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Brittle, Flaking Nails
The nail layer, made up of several keratin or protein layers, usually seal together to form a solid, strong nail bed, according to Nemours TeensHealth. But when nails become damaged, the layers come apart and become brittle and flaky. Most people affected by this condition, which is also called onychoschizia, can treat it at home or with a physician's assistance.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Significance
Brittle, flaking nails indicate a problem that you should address. Even if it's caused by minor factors, you should address it quickly to eliminate further damage. If you have poor nail health resulting from an underlying health condition, it's even more important to get to the root of what's causing your nail problems.
Causes
What Causes Fingernails to Split & Dent?
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Exposing your nails frequently to water, usually through hand washing, can also cause brittle, flaking nails. Other causes include exposing your nails to chemicals including cleaning chemicals, nail polish and nail polish remover.
Treatment
Apply a lanolin-enriched lotion or one containing alpha-hydroxy acids to brittle, flaking nails after bathing. Natural treatments for brittle, flaking nails include:
- vitamin supplements of calcium
- biotin
- iron
- silicon
- vitamin A
- zinc
- according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
Preventing
How to Treat Split Nails
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Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishing or performing other household chores which involve water, and keep your hands out of water as often as possible. Dry your hands thoroughly when you must wash them and always apply a lotion to hands and nails after they are exposed to water. Wear gloves in winter and avoid using acrylic, porcelain or glue-on nails. Some nails polishes may protect the nail bed. Use a brand that adds nylon fibers to provide extra strength to nails, according to University of Mississippi's health care site.
- Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishing or performing other household chores which involve water, and keep your hands out of water as often as possible.
Warning
Contact a medical professional for treatment or to test for underlying medical conditions if you notice blue nails, white lines, pale nails, clubbed nails, horizontal ridges or clubbed nails. Do not pick or tear at the brittle, flaking nail.
Related Articles
References
- MedlinePlus: Nail Abnormalities
- TeensHealth: Skin, Hair and Nails
- Singal A, Arora R. Nail as a window of systemic diseases. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015;6(2):67-74. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.153002
- Yaemsiri S, Hou N, Slining MM, He K. Growth rate of human fingernails and toenails in healthy American young adults. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010;24(4):420-3. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03426.x
- Schons KR, Knob CF, Murussi N, Beber AA, Neumaier W, Monticielo OA. Nail psoriasis: a review of the literature. An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(2):312-7. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142633
- Abdullah L, Abbas O. Common nail changes and disorders in older people: Diagnosis and management. Can Fam Physician. 2011;57(2):173-81.
- Sarkar M, Mahesh DM, Madabhavi I. Digital clubbing. Lung India. 2012;29(4):354-62. doi:10.4103/0970-2113.102824
- Haneke E. Controversies in the treatment of ingrown nails. Dermatol Res Pract. 2012;2012:783924. doi:10.1155/2012/783924
- Jefferson J, Rich P. Melanonychia. Dermatol Res Pract. 2012;2012:952186. doi:10.1155/2012/952186
- Aging Changes in Hair and Nails. Medline. National Institutes of Health Public Information Sheet.
- Nails and Nail Problems. American Academy of Dermatology Public Information Sheet.
Writer Bio
Sommer Leigh has produced home, garden, family and health content since 1997 for such nationally known publications as "Better Homes and Gardens," "Ladies' Home Journal," "Midwest Living," "Healthy Kids" and "American Baby." Leigh also owns a Web-consulting business and writes for several Internet publications. She has a Bachelor of Science in information technology and Web management from the University of Phoenix.