Fragile, brittle nails can occur as a result of daily use of cleaning products or from the habit of nail biting, which is not a cause for concern.
However, when weakened nails are accompanied by other signs or symptoms, such as weakness, headaches, headaches or dizziness, for example, this may be a sign of health problems, such as anemia, nutritional deficiencies or hormonal changes, for example.
- Therefore.
- If the person has very fragile nails.
- It is recommended to consult the dermatologist so that tests can be done to help identify the cause and thus initiate appropriate treatment.
The habit of constantly biting your nails can make them more fragile, due to the appearance of microtraumas that facilitate breakage.
What to do: In this case, it is recommended to stop biting your nails, thus avoiding microtrauma. One way to avoid this habit is to leave nails always well cut and sanded, apply a nail polish that has a bitter taste or apply false nails, for example. Check out some tips to stop biting your nails.
Constant use of unprotected hand cleaning products with gloves can dry out the area and leave nails more fragile. In addition to cleaning products, using acetone to remove nail polish can also promote stains and make nails more fragile.
What to do: If cleaning products need to be used, it is recommended to place a glove, thus avoiding the contact of hands and nails with the product. In the case of nail polish removal, it is recommended to use an acetone-free nail polish remover, as this avoids damaging the nails.
Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to weak nails, especially if there is little consumption of foods rich in iron, vitamin D, zinc, selenium and vitamin B, found in meat and eggs, for example, and are responsible for maintaining the skin and hair. and healthy nails.
What to do: It is important to consult the nutritionist in order to identify nutritional deficiency and thus receive a dietary plan based on the nutritional needs of the person and help strengthen the nails.
Anemia is one of the main causes of nail weakness, as in anemia there is a decrease in the amount of circulating hemoglobin, which also leads to a decrease in the amount of oxygen transported to tissues.
Thus, due to the amount of oxygen circulating, there is not only a weakening of the nails, but also excessive fatigue, weakness and unwildness, for example. Learn to recognize the symptoms of anemia.
What to do: If anemia is confirmed by blood tests, it is important to identify the cause of anemia, as this will allow your doctor to indicate the most effective treatment, helping to reduce all symptoms associated with anemia, including weak nails. See what the treatment of anemia should look like.
Some thyroid changes can also weaken and make nails more fragile. In the case of hypothyroidism, a decrease in metabolism and a decrease in the transport of nutrients to the body are checked, making nails more fragile.
In the case of hyperthyroidism, there is an increase in thyroid hormone production, which stimulates nail growth, but they are quite fragile.
What to do: In this case, it is important that the treatment is done in accordance with the recommendation of the endocrinologist, which may indicate the replacement of thyroid hormones in case of hypothyroidism, or the use of medicines that regulate the production of thyroid hormones in case of hyperthyroidism.
Some dermatological diseases, especially when they are caused by fungi, can leave the nails fragile and brittle, in addition to altering their appearance, making them flaky. In such cases, it is important to see your dermatologist to make the diagnosis and treat the disease.
What to do: If it turns out that the nail change is due to the presence of fungi, it is important that treatment is done according to the recommendation of the dermatologist, the use of ointments or antifungal creams is usually indicated. See what treatment for nail fungal infection should be like.