Brittle nails, or onychoschizia, can affect nearly anyone. It is a common issue that causes soft, thin, or splitting nails. It can occur due to moisture issues or as a result of an underlying condition.
Causes
This report is according to an article from Medical News Today published on 24th August 2023. The causes include:
Too little moisture/Too much moisture
When a person’s nails are hard and brittle, the nails lack enough moisture. Frequent wetting and drying of the nails from activities such as hand washing or doing the dishes can strip the moisture from the nails.
Anemia
This condition occurs when a person’s body does not produce enough hemoglobin. This is a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Sometimes, an iron deficiency causes anemia. Anemia can cause extreme fatigue.
Thyroid disorder
This condition causes a person’s body to create too many or too few hormones. When this happens, it can affect the body’s absorption of minerals. As a result, a person’s nails may split away from their beds.
Age
Age can affect the strength of a person’s nails. Nails naturally decrease in strength over time, which can cause them to break more easily.
And Finally, Usually, brittle nails don’t require a doctor visit, but these conditions warrant a call: Grooving or separation of your nail plate.Redness, swelling or soreness of the skin folds around your nail. While less common, brittle nails can also be a symptom of several medical conditions. However, If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these conditions, it’s advisable to visit your doctor to learn how to manage your symptoms.
