Ava Monroe
Peeling nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including external trauma to the nail, such as picking at polish, buffing, or using the nails as tools. Internal factors, such as vitamin or mineral deficiencies, can also contribute to nail peeling. In some cases, peeling nails may indicate an underlying medical condition or a pathologic process occurring within the body. To prevent and treat nail peeling, it is recommended to maintain a healthy diet, moisturize the nails, and be gentle with nail care practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| External Trauma | Picking at polish, biting nails, buffing nails, using nails as tools, exposure to water, chemicals, or certain nail products |
| Internal Causes | Iron-deficiency anemia, thyroid disease, kidney disease, vitamin deficiency, fungal infection, eczema, underlying medical condition |
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What You'll Learn
Trauma to the nail
Nails are made of multiple layers of compacted cells, and trauma can cause these layers to separate, leading to peeling. Activities such as picking at nail polish, biting your nails, or using your nails to open things can also cause trauma and contribute to peeling. While these activities may not seem traumatic, they can disrupt cell-to-cell adhesion, leading to nail peeling.
Additionally, bumping or hitting your nails, wearing shoes that are too small, or keeping your nails in water for too long can also cause trauma and lead to nail peeling. Soaking your hands in hot water while doing chores or engaging in prolonged water exposure can dry out and weaken the nails, making them more prone to peeling.
To prevent nail peeling due to trauma, it is important to protect your nails by avoiding using them as tools and instead using the pads of your fingers. Applying a clear nail polish, especially those with nylon fibers, can also help strengthen and protect the nails.
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Nutritional deficiencies
One of the most common nutritional deficiencies that can cause nail peeling is iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can lead to brittle, weak, and peeling nails. It can also cause nail ridges, discolouration, and spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia). Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, and it can range from mild depletion to iron deficiency anaemia, which affects multiple organ systems.
Biotin deficiency is another possible cause of nail peeling. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is important for nail health, and a deficiency can lead to thinning hair, hair loss, and nail infections. However, biotin deficiency is rare due to its wide availability in foods and synthesis by intestinal bacteria.
Deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, and protein, can also contribute to nail peeling. For example, scattered white spots on the nails can indicate a zinc deficiency, and low vitamin C levels can contribute to spoon-shaped nails. Protein deficiency can cause transverse linear depressions in the nail plate and is associated with malnutrition and chronic alcoholism.
It is important to note that nail changes due to nutritional deficiencies are usually minor and non-specific, and other factors, such as external trauma to the nails, can also contribute to peeling. If you are concerned about nail peeling, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, who can help diagnose any underlying nutritional deficiencies or health issues.
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Underlying medical conditions
Peeling nails can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. While it is rare, it is important to be aware of potential internal causes. If you are concerned about nail peeling, it is always best to seek advice from a medical professional.
Vitamin deficiencies are a common internal cause of nail peeling. Iron, zinc, and selenium deficiencies are the nutrients most likely to cause nail problems. Iron deficiency is the most common, affecting around 10 million people in the United States. Iron plays a vital role in carrying red blood cells and oxygen throughout the body, and a deficiency can lead to a condition called iron deficiency anemia, resulting in a severe lack of circulating red blood cells. Other symptoms of iron deficiency may include brittle nails, hair growth changes, excessively dry skin, and skin rashes. Vitamin A (retinoids) can also cause nail issues.
Certain medications can also cause nails to dry out, become brittle, or peel. Chemotherapy and Accutane are examples of drugs that may have these side effects. In such cases, your doctor should advise you of the potential for nail issues. If you suspect that a medication is causing your nails to peel, a medical professional can help determine if an alternative medication is appropriate.
Nail peeling can also be associated with various medical conditions. These include skin diseases such as lichen planus, psoriasis, and eczema, as well as endocrine system diseases, tuberculosis, Sjögren syndrome, and malnutrition. Kidney disease can also cause changes to the nails, including peeling, yellowing, and discolouration. Additionally, thyroid dysfunction and anemia have been linked to nail peeling.
Fungal infections, formerly called onychomycosis, can also lead to nail peeling. This condition can cause nail thickening and discolouration, usually starting at the tip and spreading towards the cuticle.
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Exposure to water and chemicals
Water is the "worst chemical" for nails, according to a commenter on a Reddit thread about soft, peeling nails. Nails can absorb a third of their weight in water, which pushes apart the layers of keratin and causes delamination (peeling).
To prevent water exposure, some people recommend wearing gloves when cleaning and doing the dishes, and even when showering. It's also important to avoid letting your nails get too wet and to be mindful of your nails when engaging in activities that involve grabbing and pulling with pressure, such as opening a can of soda or pulling up pants.
Some people find that having well-oiled nails helps repel water. Oiling your nails before putting on gloves to wash dishes or shower can help protect your nails from water exposure. Jojoba-based nail oils are recommended by some people with peeling nails, as the molecules are similar in size to the body's natural oils and can penetrate the nail plate more easily.
In addition to water, chemicals can also cause nails to peel. Some people find that limiting their exposure to chemicals and wearing rubber gloves when using them helps reduce nail peeling. It's also important to be careful with nail products, as some can damage nails and make them more prone to peeling. For example, acetone nail polish remover can dissolve intercellular lipids and damage intercellular adhesion, making nails more fragile. Cardboard emery boards can also generate microscopic tears at the tip of the nail, which can lead to peeling.
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Using the wrong nail products
To minimize damage when getting your nails done, it is recommended to ask the manicurist to leave your protective cuticles intact and to avoid over-buffing your nails. Applying a strengthening topcoat between manicures may also help. It is also important to use a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover instead of picking off the polish, as this can compromise the cell-to-cell adhesion of the nail, causing it to peel.
If you are experiencing nail peeling, it is advised to wear gloves when using harsh chemicals or doing household chores that involve water exposure. Applying a hydrating cream that contains urea after every hand wash can help restore moisture to your nails.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of any underlying internal issues that may be causing your nails to peel. For example, thyroid problems, kidney disease, or anemia can all lead to nail abnormalities. If you have ruled out external causes and are still experiencing nail peeling, it may be worthwhile to consult a doctor or dermatologist to identify any potential internal issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail peeling can be caused by external factors such as physical trauma to the nail, including picking at polish, biting your nails, and using your nails as tools. Soaking your hands in water for prolonged periods can also cause nail peeling. Additionally, certain nail care practices, such as using cardboard emery boards and acetone-based products, can contribute to nail peeling.
Internal causes of nail peeling can include nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, calcium, or biotin. In some cases, nail peeling may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as thyroid disease, kidney disease, or a fungal infection.
To prevent nail peeling, it is recommended to avoid water exposure and wear gloves during tasks involving water. Applying nail strengtheners or oils, such as jojoba oil, can help repel water and keep the layers of keratin bonded together. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can also help address potential nutritional deficiencies. For treatment, it is advised to consult a dermatologist or medical professional, especially if the nail peeling is accompanied by other symptoms.
