Ava Monroe
Strong nails are both useful and cosmetically appealing. However, there are many reasons why your nails might be growing but also breaking off. Nails are made from keratin, a protein also found in hair, and have multiple layers that can peel, causing them to appear thin and weak. This peeling can be caused by too little or too much moisture, as well as repeated wetting and drying of the nails, which can also cause brittle nails. Other reasons for nail breakage include aging, nail biting, frequent hand washing, and nutritional deficiencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of nail breakage | Frequent hand washing, aging, nail biting, iron deficiency, fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, prolonged water exposure, nail cosmetics, extremely cold weather |
| Solutions | Moisturize nails, use lotions with alpha hydroxy acids or lanolin, wear gloves when washing dishes or performing water-heavy tasks, avoid nail cosmetics, eat iron-rich and nutritional foods, use antifungal pills |
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What You'll Learn
- Nails are fragile due to frequent hand washing, sanitizing, and aging
- Filing nails incorrectly can lead to jagged edges and breakage
- Yeast or mould infections can cause nails to crack or break
- Lack of vitamins and minerals can cause nail breakage
- Cold weather can make nails hard and inflexible, leading to breakage
Nails are fragile due to frequent hand washing, sanitizing, and aging
Nails are primarily made of a protein called keratin, which protects your fingers and toes from damage. Typically, healthy nails have a shiny, smooth appearance with white edges and a curved shape. However, frequent hand washing, sanitizing, and aging can make them fragile and prone to breakage.
Frequent hand washing and sanitizing can cause nails to dry out and become brittle. This is especially true for older adults, as aging can affect keratin production and nail growth, resulting in thinner nails that break easily. Aging nails may also become thicker or more vulnerable to fungal infections, which can cause nail thickening and discoloration. Additionally, exposure to household chemicals, including soaps, cleaners, and nail polish remover, can contribute to nail thinning and breakage over time.
To counteract the effects of frequent hand washing and sanitizing, it is essential to moisturize your nails and hands regularly, especially after washing your hands or doing chores that involve water or chemicals. Wearing rubber gloves while doing household chores can also help protect your nails from excessive exposure to water and chemicals.
Aging is another factor that can contribute to nail fragility. As we age, our nails may change in appearance and texture. They may become thinner or thicker, and the growth rate may slow down slightly. Nutritional deficiencies, such as low iron, protein, biotin, calcium, fatty acid, and vitamin B levels, can also contribute to nail thinning and breakage. Certain health conditions, such as hypothyroidism, Raynaud's syndrome, and psoriasis, can further affect nail health and increase their susceptibility to breakage.
To address nail fragility due to aging, it is recommended to increase protein intake and consider taking a biotin supplement. Moisturizing the nails and hands regularly, especially before bed, can also help counteract dryness and improve nail flexibility. Additionally, limiting the use of alcohol-based sanitizers and reducing the frequency of painting your nails or getting acrylics can help prevent further drying and wear on the nail surface.
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Filing nails incorrectly can lead to jagged edges and breakage
Filing nails is a good way to keep them at a uniform length and shape. However, it is easy to file your nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged, frayed nails and even nail bed or cuticle damage.
When filing your nails, it is important to go slowly and carefully. Filing too fast may result in removing too much nail, making it difficult to achieve the desired shape. Nails should be cut to about the same length before filing if they are uneven. It is recommended to file from the outer corner into the centre of the nail, repeating the motion on the other side, rather than using a back-and-forth sawing motion. This sawing motion can fray the nail, causing damage to the nail bed and cuticle, and may even cause the whole nail to become loose.
The type of nail file used is also important. Glass files are often recommended as they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean. Files should be cleaned to prevent the spread of bacteria. For natural nails, a higher grit number is recommended to prevent tearing. A 180 grit is suggested, but if you are new to filing, a 240 grit is more suitable.
Additionally, it is important to note that long nails can add too much stress to the nail bed, leading to breakage. Nails should be kept at a length no longer than the fingertip.
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Yeast or mould infections can cause nails to crack or break
Healthy nails are smooth and do not break easily. They do not have any holes or cracks, discolouration, or peeling. If your nails are fragile, thick, and changing colour, then you may have a fungal infection known as mycotic nails.
Mycotic nails are caused by a variety of organisms that get into your nails, including dermatophytes, nondermatophyte moulds, yeast, and other microorganisms. Yeast causes 2 to 11% of mycotic nails and is often caused by Candida. It is more likely to affect your fingernails than your toenails and may be a sign of immunodeficiency.
Fungal nail infections can cause the nail to become white and yellow and crumble or break easily. They usually start at the edge of the nail and can spread to multiple nails. The nail becomes thick, discoloured, and easy to break. The whole nail can sometimes break off, causing pain and swelling in the surrounding skin.
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, you should speak to a pharmacist or healthcare provider. They will be able to recommend the best treatment for you.
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Lack of vitamins and minerals can cause nail breakage
Nail health can be an indicator of overall health and nutritional deficiencies. A change in the appearance, texture or shape of your nails could indicate a nutrient deficiency. A balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is essential for maintaining healthy nails.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Studies have shown that biotin supplements or biotin-rich foods may help strengthen brittle fingernails. Iron is another important nutrient for nail health. It is necessary for providing cells with adequate oxygen, and a deficiency can affect the shape and appearance of nails.
Zinc is also crucial for nail health as it is required for the growth and division of cells, including nail cells, which grow and divide rapidly. A steady supply of zinc is needed to promote the healthy growth of nails, and inadequate intake can contribute to the degeneration of the nail plate, causing white spots. Magnesium is involved in many reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, which is essential for nail growth. Vertical ridges in your nails may indicate a magnesium deficiency.
While supplements are available, consuming a variety of vitamins and minerals through food is the best way to improve and maintain nail health.
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Cold weather can make nails hard and inflexible, leading to breakage
Cold weather can have a significant impact on nail health, and this is closely linked to the effect of moisture on nails. Nails are susceptible to the elements, and cold, dry weather can cause nails to lose moisture, leading to hardening and breakage.
In cold weather, the air tends to be drier, and this can cause nails to lose moisture more rapidly. As a result, nails can become dehydrated, leading to a hardening of the nail and a loss of flexibility. This makes the nails more prone to cracking or breaking, especially when performing everyday tasks such as opening a door, as one person describes: "I reached for the door and what would've been a graze in normal weather caused my nail to snap off."
The hardening of nails in cold weather is a defence mechanism against the cold and dry conditions. Nails act as a protective barrier for the fingertips, and when exposed to extreme cold, they respond by toughening up. This adaptation helps to shield the sensitive nerve endings in the fingertips from the cold. However, this protective mechanism can backfire, as the hardened nails become less flexible and more prone to breakage.
To counteract the effects of cold weather on nails, it is essential to focus on rehydration and protection. Applying moisturising lotions or creams can help replenish lost moisture and prevent further dehydration. Look for products containing alpha-hydroxy acids or lanolin, which are particularly effective in treating dry and brittle nails. It is also beneficial to wear gloves when outdoors in cold weather to provide an extra layer of protection and insulation for your hands and nails.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the impact of cold weather on nails may be influenced by other factors, such as the use of nail cosmetics, frequent hand washing, and underlying health conditions. These factors can contribute to nail brittleness and breakage, and their effects may be exacerbated by cold weather conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Nails can become fragile due to various reasons, such as nail biting, aging, frequent hand washing, and exposure to water.
To prevent your nails from breaking, you can try keeping them short, moisturising your hands, wearing gloves while washing dishes or performing other water-heavy tasks, and avoiding nail cosmetics and products that contain harsh chemicals.
You can strengthen your nails by eating a healthy diet rich in whole foods, taking supplements like biotin and horsetail, and applying lotions or creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids or lanolin.
