Causes of Weak Nails

Weak and brittle fingernails is a condition in which the nails either peel off or break from the free end side. It may also result in slow growth of the nails. Medically, the condition is referred to as onychoschizia. In general, peeling occurs in horizontal layers. On the contrary, longitudinal breakage of nails is a result of nail deformity. As per statistics, about 20 percent of people have weak nails. It is also observed that women are at higher risk of developing weak and brittle nails than men.

What Causes Weak Nails

The color, appearance and texture of fingernails may indicate the overall wellness of an individual. For example, weak nails is a major manifested symptom of anemia. In many cases, brittle nails are displayed without any internal problems. In fact, healthy people are also susceptible to this nail condition. Exposure to harsh chemicals, cleaning solutions, soaps, and detergents is a major cause of weak and brittle nails.

One of the most common causes of weak nails is frequently wetting them. Recurrent washing and cleaning of dishes and clothes result in very soft fingernails, which are susceptible to breakage and tearing. On the other hand, use of heating systems during winter season reduces the humidity level, which indirectly causes nail dryness and peeling. On a general note, too little or too much exposure to water can lead to weakening of nails.

Brittle nails can also result due to malnutrition or lack of adequate nutrients in the diet plan. Some of the factors that aggravate the condition of brittle nails are deficiency of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, calcium, and zinc. At times, weakened nail problem is resulted due to trauma and underlying health conditions, such as stress, skin disorders, thyroid problems, infections, circulatory problem, and liver malfunction.

Weak nails are also observed as a symptom of menopause and the natural aging process. In the former case, hormonal fluctuation is the prime reason. A woman in her menopause years has lower levels of estrogen, which is a hormone responsible for regulating the water balance. Due to low estrogen, the water regulation is disturbed, resulting in dry, flaky, and brittle nails. While speaking about the aging process, the nails appear dull and yellowish due to lack of moisture in the nail bed.

Medical researchers opine that brittle nails run in families. Hence, those individuals who are genetically predisposed to this nail problem have higher chances of developing the condition than others. Some individuals may have weak fingernails, but healthy toenails. In such a case, external environmental factor is the root cause. If all the major causes of weak fingernails are ruled out, you can improve the health of the nails by following simple nail care tips.

How to Deal with Weak Nails

Though brittle nails rarely pose severe long-term health effects, the correct diagnosis of weak nails is recommended. Therapeutic intervention should be considered if medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and psoriasis are suspected. The dermatologists may conduct laboratory tests to rule out other severe medical conditions. Depending upon the causes, the physician may prescribe appropriate over-the-counter medications and / or nutritional supplements to treat the underlying ailment and weak nails.

Some effective home remedies for treating brittle nails are, consuming a healthy diet, application of moisturizer, use of gloves while handling strong cleaning solutions, and regular manicure and pedicure. A combination of lifestyle modifications and natural remedies is effective to maintain healthy fingernails. While using products for nails, like nail polish or nail polish remover, it is always advisable to opt for good quality brands from a reliable brand.