Noah Sinclair
Peeling fingernails can be caused by external factors such as trauma to the nail, exposure to chemicals, and the use of artificial nails. Internal factors such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, dehydration, and underlying health conditions like kidney disease, thyroid problems, and anemia can also contribute to peeling nails. In some cases, peeling nails may indicate a more serious medical issue, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain or bleeding.
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What You'll Learn
Trauma to the nail
Certain chemicals, such as those found in adhesives for gel or acrylic nails, hand soap, sanitizers, and laundry detergent, can dry out nails and make them prone to peeling. Activities such as picking at polish, biting your nails, or using your nails to open things can also cause trauma that leads to peeling.
To prevent nail peeling caused by external trauma, you can take several steps:
- Wear gloves when doing water-heavy tasks such as washing dishes or household chores.
- Avoid overexposure to moisture or chemicals.
- Use products labelled "hypoallergenic" as they typically contain milder or natural chemical agents.
- Avoid scraping or pulling at artificial nails when removing them. Instead, gently file them with a nail file.
- Avoid buffing your nails in a back-and-forth motion, as this can thin the nail plate and make them more prone to peeling.
- Keep your nails moisturized by applying lotion or hand cream with vitamin E after any activity that might dry them out.
If you are unable to identify the cause of your peeling nails or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
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Underlying health conditions
Peeling nails can be a result of external factors, such as trauma to the nail, or internal factors, such as underlying health conditions. While rare, peeling nails can indicate a systemic condition or a pathologic process occurring inside the body.
Peeling nails can sometimes be a sign of an internal health condition. For example, peeling nails can be a symptom of:
- Iron-deficiency anemia: The most common type of anemia can cause nail peeling, and patients may also experience fatigue.
- Kidney disease: Issues with the kidneys can cause changes to the nails, such as peeling, yellowing, and discolouration. Other signs of kidney disease include dry skin, low energy levels, increased urination, and muscle cramps.
- Thyroid disease: The thyroid affects nearly every cell in the body, and systemic disequilibrium can lead to nail changes.
- Chemotherapy: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy, can cause nails to dry out, become brittle, or peel.
It is important to note that peeling nails are rarely a cause for medical emergency. However, if your nails are causing severe pain or bleeding in addition to peeling, it is recommended to seek medical care. Consulting a healthcare professional can help identify any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to nail peeling.
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Iron deficiency
Peeling nails can be caused by external trauma to the nail, such as using your nail as a tool, pressing into the nail too firmly, or removing acrylic nail polish. In some cases, peeling nails can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as iron deficiency or kidney disease.
Additionally, vitamin C helps with iron absorption, so it is important to include vitamin C-rich foods in your diet, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend biotin supplements to help strengthen your nails.
It is worth noting that peeling nails can also be caused by other factors, such as vitamin D, E, or zinc deficiencies, thyroid issues, or certain medications. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you are concerned about nail changes or other symptoms. They may recommend blood tests to check for any nutrient deficiencies or underlying health conditions.
Furthermore, external factors such as manicures, chemicals, and exposure to water can also contribute to nail peeling. To prevent this, it is recommended to gently remove nail coatings, minimize buffing, and wear gloves when doing water-heavy tasks or household chores. Keeping your nails moisturized and maintaining overall nail care can also help prevent peeling.
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Exposure to chemicals
In addition to VOCs, other chemicals found in nail products can also cause nail peeling. For example, ethyl methacrylate (EMA), found in artificial nail liquid, can cause asthma, irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth, and difficulty concentrating. Similarly, formaldehyde, found in nail polish and nail hardeners, can cause difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, and irritated eyes, skin, and throat. Isopropyl acetate, found in nail polish and nail polish removers, can cause similar irritation to that of formaldehyde, as well as sleepiness.
The use of artificial nails and adhesives can also contribute to nail peeling. The application of acrylic or any artificial nails can create damage to the nail plate, and any kind of trauma to the nail can further contribute to peeling. This includes buffing, using a nail buffer, or manipulating the nails with any instrument or tool.
To minimize the risk of nail peeling and other health issues, it is recommended to look for products labeled "hypoallergenic" as they typically contain milder or natural chemical agents. Additionally, nail salon workers should prioritize improving ventilation and using personal protective equipment to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals.
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Dehydration
Nails that are dried out from too much buffing can also be more prone to peeling. Excessive dryness causes the nail to become brittle, so even a small nick can turn into a big split. Spending time in hot or humid places can also cause the nail to swell with water and become soft, resulting in a nail that is more easily damaged.
To prevent nail damage due to dehydration, it is important to stay properly hydrated by drinking enough water or non-caffeinated beverages. The general guideline is to drink eight cups of water per day, but the amount of water needed can vary depending on body weight and activity level. Thirst is a good indicator that you are already experiencing dehydration. Applying lotion or a hand and nail moisturizer can also help to prevent nails from drying out and becoming brittle.
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Frequently asked questions
Trauma to the nail can cause nail peeling. Nails have multiple tough layers that can peel, causing them to appear thin or become weakened, which can lead to splitting.
Nail peeling can be caused by overexposure to moisture, such as repeatedly getting the nails wet and then drying them, or by exposure to chemicals. It can also be caused by vitamin or mineral deficiencies, such as iron deficiency or zinc deficiency.
You can treat nail peeling by moisturising your nails, wearing gloves when doing the dishes or other water-heavy tasks, and avoiding exposure to chemicals. If the cause is vitamin or mineral deficiency, you can add more iron-rich foods to your diet or take supplements.
Nail peeling is usually not a cause for concern and can be treated at home. However, if your nails are also painful or bleeding, or if you notice other symptoms such as inflamed skin, night sweats, or bleeding in the nail, you should see a doctor.
