Brittle Nails - Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction:

Nails are made of keratin, protecting the fingers and toes. Brittle nails are the most common problem. Brittle nails are also called onychoschizia. The term onychoschizia is used to describe splitting, brittle, and thin or soft nails. It is observed that brittle nails are more common in women in comparison to men. Most experience brittle nails due to vitamin deficiency, especially iron deficiency. Frequent wetting and drying of the fingernails are significant causes of dry and brittle nails. Daily filing of nails helps prevent nail breakage.

What Are Brittle Nails?

Brittle nails, also called onychoschizia, refers to the phenomenon of brittle or splitting, soft or thin nails. Brittle nails are a commonly observed condition. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology AOCD maintains that brittle nails are more common in females than males. Brittle nails can be due to underlying medical conditions and some external factors. They are classified into two types: dry and soft, brittle nails. Dry, brittle nails are due to lack of moisture, and weak, brittle nails are due to the excessive humidity of nails.

What Are the Causes of Brittle Nails?

Brittle nails may result due to various factors. External factors and medical conditions can present brittle nails as a symptom. Dry, brittle nails result from a lack of moisture in the nails in conditions like hot weather, causing a lack of hydration, whereas soft, brittle nails are due to excessive moisture. Constant wetting of nails under water and unreasonable moisturizer application can result in brittle nails. Various causes of brittle nails are mentioned below:

• Excessive moisture on nails includes chemical products like nail polish remover containing acetone.

• Lack of moisture in nails during hot weather conditions.

• Excessive wetting and drying of the nails in certain activities like handwashing, dishwashing, and swimming.

• Age is a factor. Brittle nails are common in older people.

• Iron deficiency decreases the body's iron content, resulting in concave and depressed nails. Brittle nails are common in people with anemia.

• Hypothyroidism symptoms include dry hair, fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, and brittle nails.

• Raynaud's syndrome is a condition causing impaired blood circulation to the extremities and the nail affecting nail health and causing brittle nails.

What Are the Symptoms of Brittle Nails?

Nails and other body parts like skin, hair, sweat, and oil glands significantly regulate body temperature. Nails also prevent excessive moisture loss from the body.

The various signs and symptoms of brittle nails are mentioned below.

• Rough, surfaced nails.

• Pitted nails.

• Weak nails.

• Chipped nails.

• Torn nails.

• The nails appear very dry.

• Discoloration of nails.

• Due to medical conditions, brittle nails can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Associated symptoms also include loss of hair and mood swings.

What Is the Treatment for Brittle Nails?

Brittle nails caused due to a medical condition requiring the underlying medical conditions to be treated. There is no specific treatment for brittle nails. Supplements of iron are used in case of iron deficiency anemia. Calcium channel blockers, including Amlodipine or Nifedipine, Losartan, Fluoxetine, and Sildenafil, are prescribed for Raynaud syndrome. In the case of hypothyroidism, a synthetic thyroid hormone called Levothyroxine is administered orally.

The treatment measures for brittle nails are mentioned below:

• Use a nail straightener or hardener to strengthen the nails.

• Due to lack of moisture, brittle nails can be treated with moisturizers like lanolin and alpha hydroxy acids.

• Lanolin-rich nail conditioner can treat dry, brittle nails.

• Pedicures and manicures provide nail rejuvenation and skin promotion.

• Oral supplements of iron can be administered.

• Biotin supplements of 2.5 mg can be taken daily to reduce nail brittleness.

• Other supplements include selenium, vitamin B complex, probiotics, and a sugar-free or gluten-free diet.

• Acupuncture to improve blood circulation.

• Biofeedback.

• To treat the Raynaud phenomenon, deep breathing and other relaxation exercises can be done.

How Do I Prevent Brittle Nails?

As mentioned below, some preventive measures can be followed to avoid nail problems like splitting, brittleness, and other nail-related problems.

• Moisturizers and lanolin-rich nail conditioners can be used.

• Application of moisturizers in the form of lotions and cream directly to the nails after handwashing, dishwashing, and other activities.

• Always keep the nail hydrated by applying moisturizer before going to sleep.

• Nails can be protected with gloves while doing household chores and in cold weather conditions.

• Wearing gloves while dealing with chemicals and detergents will reduce brittle nails.

• Always care for the nails by regular trimming.

• Filing the irregularities will prevent the breakage of nails.

• Biting the nails should be avoided.

• Avoid acetone-containing nail polish remover.

• In case of any severe symptoms, visit the dermatologist without any delay.

What Are the Home Remedies for Healthy Nails?

Nails should be kept clean and healthy. A daily nail routine must be followed. A nutritious diet with essential vitamins and minerals will strengthen nails. Some of the home remedies to maintain healthy nails are given below.

• Lemon juice and olive oil soak naturally strengthen the damaged nails.

• Sea salt soak.

• Coconut oil massage.

• Cider vinegar can be applied to the nails.

• Vitamin E-containing oil massage.

• Tea tree oil drops to remove fungus growth on the nails effectively.

• Lemon juice wipe.

• Diet must include beans, spinach, dry fruits, iron-fortified cereals, and peas.

• Biotin-rich foods like egg yolk, dairy products, salmon, avocado, nuts, and sweet potatoes can be taken regularly.

• Eating oranges and citrus fruits will increase the iron absorption rate.

• Proteins from meat, legumes, and plants must be taken.

• Vitamin C-enriched citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwi can be taken to strengthen the nails.

Conclusion:

Brittle nails are a common nail problem mainly observed among females. Brittle nails are of two types dry brittle nails and soft, brittle nails. Excessive moisture and lack of enough humidity can result in brittle nails. Other medical conditions like iron deficiency anemia and Raynaud's phenomenon can also cause brittle nails. There is no specific treatment for brittle nails; however, the underlying systemic conditions will require medical care. A nutritional diet containing essential vitamins, minerals, and other preventive steps can be followed to reduce and avoid brittle nails.