What Are The Causes Of Dry, Brittle Nails?

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology states that up to 20 percent of the population suffers from dry, brittle nails, or brittle nail syndrome. The problem is more common in women and can cause difficulty if you experience pain or if the condition interferes with your ability to work. A dermatologist can help identify the cause of dry, brittle nails and ensure the treatment you receive is effective.

Water

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, you can determine if the cause of your dry, brittle nails is environmental by comparing the health of your fingernails to your toenails. If your fingernails are dry and brittle but your toenails are strong and healthy, the brittleness is probably caused by an external factor.
The College also notes that the most common external cause is prolonged exposure to water, or repeated wetting and drying of the hands. The occurrence of brittle nails can increase in the winter or in dry climates, where less humidity is available in the air. Wearing gloves while working with water can help prevent dry, brittle nails, as can applying lotion containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids to help the nails retain moisture.

Chemicals

People who work with chemicals on a regular basis can suffer from dry, brittle nails, including hair dressers, those in the construction industry and people who work with harsh cleansers. Chemicals can dry the nails and the nail bed, and without repeated efforts to restore this lost moisture, the nails can split, flake and break. Using a lotion containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids on the nails helps restore moisture, and wearing gloves protects the nails from the drying effects of chemicals.

Aging

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration states that nails may become brittle or dry as the flow of moisture and oils to the nail bed decreases with age. Topical application of a lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid-based lotion may alleviate the dryness.

Nail Polish Remover

According to the Georgia Department of Community Health, nail polish removers can increase problems with dry, brittle nails. The Department recommends limiting the use of nail polish remover to twice a month, and instead of removing nail polish more frequently, touching up chips when needed.

Illness

According to Medline Plus, brittle nails can indicate that you have a problem with your thyroid gland. The thyroid produces hormones that control your body's metabolism, and an imbalance in thyroid activity can negatively impact non-essential functions in the body such as the health of your fingernails. Thyroid problems can be treated with medication, so speak to your doctor if your nails become dry and brittle with no other apparent cause.