Cracked, brittle nails can have a lot to do with your overall health and nutrition. Low levels of certain key vitamins and minerals in the body can contribute to nail problems. Other factors include heredity, which plays a role in nail strength...
Cold weather, harsh chemicals and rough work can all take a toll on your hands. Broken nails are a nuisance, but cracked, dry skin around your fingernails can be painful. Hand creams may make them feel a little better, but removing deep cracks...
Whether you enclose them in socks and shoes all day or spend a lot of time barefoot, your toenails are exposed to conditions that put them at risk for damage. One risks is a fungal infection, or onychomycosis, which can cause yellow, brittle...
Nutritional deficiencies can cause a multitude of symptoms, including changes in the health and appearance of your fingernails. Cracks in your fingernails may occur due to environmental conditions or can appear in response to an inadequate...
If your nails split and crack before reaching your desired length, weak nails aren't always the problem. In some cases, nails may split or crack due to cold, dry weather or harsh detergents like dish soap. Sometimes, cracked, splitting nails may...
Strong, healthy fingernails are an important fashion accessory for many women. Brittle, dry, cracked nails are unattractive and can make everyday activities such as typing more challenging. Healthy nails should be smooth and consistent in color,...
Brittle, splitting and cracked nails are signs your nails are dry and possibly in contact with irritating substances, says the website Nail Doctors. Dry, brittle nails also may reveal a low supply of zinc, iron or possible thyroid problems....
Approximately one in five people has brittle nails, also known as onychoschizia, according to Robert Rister, author of "Healing Without Medication." Symptoms include peeling of the fingernails in horizontal layers, starting at the fingertips, as...
Cuticle oil is used to moisturize the cuticle, skin and nail area. It can protect the cuticle and nail against damage and improve the health and appearance of the cuticles and nails. Cuticle oil should not be used as a first-line of defense...
According to Kids Health, hair and nails are actually a type of modified skin, which is the largest organ in the human body. Nails help protect the ends of toes and fingers, while hair can help keep a person warm because of its insulating...
Fingernails are made up of proteins called keratin. The nails protect the nerves on your fingertips and toes. In addition, the appearance of your nails help reveal how well you are processing vital nutrients, and whether you are receiving enough....
We need Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, to process the calories out of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It helps metabolize fats in our body. Our bodies need riboflavin to promote healthy cell growth and to keep our red cell production on target. It...
Damaged nails are usually the cause of harsh treatment. Whether you've used your nails to pick at something hard, worn acrylic nails for too long and weakened them, or simply ignore nail care, you can end up with cracked, peeling nails that are...
Toenail or fingernail fungus forms when the fungus enters through a crack in the nail. Nail infections are often spread in swimming pools and locker rooms. The toenails are more commonly affected; the nail will look thickened and discolored....
Brittle nails can be dry, cracked or split, and cause discomfort. The state of your nails may be a sign of poor diet, over-worked or over-washed hands, or the products that you use for your hands and nails on a regular basis. There are however,...
Fingernail fungus occurs when fungi or bacteria enter the nail bed. This can occur either through a crack or break in the cuticles or nail plate, or it could be the result of bacteria inside the body. Fingernail fungus is characterized by thick,...
If you have problematic nails, you may want to consider using an over-the-counter cream to encourage healthy growth. These products are formulated for treatment of dry, brittle, cracked and dull nails. Nail creams can soften the skin surrounding...
Your fingernails say a lot about you---nail problems such as discoloration, pitting or curled nails can indicate a vitamin deficiency or even the beginnings of a more serious health condition. A healthy nail should appear smooth and be free of...
Fungal nail infections occur more often on the toes than hands. Initial signs of an infection, also known as onychomycosis, include white spots on the nail bed, cracked or brittle nails and discoloration. According to MayoClinic.com, fungal...
Nothing can be more frustrating than cracking the nose of a new snowboard. Freshly fallen snow often conceals hazards in the riding terrain, such as logs and rocks, that can severely damage the edges of your snowboard. A cracked edge doesn't mean...
While it becomes difficult for elderly men and women to bend over and take care of their own feet and toenails, there are a number of diseases and conditions that become more serious and are more prevalent among the elderly, report doctors at...
Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, getting diagnosed as early as possible is essential in minimizing the symptoms and severity of...
While you may not consider your nails as such, they are part of your skin. And just like your hair and skin, your nails require regular care in order to remain healthy. If you find they are dry, cracked or brittle, your nails may require extra...
Commercial nail care products may claim to strengthen and moisturize nails, but they often do more harm than good. Nail products such as polish removers, nail strengtheners and polish often contain artificial colors and fragrances and harsh...
Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to function correctly. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the majority of iron in the body is found in the blood and is responsible for carrying oxygen to the cells throughout the...
Strong nails look good and caring for them is easy. Brittle, cracked or discolored nails can be an indication of a lack of nutrients or even health problems, like hypothyroidism. You need to take care of your body if you want it to show in your...
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue, causing inflammation in joints, tissues and organs. SLE causes visible skin changes that are one of the most recognized manifestations of the disease....
Biotin, also referred to as vitamin B-7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for optimal health, especially in children and adolescents. Biotin is a precursor to enzymes that help break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates...
A healthy diet supports strong, healthy nails. Injury and trauma can cause nail disorders and abnormalities, but nutrient deficiencies can also damage nails. The healthiest diet for nails adheres to federal dietary guidelines and includes a...
Relieve stress in the head and face by learning how to massage the fingers with shiatsu massage in this free video clip.
