Causes of brittle nails and how to take care of them

Everything from aging to poor nutrition can make your nails dry, thin and brittle. In addition, there are certain treatments and medical conditions that can cause them to become brittle. But don't worry, proper care can make all the difference in keeping your nails healthy.
Causes of brittle nails include:
Too much moisture: When your nails get wet, they thicken. As they dry, they shrink. If your hands are exposed to a lot of water, especially if you're also using harsh soaps or detergents, this constant change can dry out your nails, leaving them soft and flaky. Age: As you age, your nails may dry out and grow slower. Toenails are usually thicker and harder, while fingernails are thinner and more fragile. There's no specific age when this happens and it doesn't happen to everyone, but it can be the cause of your nails being brittle and prone to breakage. Raynaud's syndrome: This is a condition that affects the blood vessels and causes your hands and feet to not get enough blood supply. This makes it harder for your nails to get what they need to stay healthy. Brittle nails are a common symptom of Raynaud's syndrome. Low thyroid hormone: Sweat is the body's natural moisturizer. Low levels of thyroid hormone, known as "hypothyroidism," reduce the amount of sweat your body produces. The result is drier hair, skin and nails. Along with brittle nails, you may have other symptoms such as aches and pains, fatigue, weight gain, and memory problems. Anemia: The most common cause of anemia, or a low red blood cell count, is not having enough iron in the blood. It can happen when you lose too much blood. You can also get it if you don't get enough iron in your diet or don't absorb iron. Anemia can cause your nails to become brittle or curl inward to form a spoon.

Cancer treatment: Brittle nails can be a side effect of some cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Dry skin and nails are common. They can become thin, break easily, and grow more slowly than usual. Not enough nutrients: Rarely, brittle nails mean you're not getting enough vitamins and minerals your body needs. For example, low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) can cause scaly skin, dry hair, and brittle nails along with muscle cramps.

Care tips to prevent brittle and brittle nails are:
Wear gloves: An easy way to protect your nails from too much moisture or harsh chemicals is to wear gloves when you wash dishes or clean the house. Choose latex gloves with cotton lining, so you'll sweat less. Biotin Supplements: Some small studies show that taking a daily dose of biotin can make nails thicker and stronger. High amounts can change certain test results or affect epilepsy medications. Check with your doctor to see if you can use biotin. Avoid using artificial nails: Acrylic nails, the kind that technicians glue over your natural nails, can cause a lot of damage. The nail technician must file the surface down for them to stick, which causes the nail to thin. The chemicals in the glue make your nails weaker. Avoid this beauty routine if you are dealing with brittle nails. Eat more protein: When you get enough protein, it increases the amount of keratin your body makes. Keratin is a protein that helps build hair and nails and makes them stronger. To find out how many grams of protein you need a day, multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36.

Keep nails short: Trim and file your nails regularly to avoid scratching and repair cracks. You should cut them straight with sharp nail clippers or nail scissors. File them into a small curve at the end. Protector with nail polish: Some nail polishes contain nylon fibers that can strengthen your nails and keep them from chipping or splitting. Try applying it once a week, but avoid using acetone-based cleaners as they will lose their effectiveness, which can damage your nails. Apply lotion: Lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids or lanolin can be helpful for brittle nails caused by dry conditions. Soak nails in water for 5 minutes before painting. Don't use your nails as a tool: Do you like using your nails to open soda cans or other containers? Let it rest. Instead, use other objects to do those tasks. There are many causes of brittle and brittle nails. Understanding the exact cause helps you to prevent and take care effectively.
Follow Vinmec International General Hospital website to get more health, nutrition and beauty information to protect the health of yourself and your loved ones in your family.

Reference source: webmd.com