If your nails are brittle and crumbling, your nails may break before they reach your desired length. Instead of giving up and applying acrylics over your short, brittle nails, determine the cause of your problem to get long, natural nails. Consult a doctor before using home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) treatments to strengthen or moisturize your nails.
Hyperthyroidism
According to MedlinePlus, low levels of the thyroid hormone may be causing your dry, brittle nails. If you have hyperthyroidism, your body does not make enough of the thyroid hormone, which is released by the thyroid gland in the back of your neck. Other symptoms include dry skin and brittle hair. If you are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, your doctor may prescribe a prescription medication, like levothyroxine, to increase the thyroid levels in your body.
Nail Fungus
Nail fungus may cause your nails to turn yellow, dry and crumbly, notes MayoClinic.com. You may get nail fungus by showering barefoot or walking barefoot in a public area, like a swimming pool or the gym locker room. Use OTC antifungal treatments to cure nail fungus at home, or consult a doctor for prescription antifungal medication, like itraconazole.
Age
As you age, your nails may become more brittle and dry, according to Elizabeth Abel, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine in the book, "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Moisturize your nails with petroleum jelly a few times a day to hold in moisture and keep nails from breaking, says Abel.
Exposure to Chemicals
Nails may become brittle when they are frequently exposed to household cleaners, like dishwashing detergent or bleach, notes Abel. Wear rubber gloves when you clean with harsh chemicals or detergents to protect your nails and keep them strong. Moisturize your nails every time you wash your hands to keep nails from drying out.
Nail Polish Remover
Most nail polish removers contain acetone, a harsh chemical that may dry out nails and make them brittle. Some nail products also contain formaldehyde, which can dry out nails, says Marianne O'Donoghue, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Avoid nail polish removers that contain these ingredients. Opt instead for acetone-free nail polish removers.
References
- MedlinePlus: Hyperthyroidism
- MayoClinic.com: Nail Fungus
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Deborah Tkac; 1990
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