Are Your Nails Just Dry Or Do You Have Brittle Nail Syndrome? Here’s How To Tell The Difference

According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, brittle nail syndrome is a heterogeneous abnormality, characterized by increased fragility of the nail plate.

Brittle nails affect about 20% of the population and women are affected twice as frequently as men. The vast majority of patients experience brittle nails as a significant cosmetic problem and a substantial number indicate that these nail abnormalities are painful, impair daily activities, and may have a negative impact on occupational abilities.

Brittle nails can happen for many reasons. They can be the result of normal aging, diet or even the result of using harsh nail beauty products too often. When the weather is cold, brittle nails may result from the dry air. Weak nails can also be a sign of a bigger health issue such as hypothyroidism or anemia.

Before you assume the worst or head to the doctor, learn how to strengthen brittle nails and the reasons why you might be experiencing them.

Do you frequently wash your hands or do the dishes? Nails that fluctuate between wet and dry environments can become brittle. In fact, the most common reason for brittle nails is that they simply dried out.

From our partner

Do you still have gout symptoms even though you're taking medication? You’re not alone. The Kadence study is a clinical research study for adults with uncontrolled gout. Learn More

If you want to strengthen your nails, there are several easy and inexpensive options:

Moisturize

Try a dedicated nail oil or a hand lotion with alpha hydroxy acid or lanolin. If nails are soft but brittle, they may be too moist so cut back on the moisturizer.

Limit manicures. To strengthen brittle nails, limit the number of manicures to avoid subjecting nails to the chemicals in nail polish and polish removers. Especially avoid acetone-based nail polish removers. For soft, brittle nails, a layer of polish may actually help.

Avoid alcohol-based sanitizers. Hand sanitizers are a convenient way to keep the germs away when soap and water aren’t available. But alcohol can dry out your nails and skin.

Get a paraffin wax bath. As an indulgent nail treatment, an at-home paraffin wax bath soothes and moisturizes nails and hands. Soak your hands in the bath for 10 to 20 minutes; then give the wax time to dry before peeling it off.

From our partner

People 16+ years old struggling with lupus: Find out if the PHOENYCS FLY Study may be for you. Study-related care provided at no cost.

Wear gloves. When washing dishes or doing housework, wear rubber gloves to protect your fingernails.

Some health conditions that can cause brittle nails include:

• Raynaud’s syndrome: Causes circulation problems in the extremities, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. When the smaller arteries in hands and feet narrow, those extremities might feel numb or cold. Not surprisingly, this can affect nail health.

• Hypothyroidism: This is a condition associated with low thyroid levels which can cause more than just brittle nails. Fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, thinning hair, memory problems, depression, and constipation are the most common symptoms, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

• Anemia: Low iron levels can cause your nails to be brittle, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. You may also experience fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, cracks in the side of your mouth, or frequent infections. If blood work shows low iron, your doctor may recommend iron supplements

• Cancer treatment: Brittle nails can be a side effect of cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy and other targeted therapies. If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, talk to your oncology team about how to keep your nails and skin healthy and moisturized.