Isla Bennett
There are many reasons why fingernails peel apart. Peeling nails, or onychoschizia, can be caused by external factors such as trauma or damage to the nail, exposure to water, and the use of nail cosmetics. Internal factors such as vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, and underlying health conditions can also contribute to peeling nails. In some cases, peeling nails may be a symptom of a more severe condition, so it is important to seek medical advice if the issue persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trauma or damage to the nail itself | Picking at polish, biting your nails, using nails to open cans |
| Exposure to water | Soaking hands in hot water, prolonged water exposure |
| Lack of moisture | Dry nails, lack of exfoliation |
| Exposure to chemicals | Adhesive for gel or acrylic nails, hand soap, sanitizers, laundry detergent |
| Diet | Iron deficiency, vitamin B, A, E, and C deficiency |
| Underlying health conditions | Anemia, lung disease, skin disorders (e.g., psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis) |
| Use of artificial nails | Forcefully removing nail coatings |
| Nail cosmetics | Hardeners, polishes, polish removers/solvents |
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What You'll Learn
Iron deficiency
Peeling fingernails can be caused by external factors such as physical trauma to the nail or exposure to water and chemicals. However, if both your fingernails and toenails are affected, this could indicate an internal cause such as a vitamin deficiency or an underlying health condition.
One of the most common internal causes of peeling nails is iron deficiency, also known as mild anemia. Iron is necessary to make new red blood cells, and a deficiency may cause nail abnormalities such as spoon nails (koilonychia). Spoon nails are soft nails that have a concave, spoon-shaped indentation, which can hold a drop of water. They can affect both the fingernails and toenails and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as pale skin and nail beds. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, researchers believe that iron deficiency may lead to 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.
If you suspect that your peeling nails are due to iron deficiency, you can try increasing your daily iron intake through dietary changes or supplements. Iron-rich foods include beans, lentils, dark chocolate, fortified foods (such as bread or breakfast cereal), iron-rich fruits (like dates, figs, prunes, and raisins), leafy greens (such as spinach or kale), meat and seafood, nuts, and seeds. However, it is important to note that taking more than 25 milligrams of elemental iron per day may reduce the body's ability to absorb zinc.
If you have symptoms of severe anemia, such as severe pain or bleeding nails, it is recommended that you seek medical advice. Your doctor can advise you on the best treatment options, which may include specific medical treatments or procedures, as well as lifestyle changes.
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Exposure to water
Frequent wetting and drying of the hands can lead to brittle nails, which are more prone to peeling. This can occur when doing household chores that involve water, such as washing dishes, or even just from regularly washing your hands. To prevent this, it is recommended to wear protective cotton-lined rubber gloves when performing tasks that involve prolonged exposure to water.
Additionally, dehydration may also contribute to nail peeling. Drinking enough water and staying hydrated is important for nail health. Proper hydration ensures that the body has the necessary fluids to support nail growth and maintain nail strength, reducing the likelihood of peeling.
While water exposure can be a factor in nail peeling, it is important to note that other factors, such as diet, trauma to the nail, and certain medical conditions, can also contribute to this issue. Consulting with a dermatologist or medical professional can help determine the specific causes and appropriate treatments for nail peeling in individual cases.
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Exposure to chemicals
Fingernails are made of a protective fibrous protein called keratin, which is also found in skin and hair. Keratin makes nails strong, but exposure to certain chemicals can cause thin layers of the nail to peel away, leaving the nails looking thin and feeling sensitive or uncomfortable.
Chemicals found in artificial nail products, such as ethyl methacrylate (EMA), can cause contact dermatitis, asthma, and allergies in the eyes and nose. EMA is the main chemical in most artificial nail products, and it can make the eyes, nose, and other mucous membranes sting, become red, and swell.
In addition to EMA, methyl methacrylate (MMA) is another chemical that was historically used in nail products. MMA was outlawed in 1974 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to its harmful effects on nail technicians and customers. Both EMA and MMA can cause skin rashes if they come into contact with the skin.
To reduce exposure to these chemicals, nail technicians should use dispenser bottles with small openings, pressure-sensitive stoppers, and closed dispenser bottles to minimize evaporation and exposure to methacrylates. Technicians should also wear personal protective clothing, gloves, and glasses, especially when removing artificial nails, as acrylic chips can fly off and cause eye injuries.
It is also important for customers to protect themselves from chemical exposure. Eating, drinking, and smoking should be avoided in the area where artificial nails are applied to prevent accidental ingestion or inhalation of harmful chemicals. Additionally, customers should ensure that the table they place their hands on has proper ventilation, such as a downdraft face with a screen-like cover, to reduce exposure to EMA.
Overall, exposure to chemicals found in artificial nail products can cause fingernails to peel, and it is crucial for both nail technicians and customers to take precautions to minimize the potential health risks associated with these chemicals.
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Manicure habits
Manicures are meant to maintain healthy nails and skin. However, they can sometimes have the opposite effect, causing cracked cuticles and peeling skin. This may be due to exposure to chemicals and irritants during the manicure process. To prevent this, inform your manicurist if you have sensitive skin so that they can avoid trimming or pushing your cuticles back. You can also opt for a non-toxic, gentle nail polish that is free of harmful ingredients like camphor, ethyl, formaldehyde resin, tosylamide, toluene, and xylene.
Additionally, certain habits can contribute to nail peeling. For example, chipping or peeling nail polish can strip away a layer of your nail, so it's best to use an acetone-free remover to gently remove old polish. Also, avoid picking or biting your nails, as this can compromise the bonds between the layers of compacted cells, leading to nail peeling.
To promote nail health, it's important to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated. Use a moisturising hand cream or cuticle oil regularly, especially after washing your hands, to prevent dryness and promote healthier skin. Drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet with essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B, C, and E can also support nail health and prevent peeling.
If you notice persistent peeling or other symptoms, it's recommended to consult a dermatologist for guidance. They can help identify any underlying causes and suggest appropriate treatments.
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Underlying health conditions
Peeling nails are usually not a sign of an underlying health condition. However, in rare cases, they can indicate a more serious internal issue.
One of the most common causes of peeling nails is iron deficiency, which affects about 10 million people in the United States. Iron deficiency can lead to thinning, abnormal shapes, brittleness, and increased breakage of nails. It can also cause changes in the skin, such as dryness, scaling, and cracking, which may extend to the skin around the nails. Other vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B, A, E, or C, can also contribute to nail peeling.
In addition to vitamin deficiencies, underlying health conditions that may cause nail peeling include:
- Thyroid dysfunction: An underactive thyroid does not produce enough hormones, which can lead to brittle nails.
- Lung disease: In some cases, nail abnormalities may be a sign of lung disease.
- Blood circulation problems: Age-related changes in nail growth have been linked to poor blood circulation.
- Extended exposure to UV rays: Prolonged exposure to UV rays has been associated with nail changes in older adults.
It is important to note that if you suspect that your nail peeling is due to an underlying health condition, you should consult a healthcare provider for a proper assessment and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many reasons why your finger nails may peel apart. It could be due to external factors such as trauma or damage to the nail, frequent exposure to water, or the use of certain nail cosmetics and chemicals. Internal factors such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, can also cause nail peeling.
External factors that can cause nail peeling include:
- Trauma or damage to the nail, such as physical impact or forceful removal of nail coatings.
- Frequent exposure to water, which can dry out the nails and make them brittle.
- The use of certain nail cosmetics and chemicals, such as nail polish, hardeners, and removers/solvents.
- Occupational exposure to chemicals such as alkalis, acids, cement, solvents, thioglycolates, salt, and sugar solutions.
Internal factors that can cause nail peeling include:
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, which can lead to changes in nail health.
- Underlying health conditions, such as an underactive thyroid, lung disease, or skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and pompholyx.
To treat and prevent nail peeling, you can try the following:
- Keep your nails moisturized using rich moisturizers, nail oils, or natural oils like coconut oil and jojoba oil.
- Increase your iron intake through iron-rich foods or supplements, but be mindful of the recommended daily intake.
- Reduce exposure to water by wearing protective gloves during household chores and minimizing prolonged hand soaking.
- Avoid picking, biting, or using your nails for tasks that may cause trauma, and consider keeping your nails short to reduce the risk of damage.
- Choose nail products carefully, opting for those labeled "hypoallergenic" to minimize exposure to harsh chemicals.
While nail peeling is often treatable at home, it is recommended to seek medical advice if:
- The nail peeling is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, bleeding, swelling, redness, or itching, as this could indicate a more severe condition or infection.
- You suspect an underlying health condition, such as anemia, vitamin deficiency, or a skin disorder, that may be causing the nail peeling.
