Brittle & Peeling Fingernails

Brittle and peeling fingernails, a common medical condition, may result from external or environmental factors, or an internal medical condition. More than 20 percent of people experience brittle nails at some point in their lives, according to the EBSCO Health Library, although women are more likely to develop this problem than men. Proper nail care and overall health care can typically prevent brittle and peeling nails, but only a doctor can safely diagnose the cause of the condition once it appears.

Symptoms

Damaged fingernails can be identified by several symptoms. The nails become weak and thin, grow more slowly than healthy, normal nails, and break more easily. Brittle nails most commonly break or peel off in horizontal layers from the nail's free end. In some cases, the nails split vertically, but this occurs much less frequently. Either way, the most prominent symptom of brittle and peeling fingernails is a faulty nail structure. The fingernail consists of six parts: the nail root, nail bed, nail plate, cuticle, skin that overlies the nail plate, and the junction between the nail and the skin. The structure is considered faulty when any of these parts sustains excessive damage or does not receive adequate nutrients to function properly.

Causes

Trauma to the nails, such as excessive wetting and drying, exposure to harsh detergents or solvents, and the frequent use of nail polish remover, may cause brittle and peeling fingernails. In rare cases, an underlying medical condition may cause brittle nails. Raynaud's disease, a condition that causes inadequate blood circulation to the fingers and toes, can cause brittle, peeling nails. Hypothyroidism, tuberculosis, psoriasis, endocrine problems, immune system disorders, lung disorders, and some prescription medications may cause nails to peel and become brittle. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some cases of brittle nails result from malnutrition, particularly a lack of iron or zinc, or the natural aging process.

Treatments

Biotin, a B vitamin known to strengthen animal hooves, may also strengthen brittle and peeling fingernails. A study performed by the Department of Dermatology at Columbia University, and published in 1993 in the medical journal "Cutis," found that patients taking a daily biotin supplement experienced a 25 percent increase in nail plate thickness over a period of six months. Other suggested treatments for brittle nails include eating gelatin, taking glucosamine sulfate or silicon supplements, and soaking the nails in a tea made from horsetail, an herb that contains natural silicon. Further studies are required to prove the effectiveness of such treatments, however. Treating the underlying condition, or changing the offending medication where necessary, may also provide relief.

Prevention

Keeping the nails dry, practicing good nail hygiene, avoiding harsh nail care products, and repairing split fingernails quickly will help prevent brittle and peeling fingernails, according to the Mayo Clinic. Individuals prone to brittle nails should wear gloves when exposure to water or chemicals is necessary, keep nails trimmed, avoid nail polish removers that contain acetone, and repair splits or tears with nail glue as soon as possible.

Warning

Because of the many possible causes of brittle and peeling fingernails, sufferers should consult a qualified health care provider to rule out treatable medical conditions before trying nutritional or herbal treatments. If a doctor cannot find a serious medical cause for your brittle nails, you can then consider nutritional supplements or home remedies to improve nail health. Always talk to a doctor before taking any herb or supplement, especially if you currently take prescription medications, as side effects or interactions could occur.