What to do when you have brittle nails

Symptoms, causes and remedies of brittle nails

Brittle nails or onychoschizia refers to the thinning, soft, brittle, or splitting of nails. It is more common in women. The nails of toes and fingers are composed of a layer of protein, referred to as keratin. The healthy nails are known to be stronger and smoother with even colouring and there are no discolourations or spots. At times, even healthier nails tend to be brittle.

Symptoms of brittle nails

Here are few of the symptoms of brittle nails

  • Encountering issues in growing the nails
  • Longitudinal ridging
  • Easy cracking, breaking, or chipping
  • Peeling at the tips of the nail
  • Nails that have a tendency of splitting at the end

Causes of brittle nails

Here is a list of few of the prominent causes of brittle nails

  • Nail psoriasis
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Skin condition, having an impact on the nails
  • Fungal nail infection
  • Reactive arthritis

Remedies for brittle nails

Here are few of the natural remedies that are effective for the treatment of brittle nails

Stay hydrated

Though you require avoiding additional water on the outside for the prevention of the brittle nail, you should make sure to slack on the internal intake of water. You should stay hydrated as water enriched healthy food products such as cucumbers, watermelons are recognized to be the best option for moisturizing the skin, nails, and hair from inside.

Limiting the exposure to water

Opt for a pair of protective gloves for the healing and prevention of brittle nails. You should make sure to opt for the gloves at the time of accomplishing the different household chores. You should use the dry hot water as well as soap from the prevention of brittle nails.

Opting for DIY cuticle cream

Inclusion of topical moisturizer is considered to be a wonderful option for fixing the brittle nail. Though the nails are said to be brittle and dry, the DIY cuticle creams are highly effective treatments for the brittle nails. The moisture and natural replenishing ingredients are inclusive of coconut oil, raw Shea butter, vitamin E, beeswax, etc.

Opting of natural hand cream

In case you have brittle nails, the natural hand creams are considered to be an effective mean for moisturizing the nails and hands, after the drying as well as washing of the hands. Hence, you should opt for a natural hand moisturizer that can be applied at ease.

Biotin

Biotin supplements are effective for the improvement of weaker brittle nails. Few of the food items which are considered to be effective sources of biotin are inclusive of eggs, almonds, onions, sweet potatoes, oats, tomatoes, etc.

Broccoli seed oil

Provide a natural boost to your nails with the aid of broccoli seed oil. It is composed of young broccoli sprouts and is loaded with different essential fatty acids which are considered to be effective for healthy nail, hair or skin. You should opt for the same prior to getting to bed every night. Argon oil and coconut oil are recognized to be topically therapeutic oil which is used in order to get rid of a brittle nail problem.