According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, illness, injury or disease may cause brittle nails. However, brittle nails may simply be attributed to aging or bad habits. If your nails peel or chip easily, ensure that you take the proper steps to care for them and recognize signs that point to a more serious condition.
Stopping Bad Nail Habits
MayoClinic.com advises against using your fingernails in a utilitarian manner. Don't dig, peel, pick at or scratch surfaces that might damage your nails. The Los Angeles Chronicle reports that biting nails and using nail polish remover also weaken nails. Avoid both of these practices to allow your nails to grow stronger. In addition, file your nails with an emery board, as opposed to a metal one. To avoid tearing and damaging nails, always file in one direction rather than back and forth.
Take Supplements to Improve Nail Health
Certain vitamins and supplements may help nails become stronger and more flexible, particularly if your body is lacking these supplements. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that vitamin H, often called biotin, is a B-complex vitamin that can help with brittle nails and other conditions, such as hair loss. You can take a biotin supplement or eat foods with this vitamin, such as nuts, whole grains, mushrooms and bananas. If you are iron deficient, taking an iron supplement may also improve your nail health. Ask your doctor to perform blood work that will help determine if you have any vitamin deficiencies.
Recognize Signs of Disease or a Medical Condition
Seek medical attention if your nails become thick and discolored, or you feel pain in your nails and have red streaks on the nail skin. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, these can all be symptoms of infections that, if left untreated, could lead to losing a nail or worse. If you are taking steps to improve the health of your nails but they remain brittle, contact your physician. Nails that do not improve may point to other disorders, such as kidney, liver or thyroid disease.
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