Onychoschizia, typically experienced by women, is the medical term used to describe nails that are weak and brittle. Brittle, weak nails can be the result of a medical condition or dietary deficiency, says the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. However, most frequently, onychoschizia is caused by your nails repeatedly getting wet and dry, so it's common among house cleaners, nurses and doctors, for example. It can also be caused by overuse of nail cosmetics and chemicals. Weak nails can get stronger with preventive strategies and at-home treatments.
Step 1
Keep weak nails trimmed short. According to MayoClinic.Com, regular trimmings using manicure scissors are important to your nails, regardless of their health. For best results, trim your nails post-bath or after soaking fingertips in baby oil for 15 minutes. Buff away sharp edges with an emery board, and round the tips into a slight curve. Finally, rub lotion into your nails. The AOCD recommends choosing a product that contains lanolin or alpha hydroxy acids.
Step 2
Don cotton-lined rubber gloves before performing household chores such as mopping, washing dishes and scrubbing down the bathroom. Not only does this protect nails and hands from harsh, damaging chemicals in cleaning agents, it keeps your nails dry.
Step 3
Read labels on nail products carefully. Certain ingredients dry out your nails, and can be irritating to the skin. Choose nail hardeners that don't contain toluene sulfonamide or formaldehyde and non-acetane polish removers, advises MayoClinic.Com. Nail polish with nylon fibers can make nails stronger and hardier, says the AOCD.
Step 4
Don't overuse nail polish remover. Weak nails can benefit from use of a nail hardener or single coating of nail polish, but limit use of polish remover to once a week, advises MayoClinic.Com. Always moisturize your nails with lotion after using nail polish remover.
Step 5
Eat a healthy diet, but don't rely on vitamins or special diets or foods to improve your nail quality. The MayoClinic and AOCD state that taking a biotin supplement may be beneficial. However, it may take up to six months before you notice results, and this supplement does not work for all people, says the AOCD.
Tips and Warnings
- Moisturize weak nails and cuticles routinely, especially after your hands have been in water, advises MayoClinic.Com.
- Noticeable changes in your nails may indicate a medical condition that requires treatment. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests contacting your treating physician if your nail color and shape changes; if you notice pits or ridges in your nails; if nails present with black or white lines; or if the skin around a nail is swollen and painful.
Things You'll Need
- Manicure scissors
- Emery board, fine-textured
- Cotton-lined rubber gloves
- Lotion that contains either alpha hydroxy acids or lanolin
- Biotin supplements
- Nail hardener, nail polish and/or polish remover (optional)
- Baby oil (optional)
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