Brittle nails: what to do when they splinter?

Around 20 percent of Germans have brittle nails. Here we tell you what to do if you are one of those affected. Women suffer from chipped nails twice as often as men. Brittle nails are not a health hazard, but they are an aesthetic problem that can sometimes cause pain.

via Anna-Lisa

11/22/2016, 09:35

Brüchige Nägel sollten gefeilt, nicht geschnitten werden — Brittle nails should be filed, not cut.

Basically, experts distinguish between two types of nail fragility. In one form - known as onychoschisis - the nail flakes off from the free edge. In the other form - onychorrhexis - they split open lengthwise. Frequent contact with chemicals such as soap, washing-up liquid and detergent or nail polish remover is usually to blame. Whether brittle nails can be caused by nail polish is controversial.
Tip: If you wear rubber gloves when doing housework from now on, you should quickly see an improvement.

Brittle nails: diet plays a role

It is assumed that brittle nails can be caused by nutritional deficiencies: If vitamins or minerals are lacking, nails can quickly split or break. Special dietary supplements such as biotin or silica (drugstore) may be able to help.

Brittle nails: can I do anything about care?

Proper care is also important if you have brittle nails. What you can do:File your nails instead of cutting them, this is better for the nail edges. Hand packs with healing clay, almond oil and olive oil are also a proven method against brittle fingernails. Pharmacies also sell products such as nail oil or nail polish (e.g. Sililevo), which make the nails stronger and more resistant.

If none of this helps, brittle nails may be caused by iron deficiency or an underactive thyroid gland. If you are unsure, you should see a doctor.