Brittle fingernails

The following explanations give an insight into the various causes of brittle fingernails, their diagnosis and course. In addition, treatment and prevention options are discussed.

What are brittle fingernails?

The fingernail is a milky, translucent plate of keratin at the end of the human finger, which is a particularly hard and insensitive part of the body that can withstand a wide variety of stresses.

Brittle fingernails, on the other hand, are a widespread phenomenon and are classified as cosmetic problems. This type of nail is often classified as "soft". These nails are recognized by the fact that they are hardly hard, often repel each other and therefore cannot grow to the same length or particularly long on the entire hand.

Splintering or cracked nails also belong to this category. Here, different numbers of sent persons split off from the nail plate and lead to an unsightly visual appearance of the nail.

causes

One of the easiest, and quickest, causes of brittle nails is to wash your hands with soap too often. Often the fat content removed by the soap is not completely replaced by creams and leads to dry nails and dry cuticles.

Nail polish removers containing acetone or inferior nail polishes can also trigger the splintering. Diet can also play an important role: one-sided or malnutrition 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 fragility 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 & course

A diagnosis can easily be made even by a layperson after studying the definition and causes. But people who want to be on the safe side can also see a doctor or a professional nail salon.

Pedicure studios can also be the right place to go. Some of those affected may only notice the problem when their nails begin to split ugly. Many people only notice relatively late that the nails have not grown evenly for a long time and are also relatively short.

At an earlier stage, for example, if the nails are only recognized as soft and short, a diagnosis would be far more useful, since the success of the treatment would then be more quickly visible.

Complications

Brittle fingernails are not in themselves a disease, but a cosmetic problem. Nevertheless, they suggest that the body is currently unable to produce sufficiently stable keratinized material for the fingernails to remain stable. This can indicate a problem in the metabolism, which very few of those affected think about at this moment. Brittle fingernails can be stabilized through cosmetic applications and can actually grow a little longer and appear visually healthier, without actually eliminating the cause.

The person concerned has only suppressed the symptom and the underlying disease is still present - and continues to go unnoticed. Even if the brittle fingernails are not due to a metabolic disorder, they can tear so far or break off unfavorably that 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 that are more likely to reach into the nail bed.

As long as such a crack heals, it is not a problem. However, if there has been small bleeding at the nail bed, a wound has formed and it can become infected. Since dirt deposits under the fingernail are difficult to avoid and the lacerations are located directly at this point, the conditions for an infection of the small wound are favorable.

When should you go to the doctor?

Brittle fingernails are often of a purely cosmetic nature, for example caused by wrong nail polish or insufficient hand and nail care. But sometimes a medical problem can be hidden behind it. The hands are our calling card and can decide the decisive "yes" at the interview.

To rule out a serious illness, the cause of brittle nails should be clarified. Too much nail care can do the opposite of what it is intended to do. Frequent filing can sometimes make the nails tear. Nail fragility is divided into longitudinal and transverse cracks. If the nail comes off in fine layers from the edge, it is often the wrong soap that is to blame. A common reason for brittle nails is vitamin deficiency, but sometimes also an oversupply of vitamins. Vitamin C, vitamin D, biotin and folic acid deficiencies can lead to brittle fingernails.

A balanced diet can help immediately. It is not uncommon for nail changes to be the result of nail fungus or eczema. Those affected should consult the dermatologist. A possible vitamin deficiency can be determined by blood tests by your family doctor. Medicines can also cause fingernails to become brittle over time. This group includes drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid diseases and cancer. An underactive thyroid can make nails more fragile. Other typical symptoms are sweating, dry hair and a racing heart. A visit to the endocrinologist is therefore advisable.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

When it comes to treating brittle fingernails, there are now numerous articles in pharmacies and drugstores that promise a remedy. Various home remedies are also enjoying increasing popularity. The following overview presents the three most common treatment methods:

Biotin (iron or zinc supplements):

Users get the biotin, which is often offered in the form of capsules in pharmacies or drugstores. Taking the capsules makes it easier for the body to absorb what is known as vitamin H, which supplies nails and hair with important nutrients and trace elements. According to studies, the nails become significantly more stable after just three months.

Nail hardener:

These special paints are mostly available in beauty salons and drugstores. Many varnishes contain small diamond and color pigments, harden the nail plate sustainably and impress with a neat, trendy effect.

Hand bath in olive oil:

Bathing in warm oil is one of the most common and effective home treatments and keeps nails supple and shiny. Mixed with some fine sand, it can also be used as a gentle peeling that strengthens the cuticles as well as the nails.

Outlook & forecast

Brittle fingernails are a cosmetic problem that women are more bothered by than men. In some people they have genetic causes, because the way the fingernails grow and how stable they are is inherited. In these cases, they do not grow beyond a certain length, but become brittle, cracked and can either splinter or tear.

However, the environment has the greatest impact on long and healthy fingernails. Anyone who frequently deals with cleaning agents, works with chemical substances or works in an occupation in which the fingernails can break over and over again knows the problem of brittle fingernails. Once they are damaged, for example through regular contact with cleaning products in your own household, their structure cannot be repaired again. It only helps to let them grow back and try to protect them from environmental influences like household cleaners with gloves. Avoiding contact with substances that make fingernails fragile is therefore 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. If the brittle fingernails are due to an unhealthy diet, it can take several months before the condition improves, despite the change in diet.

prevention

Home remedies ↵ for brittle fingernails In order to prevent brittle nails, the famous nail clippers should first be avoided. Existing cracks are completely kinked and continue to tear. Instead of using a rosewood stick, you should also use a soft fingernail brush to clean the nail.

If the problem is already known, it is also advisable not to let the nails grow too long and to use a soft glass file when trimming. Hold the file straight towards the front and make sure that the sides are at right angles. Nail oil is also suitable for preventing brittle fingernails.

You can do that yourself

Brittle fingernails can often be treated yourself by changing your diet. To restore the firmness of the nails, foods with plenty of calcium, vitamin B and vitamin H should be included in the menu, such as oatmeal, fish, spinach, bananas, apples or milk.Deficiency symptoms can also be compensated for by taking biotin products.

It is also advisable to regularly bathe your fingernails in olive oil or lemon juice. Care products with urea care for 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 doctor.

The most important thing, however, is to protect your fingernails. Physical work should be avoided, as well as long baths or nail biting. In addition, the fingers should be protected from extreme 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 place strain on the hands. Depending on the underlying cause, brittle fingernails can at least be reduced through a healthy lifestyle and protection. If the symptoms persist, a doctor should clarify the causes.