Noah Sinclair
Children are more susceptible to bacterial and viral nail diseases than adults. However, they are less likely to experience fungal infections. Infections and inflammatory diseases account for a high proportion of consultations, while hereditary or autoimmune conditions are also commonly observed and diagnosed in children. There are many reasons why children's fingernails might flake, including trauma or damage to the nail, frequent exposure to water, and vitamin or iron deficiencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Trauma or damage to the nail, such as using nails as tools, nail biting, or picking at nail polish |
| Exposure to water, chemicals, or wearing acrylic nails | |
| Thyroid disorders, vitamin or iron deficiency | |
| Underlying health conditions | |
| Treatment | Wear gloves when doing chores involving water |
| Keep nails trimmed, moisturized, and short | |
| Use a nail strengthener or nail oil | |
| Consume a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins |
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What You'll Learn
Diet and nutrition deficiencies
A deficiency in vitamins or minerals can cause brittle nails. For example, not getting enough iron, B vitamins like biotin or B12, zinc, protein, or magnesium in your diet may contribute to brittle nails. A vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the color of your nails, causing them to become bluish or grey-brown. Scattered white spots on the nails can signify a zinc deficiency. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause brittle or spoon-shaped nails. A biotin deficiency can leave nails brittle and prone to breaking.
In addition to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, malnutrition can also cause nail changes. Kwashiorkor is a nutritional syndrome due to severe protein malnutrition with relative carbohydrate excess, resulting in soft and thin nails. Marasmus, a wasting syndrome resulting from prolonged starvation, is associated with fissured nails and impaired nail growth. Another nail change reported in malnutrition is longitudinal melanonychia, a blackish discolouration of the nail plate.
It is important to note that nail issues can also occur due to injury, overexposure to moisture, or external factors such as frequent hand-washing and the use of nail treatments and polish. If you are concerned about nail issues, it is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare professional.
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Trauma or damage to the nail
Nail biting and cuticle biting are also common causes of nail trauma. These habits can lead to nail deformities, infections, and acute paronychia, a type of bacterial infection that causes swelling and irritation. Additionally, repetitive picking at the nail and cuticle can produce horizontal hatch marks in the middle of the nail.
Frequent exposure to water can also cause trauma to the nail. When nails are repeatedly wet and dried, they absorb moisture, causing the nail plate to swell. As a result, the nail becomes soft and vulnerable to damage from minimal trauma. This is a common issue for individuals in professions that require frequent hand soaking, such as hairdressing, house cleaning, or bar work.
Excessive nail buffing can also lead to nail trauma by removing the most valuable layer of the nail plate, causing it to become brittle and more susceptible to damage. Similarly, the use of 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 and flaking.
To prevent trauma to the nail, it is recommended to wear gloves when doing dishes or any other activities involving prolonged contact with water. Keeping nails trimmed, avoiding nail biting and cuticle biting, and using a rich moisturizer or nail oil after buffing can also help protect the nails from damage.
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Exposure to water and chemicals
Fingernails are made of a protective fibrous protein called keratin, which is also found in our skin and hair. Keratin makes nails strong, but external trauma or underlying health conditions can cause thin layers of the nail to peel away. One of the most common reasons for this is frequent exposure to water and certain chemicals.
When nails are exposed to water for extended periods, they absorb moisture, causing the nail plate to swell. As a result, the nail becomes soft and vulnerable to damage from even minor trauma. This is a common issue for those in professions that require frequent hand-soaking, such as hairdressing, house cleaning, or bar work. The repeated process of softening and hardening causes the nail plate structure to fracture, leading to peeling and splitting.
To prevent this, it is recommended to wear gloves when performing tasks that involve prolonged contact with water, such as washing dishes. After washing your hands, it is crucial to dry them thoroughly and apply a quality nail oil or hand cream to replenish lost moisture.
Additionally, certain chemicals can also contribute to nail peeling. For example, the adhesives used for gel or acrylic nails, and ingredients found in everyday products like hand soap, sanitizers, and laundry detergent, can dry out nails and make them prone to peeling.
It is important to note that while exposure to water and chemicals can be a factor in nail peeling, other factors such as diet, nutrient deficiencies, and underlying health conditions may also play a role. Maintaining a well-balanced diet and taking care of your overall health are essential for strong and healthy nails.
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Nail biting and picking
The physical act of nail biting and picking can cause nail deformities, hangnails, and open sores. This can lead to infections as germs from the mouth are passed into the skin. Additionally, biting and picking can damage the teeth and inner lining of the mouth, causing soreness, swelling, and a bumpy texture that may further trigger the urge to bite or chew.
To prevent nail biting and picking, it is recommended to keep nails trimmed and well-maintained. This includes trimming nails straight across and slightly rounded at the top, as well as moisturizing nails and cuticles regularly with hand lotion or moisturizer. Applying a special nail product with a bitter taste can also act as a deterrent.
For those who engage in chronic nail biting and picking, it may be beneficial to address the underlying causes through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of stress management. Identifying triggers and finding alternative behaviors to redirect the urge, such as chewing gum or squeezing a stress ball, can be effective in reducing these habits.
In summary, nail biting and picking can have negative impacts on nail health and overall physical health. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing proper nail care and stress management strategies, these habits can be managed and reduced.
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Underlying health conditions
Fingernails can provide good clues to a person's overall health. Doctors can check a person's blood circulation by pressing on their nails. By examining the nails, doctors can identify changes that may be associated with skin problems, lung disease, anemia, and other medical conditions.
In newborns, Beau's lines of the fingernails appear in 92% of cases, and they disappear by the time the infant is 14 weeks old. Beau's lines are transverse nail plate surface depressions resulting from mild trauma to the proximal nail matrix, with transiently reduced nail growth. They are caused by intrauterine distress or physiological alterations during birth.
Nail disorders in children can be challenging to diagnose and manage due to the small size of the nail. Pediatric patients are more susceptible to bacterial and viral diseases and are less likely to experience fungal nail infections.
- Thyroid disorders: A slow turnover rate of skin and nails caused by thyroid disease can lead to older nail tissue remaining for longer periods. As a result, the nails become brittle and prone to peeling.
- Iron deficiency: Mild iron deficiency is a common cause of peeling nails. It can progress to anemia if left untreated. Anemia occurs when the body has low levels of healthy red blood cells and insufficient hemoglobin, a substance that helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.
- Dehydration: Dehydration may cause a range of symptoms, including peeling nails.
- Lung disease: According to the American Lung Association, lung disease may include symptoms such as brittle nails.
- Skin problems: Doctors can identify changes in the nails that may be associated with skin problems.
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Frequently asked questions
Kids' nails can flake due to various reasons, including:
- Frequent exposure to water or moisture, causing the nail to swell and become soft and brittle.
- Lack of certain nutrients in the diet, such as calcium, iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
- Using nails as tools, such as biting or picking at them, can disrupt cell-to-cell adhesion and cause peeling.
To prevent your child's nails from flaking, you can try the following:
- Encourage them to wear gloves when in contact with water for prolonged periods, such as during dishwashing.
- Ensure they dry their hands and nails thoroughly after washing and apply a quality hand cream or nail oil to replenish moisture.
- Avoid excessive buffing, as it can dry out the nails and make them more prone to flaking.
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, zinc, and selenium to promote strong and healthy nails.
Yes, nail flaking in children can sometimes be indicative of certain medical conditions, such as:
- Thyroid disorders
- Skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis
- Anaemia
- Fungal infections, such as onychomycosis
