Liam Carter
Peeling nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma or damage to the nail itself, such as through frequent manicures, or exposure to water and chemicals. Internal factors, such as vitamin or mineral deficiencies, dehydration, and underlying health conditions, can also cause nail peeling. In some cases, peeling nails may be a sign of a more serious health issue, such as thyroid problems, kidney disease, or lung disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Internal factors | Iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, B vitamin deficiency, low calcium, dehydration, thyroid problems, lung disease, kidney disease, chemotherapy, Accutane |
| External factors | Exposure to water, exposure to chemicals, manicures, nail biting, picking at polish, using nails as tools, excessive buffing, prolonged sun exposure |
| Treatments | Increasing iron intake, applying a clear nail polish, wearing protective gloves, using a rich moisturizer or nail oil, applying honey, using petroleum jelly, applying coconut oil, taking biotin |
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What You'll Learn
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Peeling fingernails can be caused by various factors, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Nails are made of layers of compacted cells, and the connection between these cells can be compromised, leading to peeling. While peeling nails are often caused by external factors, such as trauma or damage to the nail, they can sometimes indicate an internal issue, such as a vitamin or mineral deficiency.
One of the most common vitamin deficiencies associated with peeling or brittle nails is an iron deficiency. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause dry, brittle, or spoon-shaped nails. Incorporating iron-rich foods, such as spinach, kidney beans, or fortified cereals, into your diet can help address this deficiency. Additionally, taking iron supplements or biotin, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic, can help strengthen your nails.
Another vitamin deficiency that can lead to nail peeling is a lack of B vitamins, specifically biotin. Biotin is essential for keratin production, which is the primary protein in nails. A biotin deficiency can result in brittle nails prone to breaking.
Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies have also been linked to nail peeling. Dr. Peters notes that "peeling nails have been associated with low calcium, as well as a deficiency in iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins like biotin." Ensuring a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help address these deficiencies.
While less common, other mineral deficiencies, such as zinc and protein, can also impact nail health. A zinc deficiency can cause depressions across the fingernails, known as horizontal ridges or Beau's lines. Meanwhile, low protein levels in the blood can result in Muehrcke's lines, which are parallel, horizontal white lines that extend across the nails.
In summary, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly those of iron, biotin, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and protein, can contribute to peeling fingernails. Addressing these deficiencies through dietary changes or supplements can help improve nail health.
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Exposure to water and chemicals
Exposure to water and certain chemicals can cause your fingernails to peel. Water exposure can dry out your nails, making them soft and prone to peeling. This can happen when you soak your hands in hot water while doing the dishes or performing household chores. To prevent this, you can wear protective, cotton-lined rubber gloves when doing tasks that involve water.
Additionally, certain chemicals found in adhesives for gel or acrylic nails, hand soap, sanitizers, and laundry detergents can also contribute to nail peeling. Allergies to cosmetics, nail polishes, acetone-based nail polish removers, and chemicals in soaps or detergents can lead to peeling of the skin around the nails. To mitigate this, you can opt for hypoallergenic products, as they typically contain milder or natural chemical agents.
It is important to keep your nails and the surrounding skin moisturized to prevent dryness and peeling. This can be done by using moisturizers, ointments, or natural oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or lavender oil.
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Manicures and artificial nails
Manicures can be a great way to pamper yourself, but it's important to be cautious to prevent nail damage and peeling. During a manicure, avoid allowing the beautician to remove the nail fold. Instead, gently push back the cuticles with a wooden stick, like an orange stick, rather than using metal instruments on the nail fold or cuticle. The cuticle acts as a barrier to bacteria and fungus, so it's important to keep it intact.
Additionally, certain chemicals and ingredients in nail polishes, adhesives for artificial nails, hand soaps, sanitisers, and laundry detergents can dry out nails and make them prone to peeling. Look for products labelled "hypoallergenic" as they typically contain milder or natural chemical agents. When removing nail polish, use a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover instead of picking it off, as this can compromise the cell-to-cell adhesion of the nail.
Artificial nails can also be applied as part of a manicure, but it's important to be aware of the potential impact on your natural nails. The chemicals and adhesives used for gel or acrylic nails can dry out your natural nails, making them more susceptible to peeling. If you choose to have artificial nails, be sure to maintain and remove them properly to minimise damage to your natural nails.
Overall, maintaining healthy nails is essential, and this includes keeping them moisturised. Consider using a rich moisturiser or nail oil to prevent dryness and brittleness, which can make nails more susceptible to trauma and damage. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy manicures and artificial nails while minimising the risk of nail peeling.
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Underlying health conditions
Peeling nails are usually not a cause for concern and can be attributed to external factors such as physical trauma, moisture imbalance, or chemical exposure. However, in rare cases, they may indicate an underlying health condition.
One possible underlying condition is a vitamin or mineral deficiency, particularly an iron deficiency, which is the most common nutrient deficiency associated with nail problems. Iron deficiency can lead to thinning nails, abnormal nail shapes, brittleness, and increased breakage. It can also progress to anemia, a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin. Anemia can further cause changes in nail texture and appearance.
Peeling nails can also be a symptom of thyroid dysfunction, often accompanied by other symptoms such as brittle nails, hair growth changes, excessively dry skin, or skin rashes. An underactive thyroid does not produce enough hormones, which can contribute to nail problems.
In some instances, nail abnormalities may be indicative of more serious health conditions. Horizontal ridges on the nails, known as Beau's lines, could be a sign of kidney disease or another underlying issue. Black lines on the nails, also known as splinter hemorrhages, can be caused by trauma to the nail but could also indicate underlying issues such as psoriasis, endocarditis, or nail melanoma.
It is important to note that nail changes are also considered a normal part of the aging process and may not necessarily indicate an underlying health condition. Changes in nail growth, texture, and appearance can occur due to age-related factors such as blood circulation problems and extended exposure to UV rays.
If you are concerned about persistent or sudden nail peeling, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or your primary care physician. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide guidance on treatment options.
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Environmental factors
External Exposure
The skin around the nails is frequently exposed to environmental agents, which can affect its hydration levels and cause dryness and eventual peeling. This is especially true of the cuticle skin, which acts as a protective barrier against these external elements. Prolonged sun exposure, for instance, can lead to sunburn and skin peeling, so it is important to use sunscreen on the hands and feet.
Manicures and Cosmetics
Manicures and the application of artificial nails can also cause nail damage and peeling. The use of adhesives and excessive buffing can weaken the nails, making them prone to peeling. Additionally, certain chemicals in nail polishes, nail polish removers, soaps, detergents, and latex gloves can lead to skin peeling.
Household Chores and Habits
Repeatedly getting the nails wet and drying them, such as during household chores, can cause the nails to soften and peel. Soaking hands in hot water while doing the dishes or other prolonged water exposure can dry out the nails and lead to peeling. Frequent hand washing can also strip away essential oils and moisture, leading to dryness and peeling.
Diet
A diet lacking in certain nutrients can also be an environmental factor contributing to nail peeling. For example, a deficiency in iron, vitamin D, calcium, and B vitamins like biotin can cause peeling nails.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent and treat nail peeling due to environmental factors, it is crucial to keep the nails and skin moisturized. This can be done by using products such as rich moisturizers, nail oils, and essential oils. Avoiding prolonged exposure to water and wearing protective gloves during household chores can also help. Additionally, applying a clear nail polish with nylon fibers can strengthen the nails and prevent peeling.
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