Your fingernails can tell you a lot about your overall health. Problems and abnormalities with your nails, such as discoloration and brittleness, can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or health issue. If you have problems with your nails that do not go away on their own, talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Identification
Brittle nails are usually dry, and may feel or appear rough. Normal, healthy nails are smooth and rounded, while brittle nails may have uneven vertical ridges or other bumps over their surface. Your nails may chip or break easily, often resulting in an uneven, jagged appearance at the end of the nail. Brittleness can affect fingernails and toenails.
Causes
Nails naturally dry out, and ridges become more noticeable as you age. So in some cases, brittleness is simply a sign of aging. Exposure to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products, can damage your nails, causing them to break and split easily. An underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid or liver problem, can also be responsible for brittle nails. Malnutrition or low levels of zinc or iron can also be to blame.
Treatment
Keep your nails trimmed short if you have problems with brittleness. Because brittle nails are more likely to split and fracture, MayoClinic.com recommends trimming them after a bath or shower. Apply a thick moisturizer over your hands and nails to keep them hydrated. Petroleum jelly and hand lotions that contain urea help seal moisture into your nails to keep them pliable, explains Phoebe Rich, M.D. Nail hardeners and polishes can help protect your nails and lock in moisture, but avoid products that contain toluene sulfonamide or formaldehyde, as they can irritate your skin. Taking 2.5mg of biotin as a daily supplement may help harden your nails, according to MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
If you find your nails are excessively brittle and they have not recently been exposed to harsh chemicals or excessive moisture, talk to your dermatologist or doctor. While you can improve your nails' appearance and strength by taking proper care of your hands and feet, it is important for your doctor to make sure your nail problems are not a symptom of a medical condition. Always have a doctor examine brittle toenails, particularly if you are diabetic.
Prevention
Taking proper care of your nails can help prevent brittleness and other nail abnormalities. Wear gloves to protect your hands and nails when you clean or use harsh chemicals. Avoid excessive hand washing, and limit the amount of time you allow your hands to sit in water, recommends Dr. Rich. Use mild soaps free of alcohol, and avoid lotions and hand sanitizers that contain alcohol, which can be overly drying. Dry your hands well after washing to prevent excess moisture from damaging your nails.
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