If your nails frequently are thin and weak or break, crack, split or peel easily, the University of Michigan Health Systems explains that you may have a condition known as brittle nails. While medical problems such as lung conditions, infection and inflammation sometimes have a link to brittle nails, some instances seem to have no underlying cause. With the help of a licensed physician and a few self-help remedies, overcoming brittle nail conditions is possible.
Step 1
Maintain your nails. Clipping and filing your nails on a regular basis and keeping them well groomed can help keep your nails healthy and supple.
Step 2
Wear rubber gloves whenever you are washing dishes or using cleaning products. Continuous exposure to water and cleaning chemicals can cause your nails to become brittle or exacerbate the condition.
Step 3
Apply a biotin lotion to your hands and nails regularly. Follow the label instructions on the lotion for best results. Most people with brittle nails benefit from applying a biotin lotion several times a day.
Step 4
Try a vitamin supplement. Taken in tablet form, biotin and glucosamine sulfate may help to improve brittle nail conditions. Check the package labels for dosage amounts.
Step 5
Visit your doctor if your brittle nail condition does not resolve. Your doctor will check your nails and possibly perform a few diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your brittle nails. If he suspects a medical condition, he will offer treatment options.
Tips and Warnings
- Texas Trade and Industrial Education recommends a weekly manicure with polish as a self-help solution for brittle nails.
- Check with your doctor before taking supplements for brittle nails. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that biotin supplementation has the potential for side effects.
Things You'll Need
- Nail clipper
- Nail file
- Rubber gloves
- Biotin lotion
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