Sophia Delgado
There are many reasons why fingernails chip. It could be due to an injury, such as smashing your finger in a door or cutting it with a knife. Nails can also chip due to aging, as they become more brittle and prone to cracking with age. Another reason could be frequent exposure to water, which can strip the moisture from nails and make them more susceptible to chipping. Additionally, underlying health conditions such as anemia, thyroid problems, or psoriasis could be factors. Certain habits, such as nail-biting, and the use of harsh chemicals in nail products can also contribute to nail chipping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ageing | Nails become more fragile with age, as they dry out and lose strength. |
| Gender | Women are more likely to experience brittle nails than men. |
| Medical conditions | Anemia, thyroid problems, Raynaud's syndrome, psoriasis, and cancer treatment can all cause nail issues. |
| Diet | A lack of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as iron, zinc, and calcium, and protein deficiencies, can contribute to nail problems. |
| Nail care | Biting nails, harsh nail products, and frequent exposure to water can weaken nails. |
| Moisture | Nails that are too moist or too dry are more prone to brittleness. |
| Injury | Physical trauma, such as smashing or cutting the finger, can damage the nail. |
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What You'll Learn
Ageing
Fingernails, like many other body parts, undergo changes as they age. Age affects the production of keratin, the protein that constitutes fingernails, and slows down nail growth. This results in thin, brittle nails that are prone to breakage. The nails may thicken or thin, and develop ridges or other deformities.
The ageing process also affects the nail contour, with a dramatic change in curvature known as clubbing, resulting in extremely rounded nails. Nails become more susceptible to fungal infections, often accompanied by thickening and discolouration. Nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron, protein, biotin, calcium, fatty acids, and vitamin B levels, can exacerbate these changes, causing nail thinning and breakage.
Additionally, long-term exposure to ultraviolet light can influence how fingernails grow in older adults. Seniors should pay close attention to their nail care routine to mitigate these changes. This includes regular moisturising, especially after washing hands or doing chores, and limiting the use of alcohol-based sanitisers, as they tend to dry out nails.
To prevent breakage, it is advisable to keep nails short and file them in a single direction to maintain evenness. Seniors should also wear gloves when doing chores or going out in cold, wet weather to protect their nails. Moreover, seniors should be encouraged to scrub gently underneath their fingernails when washing their hands to prevent the accumulation of dirt and germs.
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Lack of vitamins and minerals
Nails that are cracked, split, or brittle can sometimes be a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as iron, zinc, and calcium, are among the nutrients that are essential for nail health. A well-rounded diet that includes a variety of vitamins and minerals is important for maintaining strong and healthy nails.
Biotin, a B vitamin, plays a crucial role in nail health. A deficiency in biotin can lead to brittle nails that are prone to cracking. Biotin supplements are often recommended to support nail health, and they can be found in foods such as meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables like sweet potatoes. Protein is another important nutrient for nail health, as nails are made primarily of keratin protein. Ensuring adequate protein intake helps boost keratin production, resulting in stronger nails.
In addition to dietary factors, certain medical conditions can also impact nail health. Anemia, a condition caused by insufficient hemoglobin or iron deficiency, can lead to brittle nails. Thyroid disorders, which affect the body's hormone production and mineral absorption, can also contribute to nail problems. People with thyroid dysfunction may experience nail changes such as dryness, cracking, and brittleness.
While aging is a common cause of nail fragility, taking care of your nails as you get older can help prevent and manage brittle nails. This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as practicing proper nail care and moisture maintenance.
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Frequent exposure to water
Fingernails are made of layers of a protective fibrous protein called keratin, which also occurs in skin and hair. Keratin keeps nails strong, but external trauma or underlying health conditions can cause thin layers of the nail to peel away. Nails can absorb water even more readily than the skin, and when water goes in and out of the nails, the small cells that make up the nail (onychocytes) expand and contract. This constant change in water content puts a tremendous amount of strain on the bonds between these cells, resulting in a weakening of the nail, which is what we observe when we see peeling and splitting.
When 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, and this causes small cracks in the structure of the nail plate. Over time, this repetition of softening and hardening causes the nail plate structure to fracture, and peeling and splitting are the results.
To prevent this, consider wearing gloves while doing the 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. While buffing your nails can create a smooth and polished appearance, excessive buffing has detrimental effects on your nail plates and their health in general. Buffing your nail plates removes the most valuable layer of the nail plate.
If you regularly perform household chores that involve water, wear protective, cotton-lined rubber gloves. If you participate in water activities such as swimming, apply lotion or cream to your hands and nails. You can also apply a clear nail polish to protect your nails. One with nylon fibres may be especially helpful in strengthening the nail.
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Underlying health conditions
Fingernail issues can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition. While brittle nails are often caused by external factors, they can sometimes be indicative of an underlying health issue. For example, brittle nails can be a symptom of:
Anemia
Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough hemoglobin, a protein responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anemia is often caused by an iron deficiency, which can lead to extreme fatigue. Anemia can cause nail issues, including nail splitting and separation of the nail bed.
Thyroid Disorder
The thyroid is responsible for maintaining a person's metabolism and many functions for growing skin, hair, and nails. A thyroid disorder can cause the body to create too many or too few hormones, affecting the body's absorption of minerals. This can result in nail problems, including dry, cracked, and brittle nails that may split away from their beds. Weight gain or loss could be indicative of a thyroid issue.
Raynaud's Syndrome
Raynaud's syndrome is a condition that results in diminished blood flow to the fingers, leading to brittle nails.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects the fingernails and can cause nail changes such as nail cracking, splitting, crumbling, or separation of the nail bed.
It is important to note that most nail issues are caused by external factors such as aging, frequent hand washing, and exposure to harsh chemicals. However, if you are concerned about the condition of your nails or notice additional accompanying symptoms, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
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Nail biting
If you are looking to stop biting your nails, there are several strategies you can try. Firstly, identify your triggers and find alternative ways to cope. For example, you can keep your hands and mouth busy with other activities, such as squeezing a stress ball or chewing gum. You can also set small goals, such as choosing one nail to stop biting and gradually adding more nails to the "no-biting" zone.
Another strategy is to make it difficult to bite your nails. This can be done by keeping your nails trimmed short or using nail cosmetics, such as special nail polishes with a bitter taste. Wearing gloves or using stickers designed to cover nails can also help deter nail biting.
For chronic nail biters, there are dental deterrent devices that prevent the front teeth from damaging the nails. Parental education is also important for young nail biters, as certain behaviours by parents or family members may inadvertently perpetuate the problem. While drug treatments have limited evidence, a small clinical trial suggested that N-acetylcysteine may be effective in reducing nail-biting behaviour in children and adolescents in the short term.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why your fingernails might be chipped. It could be due to external factors such as frequent exposure to water, harsh chemicals, or simply nail biting. It could also be due to internal factors such as aging, anemia, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies.
To prevent your fingernails from chipping, you can take several measures. These include wearing gloves when performing tasks that involve water, avoiding nail products with harsh chemicals, maintaining a healthy diet with adequate protein and vitamins, and keeping your nails trimmed and moisturized.
If your fingernails are already chipped, there are some remedies you can try at home. These include applying nail conditioners or creams that contain lanolin, using nail polish removers without acetone, and gently filing any snags or uneven edges. If the chipping is severe or persists, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist for further advice and treatment options.
