Brittle Nails
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Nails often get brittler as a person gets older. Brittle nails are more prone to damage, such as splitting or peeling. This condition is also called onychoschizia.
Brittle nails are often a typical part of aging. However, there are also several products and health conditions that can damage and weaken your nails. Learn more about brittle nails, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
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Brittle nails affect up to 20% of the population. They are more common among women and people over 50 years old.
Symptoms of Brittle Nails
Brittle nails are typically thin, weak, and fragile. You might notice that it’s easier for them to split, bend, break, chip, tear, crack, or peel. They can be either dry or soft, and they may look “worn down.”
When your nails become brittle, it might take longer for them to grow and heal. Brittle nails also sometimes accompany other signs of nail problems, such as discoloration, pits, jagged edges, or a rough surface.
Nails are made out of a protein called keratin, which also helps to form our hair and the outermost layer of our skin.
Causes of Brittle Nails
In many cases, nails naturally become more brittle as we age. However, this is sometimes an indication of an underlying problem affecting your nail health.
Other possible causes of brittle nails include:
Exposure to too much or too little moisture (through excessive hand-washing and drying or living in a humid environment)
Damage from detergents and other cleaning products
Raynaud’s syndrome, which causes a lack of blood flow to the fingers and toes
Nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia and low zinc
Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy
Using certain cosmetic products, such as gel nails and nail polish remover
Fungal infections
Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, such as alopecia
Direct trauma to the nail
How to Treat Brittle Nails
There are several ways you can protect your nails against getting brittle and less healthy over time. These steps include:
Shaping and filing your nails on a regular basis
Buffing your nails in the same direction as their natural growth
Avoiding metal nail care instruments
Wearing protective gloves when doing household chores
Applying lotions that contain lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids to your nails
Taking a biotin supplement every day (a type of vitamin B that promotes nail, skin, and hair health)
Using nail polish and nail polish remover less often, or choosing nail polish that contains nylon fibers
Avoiding gel nails
Eating foods rich in protein, iron, and zinc
Applying a nail hardener regularly
If your brittle nails are caused by another health problem, such as hypothyroidism, treating that condition directly will most likely improve the appearance and strength of your nails. Follow the advice of a healthcare provider correct any vitamin deficiencies or other problems that could be affecting your nails and/or skin.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
On their own, brittle nails typically aren’t a sign of a serious health condition. If your symptoms are bothering you, a board-certified dermatologist can help to advise you about how to improve your nail health.
However, you should see a healthcare provider if your brittle nails are accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness or fatigue. This can be a sign that your nail problems are due to an underlying condition like iron deficiency anemia.
Summary
If you notice that your nails are getting brittle and weak or are starting to break more easily, you’re not alone. Brittle nails are a common problem associated with normal aging.
In some cases, your nails may be brittle because of another health condition–such as anemia, a zinc deficiency, Raynaud’s syndrome, or a thyroid disorder–or exposure to either too much or too little moisture. Frequent exposure to cleaning products and excessive hand-washing can also weaken your nails over time.
You can protect your nails by shaping and filing them regularly, applying lotion, taking biotin supplements, and wearing gloves while doing household chores. A dermatologist can advise you on ideal nail care tips. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think your nails may be brittle because of another health concern.
