Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Your nails are more than just something pretty or decorative to look at. Did you know that our nails can tell us a lot about our health and issues that may be going on inside our bodies?
Peeling, brittle nails are a common complaint. If your nails are brittle, don’t grow long and tend to peel (a condition called onychoschizia), you don’t have to suffer and live with it. There are many things you can do to improve your peeling and brittle nails.
Your nails are composed of layers of a protein called keratin. It’s the same type of protein that makes up your hair. It takes about 6 months for a new fingernail to completely grow out, so changes that you make now will take some time to show their benefit!
Causes of Brittle Nails
If you have peeling and brittle nails, it may be due to things you’re doing and things that you’re exposed to. Or, your nail issues may be caused by an internal health problem.
Internal Causes
- Low iron and iron deficiency anemia
- Thyroid problems
- Dehydration
- Underlying organ problems (lung, kidney, etc…)
External Causes
- Excessive hand washing
- Not wearing gloves with dishes and housework
- Harsh hand cleansers/sanitizers
- Peeling off nail polish with your fingers (instead of using polish remover)
- Wearing gel or acrylic nails
- Certain chemical exposures
- Trauma – Using your nails to open things, etc…
Treatment
If you’re having problems with your nails, especially if it’s a new issue for you, it’s always a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor. A lot of common symptoms from conditions like anemia and thyroid problems are often chalked up to ‘working too hard’ or being ‘tired and stressed.’ It’s important to see your doctor and have an examination and blood work. Your doctor will be able to find out if your peeling and brittle nails are being caused by an underlying medical issue.
11 Tips to Strengthen Nails
1. Take a biotin supplement
Scientific studies have shown that biotin can improve the hardness and thickness of nails and improve brittle nails! There are many types of biotin supplements out there.
Biotin supplements are not for everyone. Check with your doctor before starting a biotin supplement. Also, you should know that taking biotin has been associated with some health issues and can actually interfere with some important blood test results.
2. Eat biotin and iron rich foods
Biotin rich foods include cooked egg, nuts and seeds and cauliflower. Learn more about how to eat your biotin here. Iron rich foods include spinach, beef or chicken liver, peas, beans, red meat and pumpkin seeds.
3. Hydrate
Be sure to drink adequate amounts of water. For many people, the right amount is between 6-8 eight ounce glasses of water a day. But that number is variable depending on your body and your activity. Here is some great information from the Familydoctor.org on staying hydrated.
4. Don’t peel off nail polish
Peeling off your nail polish can cause peeling and brittle nails. When it’s time to remove your polish, use a gentle acetone free polish remover.
5. Moisturize your nails.
Massaging your nails and cuticle with castor oil, coconut oil or argan oil can help to improve the texture and smoothness of your nails. You can apply a small amount with a dropper, like this castor oil, and massage it into your nail and cuticle once or twice daily.
6. Be careful with acrylic or gel nails
Acrylic and gel nails can cause your nails to peel and be weaker. Be cautious with getting these, and be sure to give your nails a break from time to time if you like to wear them! Also, the UV light used with gel nails can be a risk factor for developing skin cancer.
7. Don’t use your nails to open stuff!
Don’t rely on your nails to open pop cans and other items. Use your fingertips or something else instead! Using your nails to open things will weaken them and can cause peeling, brittle nails.
8. Wear rubber gloves with housework
Exposing your nails to hot, soapy chemical-laden detergents can wreak havoc on your nails, causing them to be dry and brittle. Be sure to wear protective gloves if you’ve got to do housework. Your skin will thank you too!
9. Avoid drying products
Hand sanitizers and similar products can dry out your skin and nails, setting you up for dry, peeling and brittle nails. If you have a profession that requires you to wash or sanitize often, consider incorporating nightly cuticle oil like this one from Sally Hansen to help restore your nails and make them more supple
10 File your nails correctly
File your nails in one direction only (not back and forth). Also, gently round the edges. Keeping them on the shorter side can help too, since they’re less likely to get snagged and torn.
11. Talk to your doctor.
Nail changes can sometimes indicate a serious underlying condition. It’s best to make sure you’ve got a clean bill of health. Also, you shouldn’t be taking vitamins and supplements without running this by your doctor first. All medicines, even supplements, can have side effects.
