Liam Carter
Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which is also found in hair. They are composed of multiple layers of cells that can peel, causing them to appear thin or become weakened, and split. This peeling can be caused by trauma to the nail, such as picking off nail polish, pressing on nails, or prolonged exposure to water. However, in rarer cases, peeling nails can indicate an underlying medical condition. Toenails can also grow in layers due to a fungal infection, which can cause the nail to thicken and change colour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Ageing, exposure to water, dry air, certain chemicals, trauma or damage to the nail, skin conditions like eczema, fungal infections, iron deficiency, low thyroid function, anemia, lung disease, kidney or liver disease |
| Prevention | Wear gloves while washing dishes, dry hands and nails thoroughly after washing, use a hand cream with vitamin E, minimize exposure to water, use a rich moisturizer or nail oil after buffing, use a nail strengthener, take iron supplements, apply a nontoxic strengthening base coat |
| Treatment | See a doctor, use oral antifungal medication, manage eczema symptoms by keeping hands hydrated, use thick moisturizers or petroleum jelly |
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What You'll Learn
Nails are made of layers of keratin
Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which is also found in hair. Nails are made up of several layers of compacted cells of keratin, which are sealed together. The exact mechanism of how nails peel is not entirely understood, but it is generally believed that it occurs when cell-to-cell adhesion is disrupted. This means that the connection between one cell and other adjacent cells is compromised as the bonds between them loosen, and the layers separate.
The nail matrix, which is made up of stratified squamous epithelial cells, constantly replenishes the nail plate. The matrix cells differentiate and move up continuously, and consequently flatten by dumping their organelles and condensing their cytoplasm. As the pressure of this new buildup forces the other cells (nail plate) to move dorsally, the cells keratinize as the nuclei vanish.
The toughness of the nail plate can be attributed to the alignment of keratin fibers and the presence of large numbers of disulfide cross-links due to high proportions of cystine. The keratin intermediate fibers/filaments in the intermediate layer are well aligned and oriented in the transverse direction laterally, perpendicular to the axis of nail growth. Keratin fibers in the dorsal and ventral plates are packed like overlapping tiles and have no preferred orientation.
The nail bed, which lies below the nail plate, is a pink-coloured soft, thin, noncornified epithelium surface, devoid of a granular layer and sebaceous glands. It is considered a transitional zone where living cells keratinize and are integrated into the nail plate. The pink colour of the nail bed is due to the enriched vascular supply just below it.
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Nails peel when layers separate
Nails are made up of multiple layers of keratin, a protein also found in hair. When these layers separate, the nails can appear thin and weakened, and prone to splitting.
There are several reasons why the layers of nails separate and peel. Firstly, it could be due to external factors such as prolonged exposure to water or moisture. Routinely exposing your hands to water, for example, when doing the dishes, can dry out your nails, making them prone to peeling. On the other hand, too much moisture can also cause peeling. Nails that are moisture-laden can become soft and easily damaged, leading to peeling or sloughing.
Secondly, certain manicure habits and chemicals can cause nail peeling. For instance, forcefully removing artificial nail coatings can damage the nails and lead to peeling and thinning. Additionally, chemicals in products like hand soap, sanitizers, laundry detergent, and adhesives for gel or acrylic nails can dry out nails, making them more susceptible to peeling.
Thirdly, internal factors such as nutritional deficiencies can also cause nail peeling. Specifically, a deficiency in iron, vitamin D, B vitamins like biotin, and calcium has been associated with nail peeling. These vitamins and minerals help strengthen keratin, the protein that makes up nails. Additionally, certain underlying health conditions, such as an underactive thyroid or lung disease, can also lead to nail peeling.
It is important to note that while nail peeling is usually treatable at home, persistent or severe cases, especially when accompanied by pain or bleeding, may require medical attention. Consulting with a dermatologist or doctor can help identify any underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes to improve nail health.
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Causes include water exposure, ageing, and diet
Prolonged water exposure can cause nails to peel and appear to be growing in layers. This is because water dries out nails, causing them to become thin and fragile. To prevent this, you can minimise exposure to water by wearing protective, cotton-lined rubber gloves when performing household chores that involve water. Applying lotion or cream to your hands and nails can also help if you participate in water activities such as swimming.
Ageing is another factor that can cause nails to grow in layers. As you get older, your nails may become thicker or thinner, and more brittle and prone to breaking. The growth rate of nails also slows down over time, with the average growth rate of 3mm per month slowing by about 0.5% per year from as early as the age of 20. Nails may also change in texture, thickness, shape, and colour as you age.
Diet can also play a role in nail growth. For example, an iron deficiency can cause nails to peel. Increasing iron intake through diet or supplements can help address this. However, taking more than 25 milligrams of elemental iron can reduce the body's ability to absorb zinc, so excessive iron supplements should be avoided. Biotin supplements, recommended by the Mayo Clinic, can also help strengthen nails.
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Treatments include nail strengtheners and vitamins
If you're experiencing issues with your nails growing in layers, there are treatments you can try to improve their health and appearance. One option is to use nail strengtheners, which can help fortify your nails and promote growth. These products often contain ingredients like keratin, wheat protein, calcium, and other nutrients that reinforce the nail structure. Some popular nail-strengthening products include ORLY Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment, which can be applied once a week, and the keratin-based Lights Lacquer Magic Strengthener, which provides a high-shine finish.
Another approach is to focus on nail-friendly vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9), for instance, are crucial for nail health as they aid in red blood cell production and oxygen transport to nail cells. A deficiency in these vitamins can lead to nail discolouration and brittleness. Iron is another essential mineral for nail health, as it helps carry oxygen to your nail cells, and a deficiency can cause vertical ridges or concavity in your nails. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial, as they reduce inflammation in the nail bed and promote cell health.
You can obtain these vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet. For instance, vitamin B12 is found in animal foods like beef, chicken, fish, and eggs, while folate is abundant in dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and nuts. Iron can be sourced from both animal foods and plant-based sources like dark green leafy vegetables, peanuts, and seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids are plentiful in fatty fish like salmon and walnuts.
In addition to external treatments and dietary adjustments, it's important to practice good nail care habits. This includes keeping your nails moisturized and minimizing prolonged exposure to water, as excessive hydration can dry out your nails and lead to peeling.
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Yellow nails may indicate a fungal infection
Yellow nails are often the result of wearing dark nail polish for extended periods without a proper base coat. Typically, the yellow tinge will disappear within a few days of removing the nail polish. However, if the yellow tone persists for a week or longer, or if it is accompanied by redness, tenderness, or swelling of the nails, it may be indicative of a fungal infection.
Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, are caused by dermatophytes, a type of mold that thrives in warm, moist, and dark environments. These fungi can infect the nail, causing it to become discoloured, thickened, distorted, and brittle. In some cases, fungal nail infections can lead to more serious complications, such as cellulitis, a dangerous infection that requires prompt medical attention.
Fungal nail infections are often challenging to treat and usually require oral antifungal medications prescribed by a dermatologist or healthcare provider. In severe cases, badly infected nails may need to be removed through a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia. To prevent fungal nail infections, it is important to maintain good nail hygiene, avoid walking barefoot in communal areas, and refrain from sharing nail care tools with others.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and ensuring proper nail care can help prevent nail discolouration and other abnormalities. Nails that are healthy will have a smooth nail bed without ridges and grooves, and a light pink underlying flesh tone free of spots or discolouration. While ridges are a natural part of ageing, excessive or prominent ridges may indicate extreme stress. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also contribute to overall nail health.
If you notice persistent nail discolouration or other abnormalities, it is important to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide guidance on improving nail health and overall well-being.
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