Brittle toenails aren’t just unsightly – they can indicate health problems. We explain the most common causes and what helps now here.
For many people, beautiful nails are simply part of a well-groomed appearance. But Unfortunately, splintering or brittle toenails, which can spoil this impression, are not uncommon. In some cases the problem can simply be traced back to incorrect care – but health reasons are often also responsible. The good thing: If you know the trigger, you can effectively combat grooves, discoloration or cracks in your nails.
What types of nail breaks are there?
Doctors differentiate two different types from brittle nails:
- Onychoschisis: (Greek onycho = nail, schisis = split): In onychoschisis, the nails tend to splinter off the edge in a lamellar manner and horizontally.
- Onychorrhexis: (Greek onycho = nail, rhexis = break or crack): If there is onychorrhexis, longitudinal grooves appear on the nail.
Common triggers for brittle toenails
Nail problems can have various causes. The most common include:
Moisture loss
Similar to our skin, hand and toenails lose moisture, especially in winter, due to cold air outside and warm air from heating indoors. However, unlike the skin, they cannot regulate their moisture level – and therefore dry out more quickly. Once the nails become brittle, they are even more difficult to absorb water and become drier and drier.
Medication
Some medications cause brittle toenails as a side effect. The so-called Cytostatics are used, for example, in cancer treatments or against autoimmune diseases and slow down cell growth, which can, among other things, affect the strength of the nails.
Irritating substances
Irritating chemicals, such as those found in cleaning products or nail polish removers, make both fingernails and toenails more susceptible to damage. In order to avoid corresponding nail changes, some caution should be exercised when handling such substances. For example, pay attention to nail polish remover Be careful to only apply it to the nail itself and not to accidentally rub it on the sensitive cuticle. The following applies to your hands: It is always best to do so when handling cleaning products Gloves carry!
Nutrient deficiency
Nails can only grow strongly if the body is provided with everything it needs. A lack of various nutrients or vitamins can lead to nail problems. Especially one Lack of vitamins A, B or C as well as folic acid or biotin can be responsible for brittle toenails.
If there is a mineral deficiency, you may also be able to recognize this from other symptoms. Iron deficiency (iron deficiency anemia), for example, is often manifested by persistent tiredness, headaches or pale skin. Women in particular are more likely to suffer from iron deficiency, because they lose iron-rich blood every month through their period. But a zinc deficiency can also be responsible for brittle nails. If you have the feeling that you are suffering from a mineral or vitamin deficiency, it is best to have your values checked by a doctor.
diseases
Especially different ones Skin diseases and hormonal disorders such as metabolic diseases can promote nail fractures. Is the nail bed white or yellowish, brittle and/or thickened? Then nail fungus can be the trigger. In many cases, a nail fungus infection is a rather lengthy matter, and treatment requires patience.
With the help of special paints from the pharmacy, the fungal growth is inhibited – alternatively, special tablets can be used to get rid of the nail fungus. Apart from the unsightly fungal nail infection, skin diseases such as psoriasis or so-called ringworm can also cause brittle toenails.
Hormonal disorders not only cause nail problems, but also many different complaints. Hypothyroidism, for example, is not only noticeable through brittle toenails or fingernails, but also through unexplained weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and straw-like hair. If you have the feeling that you are suffering from a thyroid disorder, you should Have your thyroid levels checked by a doctor let. With the correct diagnosis, the disease can also be treated.
Genetic factors
The doctor can’t find any physical causes for your brittle nails? Then she could genetics play a role. For example, if your parents or siblings already have problems with the nail structure and/or nail changes, the symptoms could be congenital.
Incorrect care
Sometimes human errors can also cause brittle toenails. Caution is therefore advised, for example when doing a manicure or pedicure: If you use clippers or nail scissors to shorten the nails, this can lead to fine cracks in the nail plate. But also rough filing can cause injuries to the nail structure. Therefore, make sure you use a high-quality file – glass files have proven to be particularly gentle on the nail.
Be careful with your fingers: Although artificial fingernails or gel nails are a great eye-catcher, they can also have a negative effect on the natural nail. For example, bacteria and fungi often multiply in the cavity between the artificial and natural nail and then trigger infections. In addition, artificial nails soften the horny substance of the natural nail, making it more brittle.
Quick help: How to get brittle toenails under control
Once the nails are brittle, good advice is expensive. In acute cases, the following tips can help against cracked toenails:
- Nourishing nail polish: There is extra nourishing nail polishes, which not only supply the nail plate with minerals, but also provide it with a protective layer. This strengthens the nail and prevents further tearing.
- Moisturizer: Specific Creams with moisturizing ingredients such as urea or almond not only pamper the skin, but also the nails. It is also considered particularly caring for the nail plate and also the sensitive cuticles Nail oil.
Tip: Of course, you would prefer to hide brittle nails. However, if you have nail problems, you should definitely not use artificial nails or gel nails to conceal them. This only increases the risk of nail fungus or further nail damage. In general, the following also applies: If the symptoms do not improve over a longer period of time, it is better not to continue treatment with home remedies, but rather to look for possible causes with medical help.
Better prevent nail breakage!
So that you don’t have to worry about torn, discolored or brittle toenails, it’s always best to targeted prevention. The following tips will help:
1. Proper nutrition
Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, improves keratin formation. These are special proteins that naturally strengthen the nails. Foods containing biotin can help prevent nail problems. The mineral is found, for example, in whole grain products, egg yolks, spinach or nuts.
Generally one supports balanced diet the health. In addition to the foods mentioned above, lots of fruit and vegetables, lean meat, lean dairy products, legumes and fish should also be on the menu regularly.
2. Gentle nail care
If you tend to have brittle toenails, it is better to keep them short. Use a high-quality one nail file and carefully file the nails round on the sides. Be careful not to go too deep under the nail – just enough to avoid ingrown nails. Instead of using artificial nails, it is better to use nourishing varnishes and Nail hardener.
3. Take color breaks
Even if beautifully painted nails are an eye-catcher, they are regular breaks for care helpful in the fight against nail breakage. Frequent use of nail polish remover, which is necessary before applying a new color, can damage the needle structure.
You can find out more about proper nail care and how to get beautiful nails here.