Weak or Brittle Nails: What Your Body May Be Telling You
Brittle, splitting, or peeling nails are very common and don’t automatically mean you have a vitamin deficiency. Everyday exposure to water, detergents, nail polish remover, and repeated manicures can weaken nails.
Common causes
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Frequent wetting and drying: Repeated exposure to water can make nails swell and shrink, encouraging splitting.
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Chemical exposure: Cleaning products, solvents, and acetone can dry the nails.
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Aging: Nails often become thinner and more brittle with age.
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Iron deficiency: Can sometimes cause brittle or spoon-shaped nails, particularly when accompanied by fatigue or other symptoms.
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Thyroid disorders: Both an underactive and overactive thyroid can affect nail growth.
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Skin conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, and fungal nail infections can alter nail appearance.
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Nutritional deficiencies: Severe deficiencies of certain nutrients can affect nails, but taking supplements without identifying a deficiency isn’t usually helpful.
What you can do
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Keep nails reasonably short.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products.
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Apply a moisturizing cream or petroleum jelly to nails and cuticles regularly.
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Avoid aggressive buffing and frequent acetone use.
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Don’t bite or pick at the nails.
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Eat a varied diet containing adequate protein, iron, zinc, and other nutrients.
When to get your nails checked
See a healthcare professional if nail changes are sudden, severe, persistent, painful, or affecting several nails, or if you also have symptoms such as unusual fatigue, hair loss, weight changes, or changes in skin color.
One important point: Don’t automatically take iron, biotin, or other supplements just because your nails are brittle. A clinician can determine whether a deficiency or another medical condition is actually responsible.
