Determining the type of nail breakage

The first step on the way to stronger nails is to determine the type of nail breakage. There are basically two different types. Either the fingernails or toenails tear lengthwise (onychorrhexis) or the nail plate splits into two layers (onychoschisis). Why nails are so susceptible to unsightly and sometimes painful changes can be deduced from their structure: The solid nail itself consists of soft and hard horny substances and is divided into a lower and an upper layer, which are firmly connected in healthy nails. If the growth of the nails is disturbed, the various substances can come loose - and brittle nails are the result.

What helps against brittle nails: researching the causes

In order to be able to tackle the problem of brittle nails in the long term, it is essential to carefully investigate the causes. If you know why your nails are brittle, you can take targeted countermeasures. However, the most common cause of brittle nails leaves little scope for effective treatment. How strong or brittle a person's nails are depends largely on their genes. However, based on your genetic predisposition, there are many influencing factors that favor brittle nails or, on the contrary, reduce the likelihood of their occurrence - and this is precisely where your research into the causes should start. We have summarized the most important aspects for a quick overview:

• The most common external causes of brittle nails include cleaning products. If, for example, your job involves frequent contact with water, cleaning agents, soaps or chemicals, this can damage the structure of your nails. Too much water causes the nails to swell and dry out again and again, causing them to lose oil and moisture.
• Do you like to embellish your nails with nail polish or artificial nails? If used excessively, this can also promote brittle nails. Nail polish remover in particular damages the cementing substance in the nails that holds the individual cells together: If this is missing, the nails splinter.
• Contrary to popular misconception, a lack of nutrients is one of the rarer triggers of brittle nails. If you eat a normal and balanced diet, there is no need to worry about a deficiency. However, brittle nails can also be a symptom of certain illnesses associated with malnutrition. A lack of B vitamins or iron, for example, makes the nails brittle and therefore unstable.
• Certain diseases and medication can also promote brittle nails. In addition to thyroid disorders, skin diseases such as psoriasis or nodular lichen should be mentioned here.

What you can do to prevent nail breakage

Once you have identified the cause of your problems, a possible treatment approach can usually be deduced by itself. If there is a disease behind your brittle nails, treatment of these symptoms will of course lead to the best results. To avoid irritation of the nails caused by work or everyday housework, you can wear gloves when coming into contact with water and cleaning products.

Even if the causes described above are rare: A healthy diet generally contributes to your general well-being and therefore also to the health of your skin and nails. However, you should discuss with your doctor whether taking dietary supplements can be helpful. Habits such as nail biting or pushing and shoving at the cuticle have a counterproductive effect on the stabilization of your nail growth. As far as possible, you should avoid these activities at all costs.

Careful nail care is of crucial importance. If brittle nails occur acutely, it is best to temporarily avoid nail polish or artificial fingernails altogether. To trim your nails gently, use a file instead of scissors or nail clippers and use a pH-neutral, mild soap to wash your hands. Finally, for an extra dose of care, there are various creams and lotions on the market that provide your fingers and nails with additional moisture. Such care is particularly beneficial after bathing or showering. Products from various manufacturers include oil baths, hand packs and special nail polishes designed to give nails more strength. If these are used regularly, measurable effects can often be achieved.

However, when it comes to "What helps against brittle nails", one principle generally applies: it often takes some time for the measures to take effect. Your patience is required here!