Peeling nails, medically known as onychoschizia or lamellar dystrophy, occur when the layers of the nail plate separate horizontally. This condition makes nails weak and prone to splitting or breaking easily. While often a benign concern, peeling nails can sometimes signal underlying health issues, which this article will explore.
Common External Factors
Frequent exposure to water is a leading cause of nail peeling. Nails absorb water, causing them to swell, and then contract as they dry. This repetitive wetting and drying weakens the nail structure, leading to loss of adhesion between the nail layers and making them prone to splitting.
Contact with harsh chemicals significantly contributes to nail peeling. Cleaning products, strong soaps, and nail polish removers containing acetone can strip the natural oils and moisture from the nail plate. This dehydration makes the nails brittle, causing them to flake or peel.
Physical trauma and repetitive actions also damage the nail plate. Using nails as tools, picking at them, or improper filing techniques can disrupt the integrity of the nail layers. Aggressive buffing, for instance, can thin the nail plate, making it more susceptible to peeling.
Certain manicuring practices can weaken nails. The application and especially the removal of artificial nails, like gel polish or acrylics, can damage the underlying nail plate. Peeling off nail polish instead of using remover also contributes to the problem.
Internal Influences and Nutritional Gaps
Internal factors, including overall health and dietary habits, also influence nail strength. Dehydration, resulting from insufficient water intake, can cause nails to become dry and prone to peeling. Adequate hydration is important for maintaining the nail’s moisture balance.
Nutritional deficiencies can manifest as brittle and peeling nails. Iron deficiency anemia is a common culprit, as iron is essential for healthy nail growth. Protein deficiency can also affect nail integrity, as nails are primarily made of keratin, a protein.
Deficiencies in specific vitamins and minerals, such as biotin (a B vitamin) and zinc, are sometimes associated with nail fragility. These nutrients contribute to the strength and growth of keratin, the protein that forms the nail tissue.
Age-related changes naturally impact nail condition. As individuals age, nails tend to become drier, more brittle, and prone to breakage. Nail growth also slows, meaning that any damage, including peeling, may take longer to resolve.
Medical Conditions and Nail Health
While less common than external factors or nutritional deficiencies, certain medical conditions can contribute to nail peeling. Thyroid disorders, particularly an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), can lead to brittle nails.
Skin conditions like psoriasis can also affect nail health. While psoriasis more commonly causes pitting or discoloration, it can also lead to nail brittleness and peeling. This occurs when the condition affects the nail matrix, causing cells to not bind together properly.
Fungal infections, known as onychomycosis, primarily cause thickening or discoloration of the nail. However, as the fungus consumes keratin, it can also lead to crumbling or peeling of the nail plate.
It is important to recognize that self-diagnosis of these conditions is not advisable. If medical conditions are suspected, a healthcare professional should be consulted for proper diagnosis and management.
Effective Strategies for Stronger Nails
Regular moisturizing is a simple yet effective strategy for improving nail health. Applying hand cream or nail oil to nails and cuticles helps to replenish lost moisture and maintain flexibility.
Protecting hands and nails from environmental stressors is important. Wearing gloves for household chores, such as washing dishes or cleaning, shields nails from excessive water and harsh chemicals.
Proper nail care techniques prevent physical damage. Filing nails gently in one direction, rather than a back-and-forth motion, helps to maintain nail integrity and reduce splitting.
Dietary considerations support nail strength from within. Staying hydrated by drinking sufficient water is foundational. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins provides the necessary nutrients for healthy nail growth.
Choosing nail products wisely also plays a role. Opting for acetone-free nail polish removers is less harsh on the nails. Reducing the frequent use of artificial nail enhancements like gels or acrylics can also help prevent damage.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Certain signs indicate that professional medical evaluation for peeling nails is advisable. If peeling is accompanied by pain, swelling, redness around the nail, or pus, a healthcare provider should be consulted.
Significant changes in nail color or shape, such as yellow, white, or brown discoloration, or unusual thickening, also warrant a doctor’s visit. These alterations could be signs of fungal infections or other underlying medical issues.
If nail peeling does not improve despite consistent home care strategies, it is prudent to seek medical advice. This suggests that external factors or simple deficiencies may not be the sole cause.
Rapid onset or severe peeling, especially if it affects multiple nails or is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms like fatigue, should prompt a medical consultation. These could be indicators of underlying medical conditions that require specific treatment.