical and home remedies. Medical treatments may include topical medications such as corticosteroids, vitamin D, or retinoid creams. Gels or ointments containing urea can help thin thick nails, and corticosteroid injections can be administered under the nail surface to reduce pain. Phototherapy, using ultraviolet light, is another potential treatment option.
Home remedies and good nail care practices can also help manage nail psoriasis. Keeping nails trimmed short, using a nail file to smooth nail edges, and moisturising nails and cuticles regularly are recommended. Wearing gloves when cleaning or doing other work with the hands can protect nails from further damage and prevent the spread of fungus. Nail varnish or artificial nails can also be used to improve the appearance of nails and provide additional protection.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why nails become brittle. It could be due to external factors such as repeated washing and drying of fingernails, overexposure to detergents and household cleaners, and too much time in water, or the use of nail cosmetics. Internal factors include aging, nutritional deficiencies (such as a lack of protein, iron, or vitamin B) and underlying health conditions like thyroid disorders, anemia, Raynaud's syndrome, or psoriasis.
There are several ways to treat brittle nails, including:
- Moisturizing your hands and nails regularly, especially after washing.
- Wearing gloves when doing household chores or working with cleaning fluids.
- Taking biotin vitamin supplements.
- Ensuring adequate protein intake to boost keratin production.
- Eating iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements (consult a doctor first).
It is recommended to see a doctor if you notice additional symptoms accompanying your brittle nails, such as fatigue (which could indicate iron deficiency or anemia), weight changes (which could indicate a thyroid issue), or other symptoms that may be related to an underlying health condition. You should also consult a doctor if home remedies and self-care tips are not helping to strengthen your nails.
To prevent brittle nails, you can:
- Wear gloves when doing household chores or working with cleaning fluids to protect your nails from excess moisture and chemicals.
- Avoid nail products that contain harsh chemicals such as toluene and formaldehyde.
- Limit manicures and the use of nail cosmetics, as these can dry out your nails.
- Keep your nails short if you tend to bite them, as biting can weaken the nails.
