Brittle Nails

Also known as Onychorrhexis, brittle nails are a common disorder in which the nails peel and break easily and grow slowly. Up to 20% of the population may suffer from brittle nails at some time in their life. Some people are more prone to brittle nails & it is thought in part that genetics can be a determining factor. Nails may become more brittle as we age.

It is always a good idea to seek advice from your doctor to find out if there is an underlying medical condition causing your nails to become brittle & dry.

Symptoms of brittle nails:

Peeling, breaking and splitting along the nail tip.

Nails are slow to grow.

Causes of brittle nails:

The main cause of brittle nails is dryness, this is more common in the winter months where the air is dry. Other causes include;

Frequent hand washing & exposure to detergents & chemicals on the hands & nails.

Vitamin or mineral deficiency (zinc, iron, calcium).

Frequent use of nail polish removers.

Certain medical conditions (hypothyroidism, Raynaud's syndrome, nail fungus, psoriasis, anorexia & bulimia to name a few).

How to treat brittle nails:

Ensure you eat an adequate diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

Always wear rubber gloves when washing dishes etc.

Regularly use a mosturiser on the hands and nails. When applying, massage into the nail as this helps to stimulate blood flow to the area.

Don't use your nails as tools to remove staples, peel off labels etc.

Don't peel off nail polish, this damages the nail.

When filing nails, always use an emery board & file in the same direction. Do not use a sawing motion.

Don't bite your nails.

Don't tap your nails on the table, desk etc. This weakens them.

Avoid frequent use of nail polish and nail polish removers.

Biotin (also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7) is part of the vitamin B complex and is excellent for nail health. It  can be found in yeast, liver, egg yolk, or taken as a supplement.

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctor visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate medical advice for any problems.

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.