10 REASONS YOU HAVE... BRITTLE NAILS

1 YOU LEAVE NAIL PAINT ON

Breaking a nail is hardly a cause for concern – but up to one in five of us suffer brittle nails, a dermatological condition characterised by nails that split or peel into layers, causing discomfort and risking infection. Over-exposure to water is the main culprit, as is too little moisture, a common side effect of leaving nail polish on for too long.

2 BAD DIET

The visible part of the fingernail is called the nail plate, composed largely of keratin, a hardened protein that is also in skin and hair. As with all skin conditions, dietary deficiencies can weaken the nails, particularly a lack of Vitamins A and B, protein and iron.

3 YOU NEED RUBBER GLOVES

Dirt and trauma can cause nails to peel or split. Exposure to detergents and paintstrippers can also make nails flaky and brittle, so use rubber gloves for a big clean or paint job.

4 IT’S YOUR THYROID

All primates have fingernails, which are essentially flattened claws that protect the fingertip from damage. Dry, brittle or slowgrowing nails can be a sign of an underactive or overactive thyroid – the gland that controls numerous hormonal body processes.

5 IT COULD BE ARTHRITIS

Reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter’s Syndrome, is an inflammation in the joints following an infection, which can cause, among other symptoms, crumbling nails. Antiinflammatory drugs can help control symptoms, which normally improve within three to six months – but luckily this is rare.

6 BLAME MEDICATION

Brittle or peeling nails can be a side effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but also some common medications including antibiotics, as they can disrupt the rate at which new cells grow.

7 IT’S PSORIASIS

Skin conditions such as psoriasis – a condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin – can spread to the hands and affect the nails. Nail psoriasis may be helped by an overthe-counter ointment called calcipotriol.

8 AGGRESSIVE MANICURES

Applying and removing fake nails, acrylic and gel manicures can damage the nail bed. Even ‘natural’ enhancing techniques such as polishing with a buffer can cause harm unless care is taken to buff in one direction only.

9 YOU BITE THEM

In addition to the hordes of bacteria living under them, biting your nails weakens them and makes them grow unevenly. It can also permanently damage the nail beds, which means they will not grow back. Biting your nails and nibbling your cuticles also leaves your nails open to infection.

10 IT’S FUNGAL

Fungal infection of the nails (medical name: onychomycosis) affects up to one in ten adults and the fingers can be affected. Infected areas turn white or yellowish, and become thick and crumbly. Treatment involves applying anti-fungal lacquers.