Brittle Nails
Brittle Nails are characterized by a vertical splitting or separation of the nail plate layers at the distal (free) edge of the nail plate. In most cases, nail splitting and vertical ridges are characteristic of the natural aging process. This nail problem is also the result of overexposure to water and chemical solvents such as household cleaning solutions. As we age, the nail bed's natural flow of oils and moisture is greatly reduced. This oil and moisture is the cement that holds the nail plate layers together and gives the plate its inherent flexibility.
Brittle or weak nails is a common nail related problem faced by people of all ages. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the nails turning brittle and weak, peeling and chipping off frequently. Having brittle nails and toenails would mean that the structure of the nail is faulty which causes it to break or peel off horizontally or lengthwise. Brittle nails can affect fingernails as well as toenails. Also, more women are prone to developing brittle nails than men. Medically, this condition of the nail is known as onychoschizia and mild brittle nail problems may not require any medical treatment. However, if brittle nails are not cared for and looked after appropriately, they may lead to other nail related problems and brittle nails treatment will also be required. Read more on fingernail disorders.
Brittle Nail Causes
Brittle nails can be caused due to various reasons like trauma to the nails, exposure to cleaning products like detergents and dish washing liquids, frequent exposure to water and excessive use of harsh chemical nail products like fingernail polish removers and nail polishes. It may also be caused due to certain medical conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dehydration, lichen planus and alopecia arcata. A deficiency of essential nutrients and minerals like iron, zinc, vitamins and calcium can also cause the nails to turn brittle and weak. Read more on causes of weak nails and why do fingernails peel.
Treatment of Brittle Nails
Wondering how to cure brittle nails? Well, there are a number of methods that you can adopt as treatment for brittle nails. The most common course of treatment that you could opt for strengthening brittle nails is dietary supplementation. Include vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, niacin, calcium and iron supplements in your diet. The recommended daily dose of biotin to cure brittle nails is 2.5mg which can be obtained from the consumption of a glass of soy milk along with barley or corn. Treatment and cure of the medical condition causing brittle nails will also help cure the condition. Read more on vitamins for healthy nails.
Brittle Nails Remedy
The best known remedy for brittle nails is to moisturize the fingernails and toenails regularly. You can either apply a moisturizer directly onto the nails or soak your nails in essential oils for around 20 minutes daily. Another brittle nails remedy would be to protect your hand and fingernails by wearing gloves while working with water, harsh chemicals and cleaning agents. This will protect the nails from being exposed to the chemicals which can make it brittle or weak. Also, restrict the use of nail polishes and nail polish removers. It would be best to leave the nails free of nail polish as and when possible to allow them to breathe and grow.
Nail Care Recipes for Brittle Nails
The following are a few simple recipes and home remedies that can help care for your nails and at the same time prevent wear and tear of nails that are brittle.
Soak you nails in a bowl of warm almond oil or olive for half an hour daily. Do not wash your fingers but gently massage the oil into your fingernails. Practice this on a daily basis to cure brittle nails.
Apply a mixture of honey and lemon to your brittle fingernails and toenails. Massage this mixture into the nail and do not wash it off. This is a good brittle nails treatment.
Apply a mixture of a capsule of vitamin E oil and ¼ teaspoon warm olive oil to the strengthen brittle nails.
Prepare a scrub to harden nails by mixing a teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon each of olive oil and castor oil and ½ cup shelled, ground walnuts. Apply this paste to the hands, fingernails, toenails and feet and gently scrub them. Rinse off with lukewarm water and repeat twice a week.
Apply a thick layer of milk cream or petroleum jelly to your hands and fingernails and slip on cotton gloves before going out to best keep them moisturized.