If you deal with brittle nails, you can take comfort knowing that you’re not alone. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 20 percent of Americans have this nail condition. And while brittle nails can affect people of all ages, they’re most common in women over 60.
Several things can cause brittle nails, including:
- Aging
- Exposure to harsh chemicals or detergents
- Frequent manicures or pedicures
- Illness
- Injury
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Psoriasis
- Thyroid disease
Fortunately, there are several ways and things you can do to treat brittle nails and improve their appearance.
Here are helpful tips:
- Use A Lanolin-Based Nail Conditioner – Lanolin-Based Nail Conditioners are ideal for treating brittle nails because they help keep them moisturized. Try Foot Doc Store’s Lanolin Nail Conditioner. Applying a nail conditioner is also helpful in preventing brittle nails from happening in the first place.
- Wear Gloves When Doing Chores – Wearing gloves when doing household chores or using harsh chemicals can help to protect your nails from damage. In addition, you can reduce the chances of developing brittle nails by minimizing exposure to moisture that softens nails and to detergents that dry them out.
- Eat A Healthy Diet – Eating a healthy diet is essential for overall health, but it’s also vital in keeping nails strong. So be certain to consume a diet rich in foods with healthy protein and calcium, such as lean meats, skinless poultry, fish, tofu, eggs, and leafy greens. Calcium and protein play a role in hair and nail growth, so they’re essential for preventing brittle nails.
- Avoid Nail Hardeners – Many people think applying a nail hardener is an excellent way to strengthen nails but can do more harm than good. Nail hardeners contain ingredients that can dry out nails and make them more prone to breaking. If you want to strengthen your nails, using a nail conditioner or a strengthening polish that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals is better.
- Give Your Nails A Break From Polish – While wearing nail polish can give your nails a nice, polished look, it’s essential to provide them with a break from time to time. An occasional break from polish is good because nail polish can contribute to brittle nails. When you give your fingernails and toenails a break from harmful manicures and pedicures, your natural nails have time to heal and regenerate.
- Take A Supplement – If you’re not getting enough specific vitamins and minerals from your diet, you may need to take a supplement. For example, biotin is essential for nail health, so you may want to take a biotin supplement if you’re not deriving enough from your diet. Other vitamins and minerals that support nail health include Vitamin B, magnesium, Vitamin C, and Zinc.
Are There Any Dangers Of Having Brittle Nails?
While brittle nails are not dangerous, they can indicate an underlying health condition, such as thyroid disease or psoriasis. If you have brittle nails and are concerned about an underlying health condition, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.