Noah Sinclair
Fingernails are made up of a protein called keratin, which also makes up the cells in our hair and skin. Nails protect our fingers and toes from injury, but they can be prone to splitting, cracking, and breaking. There are many reasons why fingernails break, from aging to vitamin deficiencies, underlying medical conditions, and environmental factors. Understanding the cause of brittle nails is the first step to preventing them from breaking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ageing | Nails become dull, thinner and more brittle as people age |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Deficiency of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and minerals like iron, zinc, or calcium can cause nail problems |
| Medical conditions | Thyroid disorders, iron-deficiency anaemia, psoriasis, eczema, Raynaud’s disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, fungal infections, etc. |
| Environmental factors | Cold, dry weather, harsh chemicals in household cleaning products, frequent hand washing |
| Nail care habits | Frequent use of nail polish, nail extensions, and acetone-based nail polish removers |
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What You'll Learn
Ageing and brittle nails
Fingernails and toenails commonly change as people age, often becoming dull and brittle. While toenails tend to get thicker and harder, fingernails often become thinner and more brittle. This is caused by a decrease in keratin production and nail growth, which leads to thin fingernails that break easily.
Ageing can also affect the appearance of nails in other ways, such as a thickened, yellow appearance, or thinning and flaking off. Older adults are more susceptible to brittle nails, with around 20% of the population experiencing it, and an increased incidence in older women.
To prevent nails from becoming brittle, it is important to keep them moisturized, especially after washing your hands or doing the dishes. You can also apply a nail conditioner with lanolin a few times a day. Avoid biting your nails, and keep them short to prevent biting and snagging. You can also try wearing rubber gloves when doing household chores to keep your hands dry and protect your nails.
If your nails are already brittle, there are some treatments you can try. You can apply lotion or cream directly to your nails, and rub it on the surrounding skin. You can also try a nail conditioner with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid. If your nails are still brittle after trying home remedies, you may want to speak to your doctor, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as iron deficiency or hypothyroidism.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a bluish or grey-brown discolouration of the nails. This is more common in vegans and vegetarians, as well as older adults, as B12 is found in animal products like beef, seafood, and dairy. A B12 deficiency can also cause spoon nails, where the nail appears concave either horizontally or vertically. This is associated with iron deficiency anaemia, which can cause cracked nails and is characterised by low red blood cell levels. Iron deficiency can also cause nail peeling, which may indicate a systemic issue if it occurs in toenails as well as fingernails.
Biotin deficiency can also cause brittle nails that are prone to breaking. Biotin is a B vitamin found in egg yolks, salmon, and sweet potatoes. Zinc deficiency is associated with brittle nails, and low calcium levels can also cause dry, brittle nails. Calcium is necessary for nail health, and low levels can cause soft, flaky nails that are inclined to break or split. Soft nails can also be caused by overexposure to moisture or chemicals, such as detergent, cleaning fluids, and nail treatments.
Protein deficiency can cause Beau's lines, which are transverse linear depressions in the nail plate that may be accompanied by other diseases. Terry's nails, which are apparent leukonychia over the proximal nail bed with a distal pink or brown band, can be a sign of malnutrition, especially in the elderly. Kwashiorkor, a nutritional syndrome due to severe protein malnutrition, results in soft and thin nails, while marasmus, caused by prolonged starvation, results in a 40-50% reduction in body weight and fissured nails and impaired nail growth.
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Underlying medical conditions
Fingernails breaking when cut can be attributed to several underlying medical conditions. One of the most common causes is iron deficiency, which leads to low red blood cell levels and, subsequently, brittle nails that are prone to breakage. This condition can also be caused by an underlying thyroid disorder, such as hypothyroidism, which affects the body's absorption of minerals. Nutritional deficiencies, beyond iron, can also be a factor, including a lack of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as zinc or calcium.
Another underlying condition that can cause nail breakage is Raynaud's syndrome, which is characterised by circulation problems in the extremities, including the fingers. Fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, can also weaken the nails, making them more susceptible to breaking. In rare cases, cracked nails can be a sign of cancer treatment, with nails becoming brittle and fragile.
Additionally, the more general condition of "brittle nail syndrome" or "idiopathic brittle nails" can be a cause. This condition is of unknown origin but is associated with abnormal levels of keratin, water, lipids, or proteins in the nails. It often occurs with advancing age, as nails naturally lose strength over time.
If you suspect that your nail breakage is due to an underlying medical condition, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Environmental factors
Cold, dry weather: Nails can lose moisture in dry weather conditions, becoming weak and brittle. This is exacerbated by indoor heating during winter, which further reduces humidity.
Harsh chemicals: Repeated exposure to harsh chemicals in household cleaning products can strip nails of their natural oils and moisture, leaving them vulnerable to breakage. This is especially true if you frequently wash your hands or use hand sanitizers, as these can also be drying. The use of rubber gloves when cleaning or washing dishes is recommended to protect your nails.
Nail care products: Frequent use of nail polish, nail extensions, and acetone-based nail polish removers can weaken nails over time. Nail polish removers, in particular, can be very drying. It is advisable to opt for remover formulas that do not contain acetone and to give your nails a break from nail cosmetics now and then.
Water exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can cause nails to become soft and more prone to breakage. This is often an issue for those who work with their hands in water, such as washing dishes. Wearing gloves can help protect your nails from excessive moisture.
Nail biting and picking: Habits such as nail biting and picking can contribute to brittle nails. Keeping your nails trimmed and maintaining a consistent nail care routine can help reduce the temptation to bite or pick your nails.
While environmental factors are significant, it is also essential to consider other potential causes, such as nutritional deficiencies, aging, and underlying medical conditions. Maintaining a healthy diet and proper nail care can go a long way toward improving nail health.
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Nail care habits
Nail care is an essential part of any grooming ritual. Nails reflect our overall health, so proper nail care is important. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy nails:
Keep Nails Clean and Dry
Bacteria and fungi thrive in a moist environment. By maintaining clean, dry nails, you prevent bacteria from growing underneath your nails. Wash your hands and nails regularly with mild soap and warm water, using a soft nail brush to clean under the nails, and dry them thoroughly.
Trim and File Nails
Keep your nails trimmed and file them straight across with slight rounding at the tips for maximum strength. If you have a tear, cut away the torn part and file the rough edges to keep it from catching.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your hands and nails regularly can help prevent brittle nails. Apply lotion or heavy hand cream at bedtime and during the day, moisturize in between exposure to water or hand sanitizer. You can also apply a nail conditioner with lanolin a few times a day.
Avoid Harmful Substances
Avoid harsh nail products and chemicals such as nail polish, nail polish remover, and nail conditioners with alcohol, as these can dry out and weaken your nails, making them more prone to cracking.
Take Care of Your Cuticles
The cuticle protects your nail as it grows out, so it's best to leave it alone. Moisturizing your hands will keep the cuticles from becoming ragged.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins is essential for promoting nail strength and growth. Include foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, nuts, meat, eggs, fish, seeds, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes.
Break Bad Habits
Avoid nail-biting and picking, as this can lead to nail damage and splitting. Keep your nails short to avoid the temptation to bite them.
If you notice any changes in your nails, such as swelling or pain, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, it is important to consult a dermatologist for advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Your fingernails might break when you cut them due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Aging: Nails commonly change as people age, becoming more brittle and prone to breakage.
- Iron deficiency: Insufficient iron in the body can lead to low red blood cell levels, affecting nail health.
- Vitamin deficiency: Not getting enough vitamins A, B, C, or D can impact nail health and increase the likelihood of breakage.
- Frequent exposure to water: Prolonged exposure to water can cause nails to become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to breaking.
To prevent fingernails from breaking when you cut them, consider the following:
- Moisturize regularly: Use moisturizing hand lotions containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids, and apply them directly to your nails and cuticles. Moisturizing helps to keep your nails hydrated and less prone to breakage.
- Wear gloves: When doing household chores or working with water, wear gloves to protect your nails from excessive moisture, which can lead to brittleness.
- Avoid harsh nail products: Nail polishes, removers, and acrylics can contain strong chemicals that dry out and weaken your nails over time. Give your nails a break from these products to help prevent breakage.
- Maintain nail hygiene: Keep your nails trimmed, washed, and filed to reduce the risk of breakage.
Some signs that indicate unhealthy fingernails include:
- Discoloration: Changes in nail color, such as white spots or yellowing, can indicate an infection or other underlying health issues.
- Splitting and peeling: Nails that split horizontally or vertically, especially at the tips, may suggest damage to the nail layers or the nail matrix.
- Thinning or thickening: As we age, fingernails tend to become thinner and more brittle, while toenails thicken.
- Nail fungus: Nails that are cracked or thickened may be indicative of nail fungus or, less commonly, psoriasis.
It is recommended to consult a doctor if:
- Your nails are still breaking after trying the above preventative measures.
- You suspect an underlying medical condition, such as anemia, hypothyroidism, or Raynaud's syndrome, which are known to impact nail health.
- You notice other symptoms accompanying nail breakage, such as nail discoloration, redness, swelling, or pain around the nails.
