What are Brittle Nails?

Brittle nails are common nail problems, including cracking, breaking, and splitting, as well as weak and thin nails. They are most commonly caused due to chemical and environmental challenges such as repeated washing and drying of fingernails. Brittle nails are more common in women than in men.

The soft and brittle nails are caused by excessive amounts of moisture and overexposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover. The deficiency of vitamins and minerals in a body can be one of the reasons for brittle nails.

How Does It Happen?

Everything from aging to poor nutrition can make your nails dry and thin. There are also some treatments and medical conditions that will make them brittle. But you do not need to put up with the problem. The proper care can make all the difference and keep your nails healthy and powerful.

What are brittle nails causes?

Too much moisture or too little moisture due to external factors is the most likely brittle nails causes.

Too Much Moisture

Brittle and soft nails can also occur when the nails are moist. Excessive moisture, and overexposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover can cause these conditions.

Too Little Moisture

When a person's nails are hard and brittle, there is a lack of moisture in them. Washing hands frequently or doing other activities that involve frequent wetting and drying of nails can strip the moisture from the nails.

Aging

As the age of a person increases, the nails will typically become thinner, and the nails naturally decrease in strength, which causes them to break more easily.

Thyroid Disorder

The thyroid disorder can cause nail problems, including brittle nails, because the thyroid is responsible for maintaining a person’s metabolism and growing nails. The thyroid disorder also affects the body's absorption of minerals.

Anemia

This condition occurs when a body does not produce enough hemoglobin. Anemia is a protein that takes oxygen from the lungs and spread to the rest of the body. Iron deficiency can also cause anemia.

Environmental Causes

The skin is waterproof but the nails are absorbent and repeatedly washing hands i.e wetting and drying repeatedly can be a cause for brittle nails.

Nutritional Causes

Iron, protein, and calcium deficiency or poor nutrition causes brittle nails. Excess of dietary selenium most commonly found in seafood, organ food can lead to brittle nails.

Signs & Symptoms of Brittle Nails

Preventing Brittle Nails

What are Brittle Nails Treatments?

Diet & Nutrition

Following the diet helps in strengthening brittle nails:

Home Remedies for Brittle Nails

Lemon Juice and Olive Oil Soak

A mixture of lemon juice and olive oil is an efficient remedy for dry, brittle nails. The juice can penetrate the nail cuticles to repair and strengthen the nails. The juice helps fortify peeling and damaged nails while removing ugly yellowish stains from the nail surface.

Beer Soak

Beer is also a powerful natural treatment for brittle nails. It is a great source of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and selenium which are nail-friendly and essential for strong and healthy nails.

Coconut Oil Massage

Oil massage on nails works as an amazing moisturizer and prevents various types of nail infections. The coconut oil keeps the nails hydrated, and the massage also helps to improve blood circulation.

Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

Apple cider vinegar has minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium addition to that it has vitamins that are essential for developing stronger and thicker nails. It also reduces nail infections.

Vitamin E Oil Massage

Vitamin E is essential for nails. One of the main causes of brittle nails is the lack of moisture and vitamin E oil keeps the nails hydrated and moisturized.

Tea Tree Oil Drops

Tree oil is a natural medicine for a wide range of skin and nail problems. Tea tree oil helps in treating fungal infections of nails.

Lemon Juice Swipe

Raw lemon juice is the best treatment for all kinds of skin and nail problems, and it also helps remove dark circles. Lemon juice helps strengthen and brighten nails and get rid of yellow stains.

Egg Yolk and Milk Soak

The main cause for brittle nails is low nutrients, protein, and calcium. The Egg Yolk and Milk Soak is the best natural source of protein that helps fortify the nails.

Herbal Nail Mask

A fragrant and nourishing herbal nail mask works nearly as well as a manicure, which will provide stronger and thicker nails just after a couple of applications. Add a teaspoon of chamomile and peppermint tea to a cup and pour a cup of boiling water over the tea mixture. Allow it to steep for two hours, and then strain the tea.

When To See A Doctor

If there is pain in the nails and shows signs of infection if there is no improvement in 6-8 months or the cracking of nails getting worse, talk to a doctor.

Symptoms of infection: Swelling, skin spots, redness, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions