Ava Monroe
Peeling nails can be bothersome and unsightly, and they may indicate an underlying health issue. Nails are made from keratin, a protein also found in hair, and they have multiple layers that can peel, causing them to appear thin and weak. Peeling nails can result from various causes, including manicures, chemicals, diet, dehydration, fungal infections, skin conditions, and certain underlying health conditions. Understanding the root cause of nail peeling is essential for promoting healthy nail growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes | Repeatedly getting nails wet and then drying them, fungal infections, thyroid problems, eczema, low calcium, iron, vitamin D, and B vitamin deficiencies, certain chemicals, manicures, age, and diet |
| Prevention | Filing nails into a curve, avoiding buffing, wearing gloves when in contact with water, moisturising, drinking water, eating a well-balanced diet, and applying clear nail polish |
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What You'll Learn
- Prolonged water exposure and dehydration can cause nails to peel
- Manicures, chemicals, and diet can lead to thin, flaking, or peeling nails
- Skin conditions like eczema, fungal infections, and thyroid disorders may cause nail abnormalities
- Trauma or damage to the nail, such as from buffing or adhesives, can result in peeling
- Nutrient deficiencies, including low calcium, iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins, are linked to nail issues
Prolonged water exposure and dehydration can cause nails to peel
Dehydration can be combated by drinking more water and staying hydrated. The general guideline is to drink eight cups of water per day, but this may vary depending on body weight and activity level. It is important to listen to your body and increase water intake if you feel thirsty, a sign of dehydration.
In addition to staying hydrated, it is essential to consider the impact of prolonged water exposure on nail health. Soaking your hands in hot water, such as when doing the dishes, can dry out your nails and lead to peeling. To mitigate this, it is recommended to wear protective cotton-lined rubber gloves when performing household chores that involve water exposure.
Furthermore, certain chemicals found in hand soaps, sanitizers, and detergents can contribute to nail dryness and peeling. To minimize this effect, look for products labelled ""hypoallergenic," as these typically contain milder or natural chemical agents.
Overall, addressing dehydration and minimizing prolonged water exposure are crucial steps in preventing nail peeling. By staying hydrated, wearing protective gloves, and choosing milder products, you can help maintain nail health and reduce the occurrence of peeling nails.
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Manicures, chemicals, and diet can lead to thin, flaking, or peeling nails
Manicures, chemicals, and diet can all impact nail health and lead to thin, flaking, or peeling nails.
Manicures
Certain types of manicures can cause nail damage and peeling. For example, gel manicures involve curing and hardening a special liquid polish using UV light, which can lead to nail brittleness and peeling if not properly cared for post-manicure. Acrylic nails, which are artificial nails glued or adhered to your natural nails, can also cause nail damage if not properly removed. Press-on nails, another form of artificial nails, can last longer but may require the use of glue or adhesive tabs that can potentially damage the nail bed.
Chemicals
Nail polish and other nail care products can sometimes cause allergic reactions or infections, resulting in nail discolouration or peeling. Yellow nails, for instance, can be caused by an infection or a reaction to nail products. While natural treatments like tea tree oil or vitamin E can help tackle infections, it is always advisable to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
Diet
Nail health is often an indicator of nutritional intake and digestion. Peeling, brittle, and weak nails can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies or a poor diet. Ensuring adequate intake of iron-rich foods and increasing overall nutritional diversity can promote healthier nails.
It is important to note that nail issues can have various causes, and in rare cases, they may indicate underlying medical conditions. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended if nail issues persist or are accompanied by other symptoms.
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Skin conditions like eczema, fungal infections, and thyroid disorders may cause nail abnormalities
Peeling nails can result from various factors, including trauma to the nail, such as picking off nail polish or pressing on your nails. In some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Certain skin conditions, such as eczema, fungal infections, and thyroid disorders, can also contribute to nail abnormalities.
Eczema, a skin condition that can affect various body parts, including the hands, can cause nail peeling. Eczema-affected skin can become dry, flaky, inflamed, and prone to cracks and fissures, leading to intense itching and burning. If inflammation occurs around the nail, it can impact nail growth and appearance, causing irregularities including a tendency to peel.
Fungal infections are another skin condition that can affect the nails. Onycholysis, for example, is a condition where the nail separates from the nail bed, often as a result of a fungal infection. This condition can lead to nail discoloration, turning the nail green, yellow, or opaque, and can also cause additional skin tissue under the nail, nail pitting, nail thickening, or bending of the nail edges.
Thyroid disorders can also contribute to nail abnormalities. Thyroid disease causes a slower turnover rate of the skin and nails, leading to older nail tissue remaining for longer. This can result in brittle nails that are prone to peeling.
Additionally, psoriasis, a skin condition that causes dry, red, and irritated skin, can also affect the nails. Nail psoriasis can lead to nail denting, crumbling, and thickening.
It is important to note that nail abnormalities can have various causes, and a change in the appearance of your nails does not always indicate a serious medical condition. However, if you notice persistent or concerning changes, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Trauma or damage to the nail, such as from buffing or adhesives, can result in peeling
Trauma or damage to the nail can cause it to peel. One common cause of nail trauma is the repeated wetting and drying of the hands. This can happen, for example, if you work in a profession that requires frequent hand-soaking, such as hairdressing, house cleaning, or bar work. When your nails are frequently exposed to water, they absorb moisture, causing the nail plate to swell. As a result, the nail becomes soft and vulnerable to damage from minimal trauma. When the nails harden, they compress, causing small cracks in the nail plate. Over time, this repetition of softening and hardening causes the nail plate structure to fracture, resulting in peeling and splitting.
To prevent nail trauma from repeated wetting and drying, consider wearing gloves while doing dishes or any other activity involving prolonged contact with water. After washing your hands, make sure to dry them thoroughly and apply a quality nail oil or hand cream to replenish lost moisture.
Another common cause of nail trauma is the use of nail buffers or adhesives. Buffing your nails can give them a healthy appearance, but it is important to use a one-direction buffing motion. A back-and-forth motion can thin the nail plate, making your nails more prone to peeling. Similarly, the application of acrylic or any artificial nails can create damage to the nail plate and cause peeling. "Buffering can make the glue sink in, and if you peel that layer off, it’s going to peel off more of the nail with it," says Dr. Nyanda.
To prevent nail trauma from buffing or using adhesives, avoid overbuffing your nails and only use a buffer gently along the edges of the nail and the nail bed to clean up the cuticle area. If you use adhesives for artificial nails, be aware that the glue can sink into the nail plate and cause peeling when removed.
In addition to trauma and damage, underlying health conditions can sometimes cause peeling nails. For example, thyroid disorders can impact nail health, leading to older nail tissue staying around for longer periods and causing the nails to become brittle and prone to peeling. If you experience other symptoms associated with thyroid issues, such as weight changes, anxiety, fatigue, or brain fog, consider consulting a healthcare professional.
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Nutrient deficiencies, including low calcium, iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins, are linked to nail issues
Peeling nails can result from physical trauma to the nail, such as picking off nail polish or pressing on your nails. However, they can also be a sign of underlying medical conditions, including nutrient deficiencies. Nails have multiple layers that can peel, causing them to appear thin and weakened, and ultimately leading to splitting. This condition is known as onychoschizia.
Iron is another critical nutrient for nail health. It is necessary for providing cells with adequate oxygen, which is required for healthy nails. An iron deficiency can affect the shape and appearance of nails, causing vertical ridges or concavity, known as "spoon" nails. Vitamin B12 and folate, or vitamin B9, are also vital for nail growth and health. They play a role in red blood cell production and oxygen transportation to nail cells. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to nail discolouration, rigidity, and brittleness.
Additionally, biotin, a B-complex vitamin, promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids essential for nail growth. A biotin deficiency can result in brittle fingernails. Consuming biotin-rich foods or supplements may help strengthen nails and improve their growth. While rare, a biotin deficiency can be addressed through dietary changes or supplements.
In summary, nutrient deficiencies, including low calcium, iron, and B vitamins, are linked to nail issues such as peeling, brittleness, discolouration, and slowed growth. Addressing these deficiencies through dietary changes or supplements can help improve nail health and promote stronger, healthier nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail peeling can be caused by various factors, including repeated exposure to water, certain chemicals, and underlying health conditions such as thyroid issues, iron deficiency, or fungal infections.
Prolonged exposure to water can cause nails to absorb moisture, leading to swelling of the nail plate. As a result, the nails become soft and vulnerable to damage, which can lead to peeling when they harden and compress.
In some cases, nail peeling may be associated with underlying health conditions. These can include thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies (such as low calcium, vitamin D, or B vitamins), or fungal infections.
Certain chemicals, such as those found in adhesives for artificial nails, hand soap, sanitizers, and laundry detergents, can dry out nails and make them prone to peeling.
To prevent nail peeling, it is recommended to wear gloves during activities involving prolonged water exposure and to moisturize hands and nails regularly. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can also support nail health. Treatment options may include addressing nutrient deficiencies, treating underlying health conditions, and consulting with a dermatologist or medical hand specialist for tailored advice.
