Fingernails, composed of layers of a protein called keratin, protect our fingertips and aid daily tasks. When these layers begin to separate, leading to peeling or breaking, it can be concerning. This common issue, medically known as onychoschizia, stems from various factors, from routine habits to underlying health conditions. Understanding the causes is key to maintaining strong, healthy nails.
Everyday Habits and Environmental Factors
Daily interactions with the environment and certain habits influence nail integrity. Frequent exposure to water is a common culprit, as repeated wetting and drying can strip nails of their natural moisture, leading to thinning and brittleness. This makes nail layers more susceptible to peeling. Tasks like dishwashing without gloves or prolonged water activities can weaken nail structure.
Harsh chemicals found in cleaning products and some nail polish removers also contribute to nail damage. Acetone, a common remover ingredient, can dehydrate the nail plate, cuticles, and surrounding skin by stripping natural oils. This dehydration weakens the nail, making it prone to splitting and brittleness. Even non-acetone removers contain damaging chemicals, and frequent application and removal of nail polish, especially gel or acrylics, can compromise nail health.
Even minor physical trauma can result in peeling and breaking. Habits like nail biting, using nails as tools, or picking at nail polish can directly damage nail layers. Improper filing techniques, such as aggressive back-and-forth sawing, can also weaken the nail’s free edge, leading to splits and tears. Insufficient moisture leaves nails dry and brittle, preventing them from retaining flexibility.
Underlying Health Considerations
Internal health issues can also manifest as peeling or breaking nails. Nutritional deficiencies can play a role, such as insufficient intake of certain vitamins and minerals, impacting nail strength. Low levels of iron, biotin (vitamin B7), zinc, and calcium can weaken nails, making them softer and more prone to cracking. Iron deficiency anemia can lead to brittle nails and, in some cases, spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia).
Thyroid disorders, such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), can cause nails to become dry, brittle, and prone to peeling by slowing nail tissue turnover. Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition, commonly affects nails, causing symptoms like pitting, discoloration (yellow or brown), thickening, and crumbling. Nail changes in psoriasis can range from mild to severe, sometimes leading to nail separation from the nail bed.
Fungal infections (onychomycosis) frequently cause nails to thicken, become discolored (white or yellow-brown), and become brittle or crumbly. These infections often start at the nail edge and can spread, sometimes causing pain or separation. Nails can also become naturally thinner and more brittle with age.
Practical Steps for Nail Health
Proper nail care techniques can improve nail health. Gently filing nails in one direction, rather than a back-and-forth motion, helps prevent weakening and splitting. Keeping nails trimmed to a shorter length can reduce the likelihood of trauma and snagging, which often lead to breakage. Avoiding metal tools or aggressively pushing back cuticles is beneficial, as cuticles protect the nail matrix from infection.
Moisturization maintains nail flexibility and strength. Regularly applying hand cream, especially after washing hands, helps prevent dryness. Cuticle oils provide direct hydration to the nail plate and surrounding skin. Consistent hydration helps nails retain moisture, making them less brittle.
Dietary considerations support nail health. A balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals provides building blocks for strong nails. Foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes offer nutrients such as protein, iron, biotin, and zinc, all contribute to nail strength. Adequate hydration is also important, as dehydration can lead to brittle nails.
Protective measures safeguard nails from external damage. Wearing cotton-lined rubber gloves when performing wet tasks, such as washing dishes or cleaning with harsh chemicals, minimizes exposure to water and irritants. Limiting the use of nail polish removers, especially those containing acetone, and choosing gentler, non-acetone formulas can reduce chemical damage. Taking breaks from continuous nail polish or artificial nail applications can help nails recover and strengthen.
When Professional Guidance is Needed
While many instances of peeling and breaking nails can be managed with home care, some signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. If symptoms persist or worsen despite home care, a healthcare provider can identify underlying causes. This is particularly important if accompanied by pain, swelling, or unusual discoloration.
Changes in nail color, such as dark streaks, or nail separation, warrant medical attention. If peeling nails occur alongside systemic symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or changes in hair or skin, it could signal an underlying health condition. A doctor can perform examinations, order blood tests if necessary, and recommend treatments or refer to a specialist, such as a dermatologist.