Nails are made keratin, a protein mainly found in your hair and skin. Toenails and fingernails are responsible for supporting skin around your hand and toes. Weak nails are often the result of an infection or improper nail care; luckily, the health of your nails can improve with the proper nutritional support.
Dry or ridged nails are not usually a health concern but can be an unsightly nuisance. Nails that peel or split indicate low moisture levels and can be difficult to maintain. Chipping, peeling or ridged nails may need additiona...
Onychoschizia -- splitting, brittle, soft or thin nails -- is a cosmetic problem that can be troublesome in social situations. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, dry nails most commonly affect women, ...
Nails are important as they protect and support the tissues in your fingers. Dry nails can indicate a few different problems and may suggest a diet lacking in certain nutrients.
Soft and brittle nails are two separate conditions that sometimes have similar causes. When nails are overly dry, they can become hard and prone to cracking and breakage. Conversely, if you can easily bend your nails and they f...
Dry, brittle nails crack, split and break off at the tips. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that brittle nails are often the natural result of aging. Thyroid problems and other diseases can also lead to brittle...
If your skin seems constantly dry and your nails are always brittle, it's probably not due to a serious condition. Your skin may become dry due to winter weather, dry air in your home, exposure to the sun or taking hot baths or...
As an extension of your skin, your fingernails can be subject to abnormalities and injuries--and dryness that makes your nails brittle and flaking. If you experience nail dryness, making lifestyle changes that can restore moist...
Dry, peelings fingernails can be the result of changing temperatures and moisture levels. For example, if your nails are frequently exposed to water--such as when soaking in a sink of dirty dishes, taking very long showers or b...
Dry, brittle nails are prone to splitting and infection. Nail products alone cannot keep your nails healthy. By adhering to proper nutrition and nail care you can improve the health of your nails on the inside and out. If your ...
The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology states that up to 20 percent of the population suffers from dry, brittle nails, or brittle nail syndrome. The problem is more common in women and can cause difficulty if you ex...
Your fingernails protect the sensitive nail beds at the ends of your fingers and make daily tasks--peeling fruits, gripping objects and being able to scratch an itch--easier. Nails are prone to problems such as onychoschizia (b...
Dry brittle nails can be caused by either internal conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or medications or external conditions such as fungal infections. Treatment for dry nails depends solely on the cause and can be done usi...