Isla Bennett
Brittle nails are a common issue, affecting up to 20% of the population, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, frequent hand washing, and underlying health conditions such as iron deficiency or hypothyroidism. While brittle nails are not usually a major cause for concern, people may wish to address the issue for aesthetic reasons or to prevent their nails from cracking and breaking. Treatment options range from simple home remedies such as moisturising hand lotions and wearing gloves, to dietary changes and supplements, and in some cases, prescription medications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Ageing, frequent hand washing, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, anemia, Raynaud's syndrome, chemotherapy, fungal infections, biotin deficiency, nail biting, and other external factors |
| Prevention | Wear gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning fluids, moisturize hands and nails, use lotions with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids, limit manicures, avoid nail conditioners with alcohol, apply a clear coat of nail polish, and practice proper nail care |
| Treatment | Take biotin supplements, increase protein intake, eat iron-rich foods, apply nail hardener, and treat any underlying health conditions |
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What You'll Learn
- Moisturise your hands and nails with lotions containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning fluids to prevent further damage and strengthen nails
- Take biotin supplements to prevent nail splitting and breakage
- Eat iron-rich foods or take supplements to combat iron deficiency, a common cause of brittle nails
- Limit manicures and avoid filing your nail plate to prevent thinning and weakening
Moisturise your hands and nails with lotions containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids
Moisturising your hands and nails is a great way to combat the dryness that leads to brittle nails. Lanolin and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are two ingredients that can be particularly effective in nail care products.
Lanolin is a natural moisturiser that can be found in many hand and nail creams. It is a waxy substance secreted by sheep to protect their skin and wool, and it has similar benefits for human skin. Lanolin-rich creams can help to lock in moisture, keeping your hands and nails hydrated and preventing them from becoming dry and brittle.
Alpha-hydroxy acids are exfoliating acids derived from fruits, sugars, and milk. They work by loosening the connections between dead skin cells and live ones, promoting faster exfoliation and revealing fresh, new skin. This can be beneficial for nail care as it helps to remove excess skin around the nails and cuticles, keeping them soft and healthy. However, it is important to note that some AHA formulations may be too strong for the nail area, so it is crucial to read the ingredients and choose products specifically designed for nail care.
When looking for moisturising products to treat brittle nails, consider the following tips:
- Choose a moisturising hand lotion containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids. These ingredients will help to hydrate and protect your hands and nails.
- Apply the lotion or cream generously to your hands and directly to your nails, massaging it in. This will ensure that your nails absorb the product and retain moisture.
- Moisturise your hands and nails before bed to take advantage of the overnight recovery period. This will help keep your hands and nails hydrated as you sleep.
- During the day, reapply moisturiser after washing your hands or using hand sanitiser. This will help counter the drying effects of frequent hand washing and sanitising.
- Consider using a lanolin-rich nail conditioner a few times a day. These products are designed to nourish and protect your nails, keeping them strong and healthy.
- Avoid nail conditioners that contain alcohol, as these can further dry out your nails.
- Wear gloves when doing household chores, such as dishwashing or cleaning, to protect your nails from excess moisture and chemicals.
By following these tips and incorporating moisturising products with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids into your nail care routine, you can effectively combat dryness and help prevent brittle nails.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning fluids to prevent further damage and strengthen nails
Wearing gloves while washing dishes or using cleaning fluids is a simple yet effective way to prevent further damage to brittle nails and promote their strengthening.
The constant exposure to water and cleaning solutions can cause nails to become brittle, so it is essential to protect your hands with gloves when performing these tasks. By creating a barrier between your nails and the water or chemicals, gloves help to keep your hands dry and prevent further moisture loss, which can lead to nail brittleness.
Additionally, wearing gloves can protect your nails from the harsh chemicals found in cleaning products. These chemicals can strip away natural oils and moisture from your nails, leaving them dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. By donning gloves, you minimize the contact between these chemicals and your nails, reducing the risk of further damage.
It is recommended to opt for rubber gloves that are cotton-lined. Cotton-lined gloves provide an extra layer of protection and comfort, ensuring that your hands remain dry and comfortable during tasks involving water or cleaning fluids.
Wearing gloves while washing dishes or cleaning is a simple preventative measure that can make a significant difference in the health and strength of your nails. By reducing the exposure of your nails to moisture and chemicals, you can help prevent further brittleness and promote the restoration of strong and healthy nails.
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Take biotin supplements to prevent nail splitting and breakage
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is essential for many bodily functions. It helps metabolise food by converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy. While biotin deficiency is rare, it is important for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. Although there are no studies proving that biotin supplements improve nail health, some people claim that it helps boost nail growth and prevent nail splitting and breakage.
Biotin supplements are available in various forms, such as "super B" vitamin formulations or vitamins that promote nail growth, which can contain up to 10,000% of the daily recommended value of biotin. It is always recommended to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement, as they may have mild side effects, such as an upset stomach.
A 2010 study found that the average adult fingernail grows at a rate of about 3.47 millimetres per month, while toenails grow slower, at 1.62 millimetres per month. It generally takes about six months for fingernails and twelve months for toenails to grow out completely. This means that it may take up to six months of consistent biotin supplementation to see any noticeable effects on nail health.
In addition to supplements, it is important to maintain a healthy diet rich in protein, as nails are made up of a protein called keratin. Foods such as liver, eggs, salmon, pork, nuts, and seeds are good sources of biotin. Moisturising the hands and nails regularly and wearing gloves during household chores can also help prevent nail breakage and splitting.
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Eat iron-rich foods or take supplements to combat iron deficiency, a common cause of brittle nails
Iron deficiency is a common cause of brittle nails, and it occurs when the body does not get enough iron, leading to low red blood cell levels. If you are experiencing brittle nails, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider, who may recommend treating iron deficiency by eating iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements.
Iron-rich foods
Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, seafood, liver, and other sources of heme iron, which is well-absorbed by the body. Plant-based sources of non-heme iron include legumes (beans, peas, lentils, soybeans, tofu), nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables like spinach, potatoes, broccoli, and dark leafy greens such as kale and collard greens. Fortified foods like tofu, grains, bread, pasta, and cereal are also good sources of iron. Eating vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers with plant-based sources of iron can increase iron absorption.
Iron supplements
If you are unable to get enough iron through your diet, your healthcare provider may recommend taking an iron supplement. Oral iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, are available in tablet or liquid form and can be purchased without a prescription. However, it is important to carefully follow the instructions on the label and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or experience side effects. Injectable iron, on the other hand, can only be administered by or under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
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Limit manicures and avoid filing your nail plate to prevent thinning and weakening
While brittle nails are not usually a major cause for concern, it is still a common issue that can affect almost anyone. The condition, also known as onychoschizia, can cause soft, thin, or splitting nails.
Brittle nails can be caused by several factors, including age, iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, and Raynaud's syndrome. As people age, their nails commonly become thinner and more brittle, while toenails become thicker and harder. This is due to the nails losing water faster than the skin, leading to dryness and brittleness. Additionally, frequent hand washing and the use of sanitizers can strip the nails of their natural oils, further contributing to the problem.
To prevent and treat brittle nails, it is important to limit manicures and avoid filing the nail plate. Filing the nail surface can thin and weaken the nail, making it more prone to splitting or peeling. Instead, opt for gentle shaping and smoothing of the nails to maintain their integrity.
Additionally, it is crucial to keep nails moisturized. Apply a dedicated nail oil or hand lotion containing alpha-hydroxy acid or lanolin. Moisturizing the nails and the surrounding skin will help maintain hydration and improve nail health.
Wearing gloves when performing household chores or handling cleaning fluids is also recommended. Gloves act as a protective barrier, preventing nails from drying out due to frequent exposure to water and chemicals. By combining these strategies, you can effectively address brittle nails and improve their overall health and appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
To treat brittle nails at home, you can try applying lotions that contain lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids, wearing protective gloves, and taking a biotin supplement. You can also try a paraffin wax bath, a dedicated nail oil, or a hand lotion with alpha-hydroxy acid or lanolin.
Brittle nails can be caused by age, frequent hand washing, and overexposure to water, sanitizers, and cleaning solutions. They can also be caused by underlying health conditions such as iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, Raynaud's syndrome, or nutritional deficiencies.
If your nails don't become stronger with home remedies, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you notice additional accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, which could indicate iron deficiency or anemia, or weight changes, which could indicate a thyroid issue.
