The following provides insight into the various causes of brittle fingernails, their diagnosis and progression. In addition, treatment and prevention options are discussed.
What are brittle fingernails?
Brittle fingernails are a common phenomenon and are considered to belong to the field of cosmetic problems. A fingernail is a milky translucent keratin plate at the end of the human finger, which is a particularly insensitive and hard body component that withstands a wide variety of stresses. Brittle fingernails, on the other hand, are a widespread phenomenon and are classified as cosmetic problems. Often this type of nail is also classified as “soft”. These nails are recognized by the fact that they have hardly any hardness and therefore often repel each other and thus cannot grow to the same length or even very long on the entire hand. Splintering or cracked nails also belong to this category. Here, different numbers of chicks split off from the nail plate and lead to an unsightly optical appearance of the nail.
Causes
One of the simplest and quickest causes of brittle nails is too frequent hand washing with soap. Often, even creams do not fully replace the fat removed by soap, leading to dry nails and cuticles. Nail polish removers containing acetone or low-quality nail polish can also be triggers for splitting. Nutrition can also play a significant role: unbalanced or deficient nutrition can quickly lead to a biotin deficiency, for example. However, this is essential for the healthy growth of strong nails, hair and skin. Stress or hormone fluctuations are also possible causes of brittle nail tips. If parents or relatives are also affected by the problem, it may also be the case that the brittleness is hereditary.
Diseases with this symptom
- Nodular lichen
- Psoriasis
- Calcium deficiency
- Folic acid deficiency
- Nail fungus
- Hypothyroidism
- Rheumatism
- Mineral deficiency
- Metabolic disorder
- Eczema
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Malnutrition
- Vitamin deficiency
Diagnosis and course
After careful study of the definition and causes, a diagnosis is easy to make even by a layman. However, people who want to be on the safe side can also visit a doctor or a professional nail studio. Studios for foot care can also be the right place to go. It is possible that some of those affected only notice the problem when the nails begin to split unsightly. Many people only notice relatively late that their nails have not grown evenly for a long time and are also relatively short. Thereby, at an earlier stage, for example, when the nails are merely recognized as soft and short, a diagnosis would be far more sensible, as a treatment success would then become visible more quickly.
Complications
Brittle fingernails are not in themselves a disease, but a cosmetic problem. Nevertheless, they indicate that the body is currently unable to produce enough stable keratinized material for the fingernails to remain stable. This may indicate a problem in the metabolism, but few sufferers think of this at this moment. Brittle fingernails can be stabilized by cosmetic applications and can actually grow a little longer and appear visually healthier, but without really eliminating the cause. The affected person has merely suppressed the symptom and the underlying disease continues to be present – and also continues to go unnoticed. Even if the brittle fingernails are not due to a metabolic disorder, they can tear or break awkwardly to the point where the crack extends into the nail bed. Depending on the reason for the brittle fingernails, clean breaks and cracks are no longer possible and unclean breaks occur, which are more likely to extend into the nail bed. As long as such a crack heals, it is not problematic. However, if small bleeding has occurred at the nail bed, a wound has occurred and it may become infected.Since dirt deposits under the fingernail are difficult to avoid and the lacerations are located directly at this point, the conditions are favorable for infection of the small wound.
When should you go to the doctor?
Often, brittle fingernails are purely cosmetic, caused, for example, by incorrect nail polish or too little hand and nail care. But sometimes a medical problem can hide behind it. The hands are our business card and can decide about the decisive “yes” at the job interview. To rule out a serious illness, the cause of brittle nails should be clarified. Too much nail care can have the opposite effect of what is actually intended. Frequent filing sometimes promotes tearing of the nails. Nail brittleness is differentiated into longitudinal and transverse cracks. If the nail separates in fine layers starting from the edge, the wrong soap is often to blame. A common reason for brittle nails is vitamin deficiency, but sometimes an excess of vitamins. Vitamin C, vitamin D, biotin and folic acid deficiencies can cause brittle fingernails. A balanced diet can help immediately. It is not uncommon for nail changes to be the result of nail fungus or eczema. Affected persons should consult the dermatologist. A possible vitamin deficiency can be detected by blood tests at the family doctor. Medications can also produce brittle fingernails over time. Drugs used to treat rheumatic diseases and cancer belong to this group. Hypothyroidism can increase nail brittleness. Other typical symptoms include sweating, dry hair and palpitations. A visit to an endocrinologist is therefore advisable.
Treatment and therapy
In the treatment of brittle fingernails, there are numerous items in pharmacies and drugstores today that promise relief. Also various home remedies are becoming increasingly popular. The following overview presents the three most common treatment methods:
Biotin (iron or zinc supplements):
Users can obtain biotin, which often comes in the form of capsules, from pharmacies or drugstores. Taking the capsules makes it easier for the body to absorb the so-called vitamin H, which provides nails and hair with important nutrients and trace elements. According to studies, nails become significantly more stable after just three months. Nail hardeners:
These special varnishes are mostly available in beauty salons and drugstores. Many varnishes contain small diamond and color pigments, sustainably harden the nail plate and impress with a well-groomed, trendy effect. Hand bath in olive oil:
Bathing in warm oil is one of the most common and effective home centers and keeps nails supple and shiny. Mixed with some fine sand, you can also use it as a gentle scrub that strengthens cuticles in addition to nails.
Outlook and prognosis
Brittle fingernails are a cosmetic problem that women are more likely to be bothered by than men. In some people they have genetic causes, because the way fingernails grow and how stable they are is also inherited. In these cases, they do not grow beyond a certain length, but become brittle, cracked and can either split or tear. However, the biggest influence on long and healthy fingernails is the environment. Anyone who frequently has to deal with cleaning agents, works with chemical substances or works in a profession where fingernails can bend over again and again is familiar with the problem of brittle fingernails. Once they are damaged, for example by regular contact with cleaning agents in one’s own household, their structure cannot be repaired. The only thing that helps is to let them grow back and try to protect them from environmental influences such as household cleaners by wearing gloves. Thus, avoiding contact with substances that make fingernails brittle is the best way to influence their stability. Another factor can be nutrition, because as long as the fingernail is still under the skin, it can gain stability – if important nutrients are available for it. If the brittle fingernails are due to an unhealthy diet, it may take several months before the condition improves, despite the change in diet.
Prevention
To prevent brittle nails, the famous nail clippers should first be avoided. Already existing cracks are thereby completely snapped off and tear further.It is also better to use a soft fingernail brush instead of a rosewood stick to clean the nail. If the problem is already known, it is also recommended not to let the nails grow too long and to use a soft glass file when shortening. Keep the file straight at the front and make sure the sides are at a right angle. Nail oil is also good for preventing brittle fingernails.
What you can do yourself
Brittle fingernails can often be treated yourself by changing your diet. To restore the strength of the nails, foods with plenty of calcium, vitamin B and vitamin H should be included in the diet, such as oatmeal, fish, spinach, bananas, apples or milk. Deficiency symptoms can also be compensated by taking biotin products. In addition, it is recommended to regularly bathe the fingernails in olive oil or lemon juice. Care products with urea nourish the nails and prevent further dehydration, while a mask with silica supplies the nails with important minerals and vitamins. Vaseline can also be used to care for brittle nails after consulting your family doctor. However, the most important thing is to protect the fingernails. Physical work should be avoided as well as long baths or nail biting. In addition, the fingers should be protected from great cold or heat, and also not come into contact with irritating substances. Work gloves should always be worn when doing housework and other activities that put a strain on the hands. Depending on the underlying cause, brittle fingernails can at least be reduced by a healthy lifestyle and sparing. If the symptoms persist, a doctor should clarify the causes.
