Many factors contribute to nail breakage and thinning. Here are the top 10 reasons:
What Factors Cause Nail Fragility?
Long Nails: You've probably noticed that long nails break more easily than short ones. One common reason is the reduced surface area for support, making them more prone to breakage.
Nail Aesthetics: Beauty treatments like manicures, pedicures, artificial nails, and nail extensions can damage and weaken nails.
Aging: As we age, the likelihood of anemia increases, and naturally, nail strength decreases over time. Older adults often have more brittle nails compared to younger individuals.
Frequent Contact with Objects: Certain occupations involve extensive hand use, leading to nail breakage from wear or constant contact with strong detergents that gradually dissolve and thin nails.
Skin Problems: Skin issues, such as nail fungus, can damage and weaken nails.
Constant Damage: Frequent hand washing and exposure to detergents cause significant and lasting damage to nails by stripping moisture, leading to dryness and brittleness. This is common in dry climates and during winter when heating is used.
Vitamin Deficiency: Nutrition plays a crucial role in nail health. Deficiencies in nutrients like iron, zinc, and various vitamins (A, B, C, etc.) can cause brittle nails and peeling around the edges.
Constant Nail Polish Removal: Applying nail polish isn't the issue, but using acetone frequently to remove it leads to nail fragility. Acetone over-moisturizes the nails, weakening them. Moisturizers can also cause nail brittleness if overused.
Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid imbalances disrupt hormone levels, affecting mineral absorption in the body, often leading to nail separation.
Anemia: Iron-deficiency anemia can cause brittle and damaged nails. Consider a blood test to check for anemia and its causes.
Preventing Nail Breakage and Thinning
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to avoid dry and brittle nails:
Avoid Frequent Nail Polishing: Regular use of nail polish dries out nails by blocking oxygen. Reduce polish use to maintain healthy, strong nails.
Use Gloves: Frequent exposure to water and detergents can damage hands and nails. Wear gloves while washing dishes to protect them.
Trim Nails: Shorter nails are less prone to breakage. The best time to trim nails is after a bath when they are softer.
Consume Protein: White lines across nails indicate protein deficiency. Eating protein-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, chicken, meat, shrimp, and dairy helps maintain healthy nails.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration often leads to brittle nails. Drink enough water to keep nails healthy.
Consume Iron: Eating iron-rich foods like beef, eggs, lentils, beans, soy, and vitamin C-rich foods (for better iron absorption) can prevent nail brittleness.
Use Moisturizing Creams: Regularly moisturizing nails, especially in cold and dry weather, prevents brittleness.
Treating Nail Breakage and Thinning
In many cases, simple lifestyle changes can treat brittle, peeling, and split nails. For example, minimize water exposure and use glycerin soap for handwashing. Avoid excessive hand washing and exposure to chemicals. Moisturize nails regularly with creams.
If these measures don't solve the problem, consider medical treatments. Consult a specialist if necessary. For mild cases, over-the-counter treatments from the pharmacy may suffice.
