Weak or Brittle Nails: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You
Weak, peeling, or brittle nails are common and are often caused by everyday exposure to water, chemicals, or repeated trauma. Sometimes, however, changes in the nails can be associated with nutritional deficiencies or underlying medical conditions.
- Frequent Exposure to Water
Repeatedly getting your hands wet and then drying them can make nails expand and contract, which may contribute to splitting and peeling.
People who frequently wash dishes, clean, or work with their hands may be especially affected.
Wearing protective gloves during prolonged wet work can help.
- Excessive Use of Nail Products
Frequent use of nail polish, polish remover, gel manicures, acrylics, or artificial nails can contribute to nail dryness and damage.
Give your nails breaks between treatments if they are becoming thin or brittle.
- Iron Deficiency
Iron-deficiency anemia can sometimes be associated with changes in the nails, including thin or spoon-shaped nails.
However, brittle nails alone don’t prove that you have an iron deficiency. A blood test is a better way to determine whether your iron levels are low.
- Thyroid Problems
Both an underactive and overactive thyroid can sometimes affect the nails.
Other symptoms—such
as changes in weight, energy, heart rate, temperature sensitivity, or hair and skin changes—may provide additional clues.
- Nutritional Problems
A diet lacking adequate protein, iron, zinc, or other nutrients can affect healthy nail growth.
Rather than immediately taking high-dose supplements, focus on a balanced diet and consider testing if you have other symptoms or a reason to suspect a deficiency.
- Aging
Nails naturally become thinner, drier, and more fragile with age.
This is common and doesn’t necessarily indicate disease.
- Fungal Infection
A fungal nail infection can cause nails to become thick, discolored, brittle, crumbly, or separated from the nail bed.
Fungal infections usually require
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