Peeling Nails

Peeling/Brittle Nails

Fingernails give critical protection to our fingertips, thwarting injury and trauma on a daily basis. Many people, however, have fingernails that crack, peel in layers, and are very brittle. Determining the source of abnormal fingernails is important, as most causes can either be prevented, or a natural nutrient supplemented to strengthen them. This problem, in fact, is quite prevalent, and affects as much as 20% of the population. In general, if the fingernails and toenails are affected, the cause is typically a systemic issue. However, if only the fingernails are so affected, the cause is usually a local exposure issue.

Common External Causes Of Peeling Nails

Water Exposure

Excessive water exposure to the hands with repetitive wetting and drying, causes trauma to the fingernails as they effectively dry out. In opposition, hands in water, without protection, will have an absorption of that moisture in the fingernails, which causes the nails to soften and become more brittle. The simple prevention of wearing gloves when working in water is the solution to this problem.

Local Trauma

As they function to protect our fingertips, it is critical that we take good care of our nails and do not chew or bite them. This disrupts the nail structure and sets them up for the peeling and brittleness we want to avoid. Also, people who use their nails instrumentally to lift, separate, pry, or open packaging are causing their nails to ongoing trauma which will cause them to split and peel. Recurrently scrubbing, digging, or scratching will cause this as well.

Chemical Exposure

Many chemicals can cause significant nail problems, the most common are those employed by manicurists. Various nail polishes can cause damage, but nail polish remover, if acetone based, causes the nails to dry out, and then they become brittle. Even more so, the application of acrylic nails, with regular removal and reapplication causes disruptions in the nail surface, and also create the possibility of fungal growth. Other chemicals such as fertilizers, insecticide, paint and paint thinners all can cause damage to the nails, making them weak and brittle.

Dermatophyte Infection

The common problem many people suffer from is when these tiny fungal-like organisms get into the nails, and involve the nail bed. However, typically, the nail will thicken with a yellowing color, and a lot of yellow debris under the tip of the nail itself. This should be seen by a doctor for treatment recommendations before it spreads to all nails.

Common Systemic Causes Of Peeling Nails

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is the gland in the body that controls metabolism. When a person has a low thyroid level, the metabolism of the body is slower than normal. This presents with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, constipation and dry skin. Diagnosis requires an evaluation by a doctor, and a blood test. It is easily cured by replacing the thyroid hormone with a daily medication.

Iron Deficiency

People who are low in their iron count either from dietary causes, or low blood count due to blood loss can present with nails that are brittle and thin, with raised ridges, and curve inward. Typically, the color under the nail will be more pale, whitish colored instead of pink.

Vitamin Deficiency

A lack of B12 vitamin can produce thin and brittle nails. This is most common in vegans, since animal protein is the only known consumed source. Biotin deficiency will prevent your body’s ability to metabolize amino acids that are necessary for healthy nails. Some foods high in biotin are bananas, beans, cauliflower, eggs, mushrooms, nuts, peas, sardines and whole grains. Vitamin A deficiency and vitamin D deficiency can also lead to brittle, peeling, cracking nails.

Mineral Deficiency

A diet deficient in zinc and calcium can also present with brittle, peeling nails. A woman should take calcium supplement, at minimum of 1500 mg per day in addition to nutritional intake. The RDA for zinc in women is 8mg a day. Foods high in Zinc are shellfish, beef, and pork.

Medications

Various medications can cause the body not to absorb nutrients properly, or dry the skin and nails producing the same nail abnormalities. If your nails have changed while taking a new medication, notify your doctor.

How To Care For Peeling, Brittle Nails

Get adequate Nutrition

A well-balanced diet, with adequate protein, minerals, and vitamins should help most people prevent significant nail cracking and peeling. A supplement B complex with Biotin can give added strength to the nails. A diet of adequate calcium and zinc will promote healthy nail growth. An iron rich diet with good fiber intake will keep your nails healthy.

Avoid Nail Trauma

Protect the fingers and nails with working gloves, or finger cots if doing fine hand work. No biting of the nails is critical. Hang nails should be clipped, and not pulled. When the nails are cut, they should be cut straight across, without any curvature to the corners of the nail. This will protect the edge and cuticle.

Avoid Water and Chemical Exposure

If you work with your hands in water, such as dishwashing or housecleaning, make sure you wear gloves for protection.

Keep the hands and Nails Moisturized

Apply Moisturizer cream with lanolin daily to the hands. Cover the hands afterward with cotton gloves through the night. The nails can be cared for with daily application of tea tree oil, and if unavailable, castor oil, olive oil and vegetable oil have all been shown to replace some of the moisture to the nail. Protect nails further by weekly application of a nail hardener.

See your Doctor

If you notice nail changes such as discoloration, dark areas, abnormal blood vessels at the base of the nail, you should be seen by your doctor. However, if the changes of peeling and cracking persist, you should be seen for an exam and laboratory testing as well. A simple blood test can show anemia, thyroid disease, calcium or B-12 deficiency, and make treatment of the problem much simpler.

Pictures

Pictures of Peeling and brittle nails…
peeling nails

peeling nails pictures

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