If your nails are weak, peel and break easy and generally look in less than perfect condition, they would be defined as brittle nails.
There are a number of underlying conditions which can cause brittle nails, including anemia, which is a condition brought about by low levels of iron in your body. There are other prominent signs of anemia, including a shortness of breath, headaches and infections. Anemia is easy to treat through supplements, so it is worth checking this out as a possibility for brittle fingernails. Low thyroid levels or hypothyroidism is another possibility for the cause of brittle nails and may cause other symptoms, such as weight gain, dry skin, memory problems and depression.
If you have brittle nails alongside other symptoms, it is important to seek advice from your local doctor.
Why do I have brittle nails?
In most cases, brittle nails are brought about through daily activity, such as going from wet to dry conditions – washing hands and not drying them properly is a common cause. Dryness of the nails is the most common reason for brittle nails, but there are many ways you can improve the condition. If you tend to use your hands a lot during the day for activities, such as gardening, styling hair etc, it is a good idea to wear gloves, as this will offer some protection to your nails.
Home remedies for brittle nails
There are several things you can do to help cure your brittle nails.
Pine Tree Tools Gardening Gloves
These gloves are great if you are a keen gardener or if you do any kind of heavy manual work. They protect your hands and nails from the damage that this type of activity can cause.
Nature Made Iron 65 mg.
This is a great remedy if you feel you think your nails may be brittle due to an iron deficiency – a common cause of brittle fingernails. It’s thought that up to 10% of Americans have inadequate intakes of iron, and a lack of iron can make you feel lethargic and run down, as well as affect your nails detrimentally.
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
If your nails are extremely dry, try using a regular moisturizer, such as O’Keeffe’s, to see if this improves the condition. Avoid using hand sanitizer, if possible, as these contain alcohol which can contribute to the dryness of your nails. If you take steps to try and treat your brittle hands, but you don’t see any improvement, it might be worth a trip to the doctor as there could be other underlying issues.
How to Prevent Brittle Nails
It is important to look after your nails and give them as much attention as you would with any other part of the body. Nails need regular moisturizing, so they don’t dry out and it is important to notice any changes to your nail bed as bad nail health can be symptomatic of a range of other illnesses. There are many ways to improve your fingernail health and keep them in top condition!
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