Noah Sinclair
Peeling nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including external trauma to the nail, vitamin or mineral deficiency, or underlying health conditions. External factors such as frequent handwashing, exposure to harsh chemicals or soaps, and incorrect nail care practices can contribute to nail peeling. Additionally, certain habits like nail-biting, picking at polish, or using nails as tools can weaken the nail structure, leading to peeling. In some cases, peeling nails may indicate an internal cause, such as vitamin or mineral deficiencies, including iron, zinc, or selenium deficiencies. While rare, underlying health conditions such as hypothyroidism, lung disease, or kidney disease can also manifest as nail abnormalities, including peeling nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| External causes | Trauma to the nail, such as physical injury or acute trauma |
| Exposure to harsh chemicals, including those in hand soap, sanitizers, laundry detergent, and adhesives for gel or acrylic nails | |
| Incorrect home care, such as cutting cuticles or rough filing | |
| Frequent hand-washing, performing household chores, or soaking hands in water | |
| Wearing tight-fitting shoes or gloves | |
| Picking at polish, biting nails, or using nails as tools | |
| Age-related changes, such as blood circulation problems and extended exposure to UV rays | |
| Dehydration | |
| Internal causes | Vitamin or mineral deficiency, including iron, zinc, selenium, calcium, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, or protein |
| Underlying health conditions, such as lung disease, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, or anemia | |
| Onychomycosis or fungal infection of the nail | |
| Skin conditions like eczema |
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What You'll Learn
Iron, zinc, or selenium deficiencies
Peeling nails can be caused by external factors, such as repeatedly getting your nails wet and then drying them, or by underlying health conditions. In rare cases, peeling nails can indicate a systemic condition or a pathological process occurring inside the body.
One of the most common causes of peeling nails is iron deficiency. Iron is a crucial mineral that contributes to the health of the nails, and its deficiency can lead to brittle and thin nails that are prone to peeling. Mild iron deficiency is often the cause of peeling nails, and without treatment, it can progress to anemia. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin, resulting in decreased oxygen transport throughout the body.
Zinc deficiency is another potential cause of peeling and thin fingernails. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in nail health. It enables protein folding, catalyzes enzymes, and regulates gene expression, all of which are necessary for strong and healthy nails. A lack of zinc in the diet or an underlying medical condition can lead to nail dystrophy, characterized by nail discoloration and distortion. Zinc deficiency can also cause inflammation of the cuticle and conditions such as Beau's lines, which are horizontal grooves across the fingernails.
Additionally, selenium may also play a role in nail health, although there is limited direct evidence linking selenium deficiency to peeling nails. However, selenium is known to be important for overall health, and a deficiency can have various negative effects on the body.
It is important to note that while vitamin and mineral deficiencies can contribute to peeling nails, external factors, such as exposure to water, moisture, and chemicals, as well as physical trauma to the nails, also play a significant role.
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External trauma
Physical Trauma
Physical trauma to the nail can cause it to peel. For example, breaking a nail while doing yard work can cause the outer surface of the nail around the break to peel. Biting your nails can also cause them to peel as they become softer and weaker. Incorrect home care, such as cutting or removing cuticles, roughly filing the edges of your nails, or buffing your nails too much can also lead to nail trauma.
Chemical Exposure
Harsh chemicals, such as those found in nail polish, nail polish remover, gel or acrylic nails, hand soap, sanitizers, and laundry detergent, can dry out nails and make them prone to peeling. This is especially true if you are repeatedly getting your nails wet and then drying them.
Manicures
Gel and acrylic manicures can cause nails to thin and weaken. The intense filing and chemical adhesives used in acrylic nails can damage the nail, and the removal process—filing or soaking in a strong acetone solution—can also be damaging. Gel manicures are less harmful but can still cause nails to dry out and struggle to repair themselves.
Health Conditions
Some underlying health conditions can cause nail peeling. For example, skin conditions like eczema can trigger nail peeling if inflammation surrounds the nail and impacts normal nail growth and appearance.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as frequent handwashing, wearing tight-fitting shoes or gloves, and incorrect removal of acrylic nails, can also cause peeling nails.
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Underlying health conditions
Peeling nails can be a sign of underlying health conditions. While this is a rare occurrence, it is important to be aware of the possible conditions that may be causing your nails to peel.
One of the most common causes of peeling nails is a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Iron deficiency, in particular, is often associated with nail peeling. This can lead to thinning, abnormal nail shapes, brittleness, and increased breakage. Other common vitamin or mineral deficiencies that can cause nail peeling include zinc, selenium, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and biotin deficiencies.
In some cases, nail peeling can be a symptom of more serious health conditions. For example, an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can cause dry skin, brittle nails, and thinning hair. Kidney disease is another potential cause, as it can lead to changes in nail appearance, such as peeling, yellowing, or discolouration. Lung disease is also associated with nail abnormalities, including peeling nails, according to the American Lung Association.
Fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, can also cause nail peeling. These infections can lead to nail thickening and discolouration, and often require treatment with oral antifungal medications prescribed by a dermatologist. Skin conditions like eczema can also cause nail peeling, especially if it affects the hands, leading to dry, flaky skin with red, inflamed areas that are prone to cracks and fissures.
While rare, it is important to consider underlying health conditions if you are experiencing persistent or severe nail peeling. If you are concerned, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional, who can help identify and address any potential health issues.
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Exposure to harsh chemicals
For example, the adhesives used for gel or acrylic nails can cause nails to become dry and brittle. Similarly, the use of nail polish and nail polish remover can lead to nail peeling. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and cosmetics containing alcohol and acetone can also have this effect. It is recommended to use products labeled "hypoallergenic" as these typically contain milder or more natural chemical agents.
In addition to the products we use on our hands and nails, exposure to water can also be a factor. Prolonged exposure to water, such as through household chores or swimming, can dry out nails and lead to peeling. To protect nails, it is advisable to wear protective cotton-lined rubber gloves when performing chores and to apply lotion or cream before swimming.
While peeling nails are often treatable at home, it is important to seek medical advice if there are additional symptoms or signs of a more severe condition. An underlying health condition, such as a vitamin or iron deficiency, can sometimes be the cause of peeling nails. In such cases, increasing daily iron intake or addressing the vitamin deficiency may help alleviate the issue.
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Moisture imbalance
Nails are made of a protective fibrous protein called keratin, which is also found in hair and skin. Keratin makes nails strong, but external trauma or an underlying health condition can cause thin layers of the nail to peel away.
Nails that are too dry or too wet can become brittle and weak and are therefore more prone to breakage. This is called a moisture imbalance. When nails are dried out, a small nick can turn into a big split. This can be caused by frequent hand-washing, working with chemical solvents, or using strong soaps, which strip away the natural oils and moisture from nails. Even though it may seem counterintuitive, soaking the nails in water for long periods can also cause them to become brittle, as they are unable to retain their natural oils and moisture.
To prevent this, Dr. Rose recommends using a rich moisturiser or nail oil after buffing your nails to keep them from drying out. Dr. Curtiss suggests wearing gloves when using any potentially harsh chemicals and applying Vaseline or a hydrating cream that contains urea after every hand wash.
If you are prone to biting your nails, you may notice that they frequently peel because they are softer or weaker than your other nails. Biting your nails can cause physical trauma, which can lead to peeling.
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Frequently asked questions
Peeling fingernails can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- External trauma to the nail
- Vitamin deficiency, such as a lack of iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, or calcium
- Exposure to harsh chemicals or frequent handwashing
- Incorrect home care, such as cutting cuticles or rough filing
- Onychomycosis, or a fungal infection of the nail
- Underlying health conditions, such as hypothyroidism or lung disease
To prevent thin fingernails from peeling, it is recommended to:
- Wear gloves when using harsh chemicals
- Apply Vaseline or a hydrating cream after hand-washing
- Use a rich moisturizer or nail oil after buffing or hand-washing
- Look for "hypoallergenic" products with milder chemical agents
- Avoid using the nails as tools to open items
- Keep nails short and moisturized
- Increase iron intake
Peeling fingernails are typically treatable at home. However, if you experience additional symptoms such as severe pain, bleeding, or other relevant symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
