What makes weak fingernails

A look at ridges in fingernails. This article examines fingernail ridges caused by aging, other causes, how they are diagnosed, and how to prevent…. What to know about brittle nails. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Causes Treatment Diet Nail health tips When to see a doctor Summary Brittle nails, or onychoschizia, can affect nearly anyone. Share on Pinterest Too little moisture is a possible cause of brittle nails.

Treatments and home remedies. Diet and nutrition. Tips for good nail health. When to see a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What do your nails say about your health? That can lead to a nail infection. Also, make sure your nail technician properly sterilizes all tools used during your manicure to prevent the spread of infection.

He or she may recommend the nutritional supplement biotin. Some research suggests it might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails. Depending on your medical history and overall health, among other factors, your doctor also may conduct a more comprehensive evaluation to see if weak nails could be related to another underlying problem.

For example, some nail changes may point to a skin disorder that can affect the nails. These could include, to name just a few: psoriasis , a common skin disease that causes skin cells to rapidly build up; lichen planus , an inflammatory condition that can affect your skin; and dermatitis , another inflammatory skin disorder.

All of these can show up in your nails. Before you assume the worst or head to the doctor, learn how to strengthen brittle nails and the reasons why you might be experiencing them. Do you frequently wash your hands or do the dishes? Nails that fluctuate between wet and dry environments can become brittle.

In fact, the most common reason for brittle nails is that they simply dried out. Brittle nails can be signs of other health conditions, so be sure to let your doctor know of any other changes you notice. Growths around the base of the nail or other changes should be reported to your doctor. According to Norris, more concerning signs of disease of a nail include the following:. Eating a variety of whole foods will usually get you all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your nails need.

Instead, she suggests looking for a product that comes in easy-to-digest capsules. Opt for popular choices: biotin and the herb horsetail. That said, if you begin taking biotin for nail health, Norris advises to discontinue use two weeks prior to having any lab work. You can find her on her website and on Twitter. Hair, skin, and nail supplements have been on drugstore shelves for decades, but the science behind them is lacking.

However, people still report…. If you want nails that grow faster, you can start by taking good care of your body and using the following tips. Face acids are the key to clear, youthful skin — but how do you know which one to use? Biotin is a B vitamin that supports various aspects of your health. Here are the top 10 biotin-rich foods. Many things can contribute to dry hair.

Try out these tips for managing and revitalizing your dry, brittle hair. Here are 16 of the best sunscreens on the market in spray, lotion, and solid forms, and for different needs.