Onychorrhexis (brittle nails)

If you’ve ever had weak or peeling nails, chances are you’re dealing with brittle nails too. This makes the growing out process incredibly slow, not to mention puts a major damper on a fresh-looking manicure. In my own frustration, I decided to do a little research on what my nails are trying to tell me and how to nip the problem in the bud for good. If this sounds like something you’re dealing with too, keep reading. I found three problem areas and their corresponding solutions. Here’s what I learned about brittle nails…

Everyone strives to have beautiful nails, but brittle nails can spoil the beauty. Weak and brittle nails that can easily become cracked or chipped are a common problem affecting both men and women. There are three main factors that cause brittle nails – aging, long-term use of nail polish and frequent exposure to water.

Brittle nails can also be associated with some diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, lung conditions, psoriasis, lichen planus, alopecia areata, eczema, anemia, fungal infection, and endocrine disorders.

While nail abnormalities can often be linked to illness, brittle nails often arise from purely cosmetic causes, such as long-term nail polish use, washing too much and exposure to harsh soap and detergent. Repeated wetting and drying makes nails expand and shrink, which leads to the brittle nails. Brittle nails can result from either being too dry or from overexposure to moisture. When nails become brittle due to too much moisture, nails can become soft and may peel.

Splitting of fingernails or brittleness is termed as onychoschizia. Aging and certain diseases related to nail often lead to brittle nails. Brittleness of nails in teenagers is mostly caused by applying and removing the nail polish very frequently. This makes the nails lose its natural moisture content. Malnutrition or an underlying medical condition may also result in brittle nails. Brittle nails become tender and break easily.

Causes

Aging is the main cause for the nails to become dry and brittle. The nails of the older people tend to become very hard and brittle. Cracked and split nails cause lot of discomfort while carrying out daily activities. Ill health can cause nail deficiencies such as infections and bleeding. Skin diseases such psoriasis can affect the texture of the nails.

Risk factor

The factors that lead to the brittleness of the nails are:

1.Prolonged exposure to dry weather

2. Exposure to harsh chemicals

3. Hypothyroidism

4. Frequent use of harmful detergents

5. Nutritional deficiency (biotin and calcium)

Symptoms

Many medical conditions can affect the shape or texture of the fingernails. Brittleness of the nails, meaning that the nails easily become cracked, chipped, split, or peeled, can be observed as a sign of aging or in response to the long-term use of nail polish or exposure to moist conditions (including frequent swimming or dishwashing). Some diseases are also associated with changes in the nails, which can include brittleness. Thin and brittle nails can be a sign of hypothyroidism, for example. The term onychoschizia refers to splitting of the fingernails as well as brittle or soft nails. Taking biotin (a vitamin) supplements can help in some cases of brittle nails, and application of moisturizers after soaking in water can also be of benefit.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the brittle nails doctor performs a physical examination of nails and reviews the medical history of the patient. The doctor prescribes further tests to diagnose or rule out any other condition that may cause brittle nails

Treatment

There is definitely similarity and overlap between conventional treatment and natural treatment for brittle nails. As long as there is no underlying medical reason (such as a thyroid issue), the most common conventional prevention and treatment for brittle nails is reducing exposure to water and irritants and moisturizing the nails and hands on a regular basis. Also, wearing protective gloves when the nails must be exposed to water for lengthy periods of time can help protect nails.