Brittle fingernails are a nuisance because they tend to break or peel, leaving the hands looking unsightly. The protein layers that make up the nail determine the strength and thickness. Some people are genetically predisposed to thinner, more brittle nails, which break before they have a chance to grow out. Whether you have thick or thin nails, keep them healthy by protecting them with gloves when performing household tasks or anything that may compromise their structure. Brittle nails may be caused by several factors.
External Injury or Damage
If your nails don't look healthy and strong, the cause may be external injury or damage. A crushing blow to the nail or nail bed can cause the nail to split or break off. Picking at the nails or skin around it will also cause it to split and become brittle. If you wear nail polish, resist the urge to peel it off because it will likely take off a layer of the nail, weakening the structure.
Extreme Dryness
As people get older, their skin, hair and nails tend to dry out. Other factors that may cause dry nails are low humidity, electric or gas heaters, washing the hands frequently, immersing the hands often in a drying detergent, or hot showers and baths. During the winter months when you must use a heater, station some air humidifiers around the house to help prevent the air from becoming so dry your nails will crack. An article on the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website recommends wearing gloves when performing household tasks that involve getting your hands wet. After washing your hands or taking a shower, replenish some of the moisture by slathering on some hand lotion, covering the nails and nail beds.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Proper nutrition is essential to good nail health. Not getting enough of all of the nutrients--including vitamin A, the B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin D--may cause fragile nails that tend to split or break. All vitamins work to help form the protein layers of the nails. If a nutritional deficiency is the cause of dry, brittle nails--which may be the first sign that there's a problem--you may later have other health disorders and infections. Eat plenty of fish, broccoli, whole grains and calcium rich foods.
Nail Diseases
The University of Maryland Medical Center website lists several diseases that may cause the nails to become brittle. Some of them may include kidney disease, liver disease, psoriasis, hyperthyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
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