Noah Sinclair
White and brittle nails can be a result of various factors, including aging, frequent exposure to water, or underlying health conditions such as iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, or anemia. While not always a cause for concern, it can sometimes indicate more serious issues like kidney disease, zinc deficiency, or even skin cancer. To maintain nail health, it is recommended to keep nails moisturized, wear gloves during water-heavy tasks, and eat a diet rich in protein and iron.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Repeated wetting and drying of fingernails |
| Iron deficiency | |
| Hypothyroidism | |
| Age | |
| Anemia | |
| Thyroid disorder | |
| Vitamin B12 deficiency | |
| Lack of moisture | |
| Treatment | Wear gloves while washing dishes or doing other water-heavy tasks |
| Apply lotions that contain alpha hydroxy acids or lanolin | |
| Take biotin vitamin supplements | |
| Eat iron-rich foods |
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What You'll Learn
White nails can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis
While white nails can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis, it is important to note that nail changes are rarely the first sign of an underlying condition. In fact, many nail abnormalities are harmless, and not everyone with white nails has hepatitis. However, if you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or dermatologist.
Terry's nails, a type of nail discolouration, can be indicative of liver problems. It is characterised by nails that appear white or washed-out, with a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. This condition usually affects all fingernails but can also be present in toenails or just one fingernail or toenail. While it may be a sign of ageing, it can also indicate underlying health issues, such as liver failure or diabetes.
Leukonychia, another nail abnormality, is characterised by white streaks or spots on the nails. It is often associated with drugs or underlying diseases. Additionally, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to nail problems, including leukonychia, which presents as whitish nail discolouration. NAFLD can progress to non-alcohol-related steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe condition involving liver inflammation and potential scarring (cirrhosis).
Furthermore, liver disease, in general, can cause nail damage. This may manifest as clubbing, or the enlargement of fingertips with downward-curving nails. While nail abnormalities may be a sign of liver problems, it is important to remember that they can also result from other factors, such as repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails, exposure to chemicals or moisture, or deficiencies in iron, vitamins, or calcium.
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Brittle nails are often a result of ageing or overexposure to water
Brittle nails, or onychoschizia, can be caused by a variety of factors, including ageing, overexposure to water, and certain underlying health conditions. Ageing is a common cause of brittle nails, as nails tend to become thinner and more fragile with time. This is more prevalent in fingernails, while toenails typically become thicker and harder.
Overexposure to water or moisture is another significant contributor to brittle nails. This can occur through repeated wetting and drying of the nails, such as frequent washing without proper drying and moisturising. Additionally, long-term exposure to water during household chores or work can lead to this condition. Protecting the nails by wearing gloves while performing tasks that involve water exposure can help prevent this issue.
Underlying health conditions, such as iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, or anaemia, can also result in brittle nails. Iron deficiency leads to low red blood cell levels, which can be addressed through iron supplementation. Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid levels, can cause a range of symptoms, including hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and depression. Synthetic thyroid hormones can be prescribed to treat this condition. Anaemia, characterised by insufficient haemoglobin in the body, can cause extreme fatigue and is sometimes linked to iron deficiency.
It is important to note that brittle nails are typically not a major cause for concern. However, if additional symptoms are present, or if home remedies such as moisturising and wearing gloves do not improve nail health, it is recommended to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues.
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Iron deficiency can cause nails to become brittle
While white and brittle nails can be caused by overexposure to moisture or chemicals, they can also be a sign of an underlying iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can cause nail abnormalities, such as spoon nails (koilonychia), where the center of the nail becomes sunken, giving it a spoon-like appearance. Spoon nails can also be thin and brittle.
Iron is necessary to make new red blood cells, and a deficiency may cause nail abnormalities. If a person has a low red blood cell count, their skin and nails can pale. Researchers believe that iron deficiency may cause spoon nails due to reduced iron levels in iron-containing enzymes in epithelial cells, which cover the inside and outside skin surfaces of the body.
Iron deficiency can also cause nail pitting, or small depressions in the nail surface, which may also be associated with psoriasis and alopecia areata. In addition, brittle nails may be a sign of hypothyroidism or iron deficiency. While nail changes can accompany many conditions, they are rarely the first sign, and many nail abnormalities are harmless.
If you suspect you have an iron deficiency, it is important to seek medical attention and get a proper diagnosis. A series of blood tests can be ordered to measure your hemoglobin and iron levels, as well as other markers such as ferritin and transferrin saturation, which can indicate iron deficiency. Treatment for iron deficiency typically involves iron supplementation, either through oral supplements or, in more severe cases, intravenous iron therapy. Dietary changes, such as incorporating iron-rich foods like red meat, leafy greens, and fortified cereals, can also help boost iron levels naturally.
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Thyroid problems may be the cause of brittle nails
Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a common thyroid disorder. It occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to a range of symptoms, including those related to nail health. People with hypothyroidism often experience digestive changes, a slower metabolism, and a drop in core body temperature, making them feel cold all the time. Additionally, hypothyroidism can affect the skin, hair, and nails.
One of the telltale signs of hypothyroidism is nail abnormalities. Nails may become dry, brittle, and coarse, with visible ridges. They can also start peeling, crumbling, or breaking easily. In some cases, there may be a swollen fingertip with thickening skin above the nail. These nail changes are indicative of potential thyroid dysfunction and should not be ignored.
To determine if thyroid problems are causing your brittle nails, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend checking your thyroid function through a simple blood test, which can be done at home or in a clinical setting. If thyroid issues are the root cause, treatment options are available, such as thyroid hormone replacement therapy, to help normalize hormone levels and improve nail health over time.
While thyroid problems can be a potential cause of brittle nails, it is important to note that nail brittleness can also result from other factors, such as repeated wetting and drying of the nails or certain nutrient deficiencies. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment or management strategies.
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White streaks on nails can be due to drugs or disease
In addition to injuries, white streaks on nails can be a side effect of medications or drugs. Certain medications, such as sulfa drugs (sulfonamides) used for bacterial and urinary tract infections, can cause white spots on nails. Chemotherapy treatment can also lead to this condition. Poisoning from toxic heavy metals, including arsenic and lead, is another potential cause of leukonychia.
Furthermore, white streaks on nails can be indicative of underlying diseases or health conditions. Leukonychia may be a rare symptom of systemic diseases that affect the entire body, including diabetes, heart failure, HIV, liver cirrhosis, and psoriasis. It can also be associated with hereditary conditions, such as Bart-Pumphrey syndrome and Darier disease. In some cases, leukonychia may be a clinical sign of more serious health issues like hypoalbuminaemia (low albumin), nephrotic syndrome (a form of) kidney failure, liver failure, or protein malabsorption.
While leukonychia is often harmless and may resolve spontaneously, it is important to monitor any changes in your nails and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns. They may recommend tests, such as a biopsy, blood test, or fungal culture, to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment or management options.
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Frequently asked questions
White nails can be caused by drugs or disease, including liver problems such as hepatitis, or even arsenic poisoning. If your nails are crumbly as well as white, this could be a sign of a fungal nail infection. If your nails are white with darker rims, this could be indicative of liver problems. If your nails are half white and half brown, this could be indicative of kidney failure. If your nails are white and curved inwards like spoons, this could be a sign of lupus erythematosus.
Brittle nails can be caused by:
- Ageing
- Long-term exposure to water or chemicals, such as detergents and nail polish
- Iron deficiency or anaemia
- Thyroid problems
- Vitamin deficiency
- Repeated washing and drying of fingernails
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, consult your GP.
If your white nails are caused by a fungal infection, you can take a course of antifungal tablets. If they are the result of lupus erythematosus, your doctor may be able to prescribe treatment. If your white nails are caused by drugs, you should consult your doctor about alternative medication.
To treat brittle nails, you can try:
- Wearing gloves when doing chores or handling chemicals
- Moisturising your hands and nails after washing
- Taking biotin vitamin supplements
- Eating iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements (consult your doctor before taking supplements)
- Eating more protein
The symptoms of anaemia include extreme fatigue and pale skin.
The symptoms of thyroid problems include weight gain or loss, hair loss, fatigue, constipation and depression.
