Brittle nails meaning

According to the Dry and brittle nails are the result of too little moisture. They’re most commonly caused by the repeated washing and drying of fingernails. On the other hand, soft and brittle nails are caused by too much moisture, often a result of overexposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover. Other causes of brittle nails include: • Age. Nails commonly change as people age, often becoming dull and brittle. While toenails commonly get thicker and harder, fingernails often become thinner and more brittle. • Iron deficiency. • Hypothyroidism. Along with brittle nails, symptoms of low thyroid levels may include • Raynaud’s syndrome. Characterized by circulation problems in the extremities, The AOCD offers a diagnostic tip to help determine if your brittle nails are caused by an internal condition or external environment factors: “If the fingernails split, but the toenails are strong, then an external factor is the cause.” You can’t do anything about age-related nail changes, but you can reduce the risk of split, cracked, and brittle nails. To keep nails healthy and strong, try the following tips: Use a moisturizer • Look for moisturizing hand lotions that contain lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids. You can also buy lanolin-rich nail conditioners • Moisturize your hands after washing. When applying the lotion or cream, be sure to rub it around and directly on your nails. • Before going to bed, moisturize your hands, feet, and nails to keep them hydrate...

Many medical conditions can affect the shape or texture of the fingernails. Brittleness of the nails, meaning that the nails easily become cracked, chipped, split, or peeled, can be observed as a sign of onychoschizia refers to splitting of the fingernails as well as brittle or soft nails. Taking biotin (a vitamin) Anemia Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. There are several types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (the most common type), sickle cell anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, pernicious anemia, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, malaise, hair loss, palpitations, menstruation, and medications. Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary. • Can a Nail Grow Back if Removed? Yes, nails have good regeneration capacity, but they grow slowly. Fingernails may grow one-tenth of a millimeter each day, so completely removed fingernails usually grow within 6 months. Toenails may grow at about one-half or one-third the rate of the fingernails, so completely removed toenails may grow within 18 months. • Fungal Nails Fungal nails (onychomycosis) may be caused by many species of fungi, but the most common is Trichophyton rubrum. Distal subungal onychomycosis start...

You have access to important clues about your health right at the tips of your fingers. Common nail conditions and symptoms • Brown vertical stripes on nails • Breaking and brittle nails • Nails with ridges • White spots on nails • Yellow nails or cuticles • Horizontal ridges in nails • Splitting, bleeding or inflamed skin around nails Only about 1 percent of all melanomas in Caucasians occur in the nail, but if you’re African-American, 20 percent of melanomas start there, Rich said. “In more advanced cases, it can spread on to the cuticle area or the skin around the nail. That’s an ominous sign — it’s means it’s growing and spreading,” she noted. Hormones and certain medications can also make pigmented bands in the nails, but be especially watchful for nail cancer symptoms, such as a brown or dark stripe that goes from the cuticle out to the free edge of the nail, especially one that’s getting wider. If you have brown fingernails and the discoloration is round, as opposed to linear, it could be another condition. For example, brown spots on nails, especially if they're pitted, could be a sign of Health & Wellness 2. Symptom: Brittle nails This common problem can happen because of an issue with your diet or the chemicals your hands are exposed to. Nails are formed in the nail matrix, the root of the nail. If you are malnourished or lack certain nutrients, your body doesn’t have the material to make good nails, Rich said. That's why people with eating disorders can notice p...

Whether you’re painting them, picking up small objects with them or plucking your guitar with them, we can all agree that strong nails are both useful and cosmetically appealing. If your claws haven’t been cutting it recently, there could be many reasons why. Luckily, there are almost as many ways to strengthen your nails as there are to break them. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. What causes brittle nails? • Hand washing. Frequent hand washing can protect you from illness and help you stay healthy. But it does a number on your nails, which lose water faster than skin does. The constant washing and sanitizing can cause nails to dry out and become brittle. • Aging. “Brittle nails tend to impact people more as they age,” dermatologist • Length and cosmetic use. Dr. Keskinen says you’re more likely to experience split, cracked and broken nails if you grow your nails longer and regularly use • Chemotherapy. If you’re currently undergoing Tips for treating brittle nails Most of the causes of brittle nails are beyond your control — you need to keep washing your hands and there’s no way to turn back the clock. But don’t worry, we have plenty of solutions … on hand. Don’t bite your nails Dr. Keskinen has several recommendations for keeping your nails from splitting or cracking, but this pearl of wisdom can also keep you healthy: “Keep your finge...

Brittle nails, or onychoschizia, can affect nearly anyone. It is a common issue that causes soft, thin, or splitting nails. According to the In many cases, people with brittle nails can take steps to strengthen them and prevent future issues. This article looks at what causes brittle nails, some treatments and self-care tips, and when to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest Too little moisture is a possible cause of brittle nails. Too much or too little moisture, usually due to external factors, is the most likely cause of brittle nails. The AOCD define two broad categories of brittle nails due to moisture issues: hard and brittle, and soft and brittle. Too little moisture When a person’s nails are hard and brittle, the nails lack enough moisture. Frequent wetting and drying of the nails from activities such as hand washing or doing the dishes can strip the moisture from the nails. People are also more likely to have dry nails in hot, dry environments or during the winter months. Too much moisture Soft and brittle nails occur when the nails have too much moisture. This can happen as a result of using too much moisturizer on the hands. It could also be the result of using harsh chemicals such as acetone to remove nail polish. Other causes There are also some other factors and underlying conditions that can result in brittle nails: • • • Age: Age can affect the strength of a person’s nails. Nails naturally decrease in strength over time, which can cause them to break more easily...

In general, nails are tough structures made up of a protein called keratin. They help protect the toes and fingers from injury and damage. However, different environmental and chemical factors can make them brittle. These factors include frequent hand washing, swimming, and other forms of frequent wetting and drying of nails. In some cases, brittle nails may be a symptom of nutritional deficiencies and medical problems. How Common Is It? Brittle nails are a common occurrence in dermatological settings. Around 20% of the population has a problem of brittle nails. Types of Brittle Nails Brittle nails are classified into: • Dry and brittle nails – Dry nails, hands, and cuticles are a common problem caused by a lack of moisture, generally due to excessive washing of hands or using air dryers. • Soft and brittle nails – Excessive moisture can also cause brittle nails. This can result from exposure to detergents, nail polish remover, and household cleansers. Causes of Brittle Nails Brittleness of the nails can result from various reasons, including: • Aging (People above 50 years of age are highly prone to brittle nails.) • Exposure to chemicals and toxins • Repetitive or overuse of nail polish and polish removers • Low humidity • Nutritional deficiency, including that of vitamins or proteins • Fungal infection • Use of artificial nails, nail glue, and gel polish • Prolonged contact with water • Nail damage due to improper nail clipping, long nails, or telephone dialing, among o...

Everything from aging to poor nutrition can make your nails dry, thin, and easy to break. There are also some treatments and medical conditions that can make them brittle. But you don't have to put up with the problem. The right care can make all the difference in keeping your nails healthy and strong. IMAGES PROVIDED BY: • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images • Getty Images SOURCES: Canadian Dermatology Association: "Brittle Nails." Harvard Medical School: "By the way, doctor: Does having ridged and split fingernails mean I'm unhealthy?" "The lowdown on thyroid slowdown," "How much protein do you need every day?" UPMC Health Beat: "What Causes Brittle Nails? How You Can Treat Weak Fingernails." National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "Iron-Deficiency Anemia." Breastcancer.org: "Nail Changes." Cleveland Clinic: "Are Your Skin and Nails Suffering From Cancer Treatment? 9 Tips." National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: "Biotin." American Academy of Dermatology: "Artificial Nails: Dermatologists' Tips For Reducing Nail Damage," "Tips for Healthy Nails." Genetics Home Reference: "Keratins." American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: "Brittle Splitting Nails."

• Family Health Family Health • Fitness Fitness • LGBTQIA+ Health LGBTQIA+ Health • Men's Health Men’s Health • New Here: Young Adult Health New Here: Young Adult Health • Nutrition Nutrition • Pediatrics Pediatrics • Senior Health Senior Health • Women's Health Women’s Health • Health Topics from A to Z Health Topics A-Z Share this on: Copied! You may have brittle nails if your nails crack, chip, split, bend, peel, or are simply weak. Brittle nails occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they are a typical sign of aging or the result of polishing your nails too often. When the weather is cold, brittle nails may result from dryness. Weak nails can also result from other health issues. But before you assume the worst or head to the doctor, read on for more. Learn how to strengthen brittle nails and why you might have them. Nail Anatomy Your nails are the hard keratin that covers the ends of your fingers. They’re created by cells deep in the finger at the base of the nail. They grow out of the finger from a special type of skin cell. At the base of the nail is the nail fold — the skin covering where the nail plate comes out of the finger. This living skin provides a protective barrier against infection. The nail fold is often confused with the cuticle. The cuticles are the thin, see-through film of skin left on the nail as it grows out. Healthy nails are shiny, smooth, and curved. They should not crack, break, or be overly rigid. The nail bed should look pink, and the nai...