Brittle Nails
About This Condition
Brittle nails can be weak, thin, nails that peel or break easily, and/or grow slowly.
The common condition of brittle nails is often not definitively linked with any known cause. Nonetheless, natural medicine may be able to help strengthen brittle nails.
Most conditions that affect nails are unrelated to nutrition; they are caused by a lack of oxygen associated with lung conditions, hemorrhage due to infection, or inflammation around the nail due to infection. If there is any question about what the problem is, it is important to get a diagnosis from a healthcare practitioner.
Symptoms
People with brittle nails may have frequent or easy breaking, cracking, splitting, or tearing of their nails.
Other Therapies
Therapy involves the intake of adequate nutrition; especially protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, calcium, and iron; the use of gloves when washing dishes, and the avoidance of drying chemicals, such as nail polish remover. Treatment of an underlying medical condition, such as thyroid deficiency or poor circulation, may be necessary.
