Isla Bennett
There are many reasons why fingernails break, and it's a common issue that can affect almost anyone. Age is one of the most common causes, as nails naturally decrease in strength over time, making them more prone to breaking. Other factors include frequent hand washing, exposure to household chemicals, and underlying health conditions such as anemia, thyroid problems, and nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, certain lifestyle habits like nail-biting and frequent manicures can also contribute to nail breakage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Nails become more brittle with age |
| Gender | Brittle nails are more common in women |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Low iron, protein, biotin, calcium, fatty acid and vitamin B levels |
| Medical conditions | Anemia, thyroid disorder, Raynaud's syndrome, psoriasis, fungal infections |
| Moisture | Too much or too little moisture can cause brittle nails |
| Exposure to household chemicals | Soaps, detergents, sanitizers, cleaners, nail polish remover |
| Nail habits | Nail biting, frequent manicures, filing the nail surface |
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What You'll Learn
Aging
With advancing age, the growth rate of nails tends to decrease. This starts as early as the age of 20 or 25, slowing by about 0.5% per year. As a result, nails may become thinner and more prone to cracking and breaking. Nails may also become thicker with age, and conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to this thickening.
The texture and colour of nails can also change with age. Nails may turn yellow, grey, pale, or opaque, and fungal infections can cause further discolouration. One type of colour change, seen especially in darker-skinned individuals, is the development of dark stripes or ridges along the length of the nail, known as "longitudinal melanonychia". In some cases, these dark ridges can indicate a more serious condition, such as melanoma or Bowen's disease, a form of skin cancer.
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause, can also cause nails to become pale, dull, or thin, making them more susceptible to breakage. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, including low levels of iron, protein, biotin, calcium, fatty acids, and vitamins A, B, C, and D, can contribute to nail thinning and breakage.
To help prevent brittle nails and breakage due to aging, it is recommended to moisturize nails and hands regularly, avoid harsh nail products, and keep nails trimmed and filed smoothly. Wearing rubber gloves while doing household chores or working with water can also help protect nails from excessive moisture and chemicals.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in maintaining nail health. A deficiency in biotin can lead to brittle, weak, and thinning nails that break easily. Taking a biotin supplement or consuming biotin-rich foods, such as meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and sweet potatoes, can help improve nail strength.
Iron
Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, including to the nails. An iron deficiency, also known as anaemia, can result in brittle nails that are prone to breaking. Pregnant women, individuals with certain conditions like ulcers or cancer, and those with heavy periods are at a higher risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia. Increasing iron intake through supplements or iron-rich foods may help improve nail health.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that contributes to the strength and structure of nails. A calcium deficiency can lead to weak and brittle nails. Incorporating calcium-rich foods into your diet, such as dairy products, dark leafy greens, and calcium-fortified foods, can help ensure adequate calcium intake and promote nail health.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B, particularly vitamin B12, is important for overall health, including nail health. A deficiency in vitamin B can result in brittle and weak nails. In addition to biotin, other B vitamins like vitamin B12 are crucial for nail strength. Including a variety of B vitamin sources in your diet, such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products, can support nail health.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are essential for maintaining the health of the nails. A deficiency in fatty acids can contribute to nail thinning and breakage. Consuming foods rich in fatty acids, such as nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon and sardines, can help improve nail strength and flexibility.
Other Nutrients
In addition to the above, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, can also impact nail health. A well-rounded diet that includes a variety of whole foods can help ensure adequate intake of these essential nutrients, promoting stronger and healthier nails.
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Frequent hand washing
While hand washing is vital in preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria, frequent hand washing can have negative side effects on your nails. The repeated wetting and drying of the nails from activities such as hand washing can strip the moisture from the nails, causing them to become dry and brittle. In addition, the use of antibacterial soaps and harsh chemicals in hand soaps can also affect the health of your nails.
The skin on your hands and around your nails may crack or develop symptoms of dermatitis from frequent contact with harsh chemicals, resulting in dry, red, and itchy skin. Open skin offers an opportunity for bacteria and pathogens to enter the body. In addition, frequent hand washing can remove the natural oils and moisture from the skin, leaving it dry and, in some cases, cracking.
To combat the negative effects of frequent hand washing, you can try the following:
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or performing other water-heavy tasks.
- Choose the right soap – the best soap for frequent hand washing is hypoallergenic and free from perfumes and irritants.
- Use cool or warm water, not hot water, when washing your hands.
- Moisturize your hands and nails regularly, especially after washing. Choose a hypoallergenic, allergy-free lotion, cream, or ointment.
- Consider taking supplements such as zinc and essential fatty acids to support nail growth and strength.
By following these strategies, you can help maintain the health of your nails and skin while still practicing good hand hygiene.
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Exposure to household chemicals
Additionally, the use of harsh chemicals on the nails can contribute to nail breakage. For example, acetone, a common ingredient in nail polish removers, can be harsh on the nails and lead to softening and breakage. Other chemicals to avoid include toluene and formaldehyde, which are often found in nail products.
To prevent nail breakage caused by household chemicals, it is recommended to wear gloves when handling cleaning products or when the hands are submerged in water for extended periods. This creates a protective barrier between the nails and the chemicals, reducing their potential to cause damage. Moisturizing the nails and hands regularly can also help counteract the drying effects of these chemicals.
While nail polish can be aesthetically pleasing, the frequent use of nail polish and removers can contribute to nail breakage over time. This is because the nails are exposed to harsh chemicals during the removal process, and the nail bed may be damaged during the application and removal of nail polish. Therefore, it is advisable to give your nails a break from nail polish and opt for clear nail polish or nail-strengthening products to help protect and strengthen the nails.
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Underlying health conditions
Fingernail breakage can be caused by underlying health conditions. As people age, nails commonly change, often becoming dull and more brittle. While toenails tend to get thicker and harder, fingernails usually become thinner and more prone to breakage.
One possible underlying health condition that can cause fingernail breakage is iron deficiency, which occurs when the body does not get enough iron, leading to low red blood cell levels. This can cause extreme fatigue. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is another potential cause of brittle nails. Along with nail issues, symptoms of hypothyroidism may include hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and depression.
Raynaud's syndrome, a condition characterised by circulation problems in the extremities, can also lead to brittle nails. This is due to diminished blood flow to the fingers. Additionally, fungal infections can cause nails to separate from the nail bed and become more susceptible to breakage. Yeasts or moulds can enter the nails, leading to an infection that makes them more prone to cracking or breaking.
Another underlying condition that can cause nail breakage is anemia, a condition where the body does not produce enough hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anemia is sometimes caused by iron deficiency and can result in extreme fatigue.
Furthermore, hormonal changes, such as those associated with menopause, can lead to pale, dull, or thinning nails. Nutritional deficiencies, including low levels of biotin, calcium, protein, fatty acids, and vitamins B and D, have also been linked to nail thinning and breakage.
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