Nails are important parts of our bodies that protect our fingers and toes. However, many people experience issues with their nails that can range from cosmetic concerns to painful medical conditions. Two of the most common nail problems are brittle nails and fungal nail infections. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments for these issues can help you address them properly if they arise.
Brittle Nails
Brittle nails are dry, cracked, peeling, or splitting nails. They may have ridges or grooves down their length. Brittle nails tend to break and flake easily, sometimes down to the nail bed which can be painful. This issue typically arises from damage and dryness.
Causes of Brittle Nails
There are several potential causes of brittle nails:
– Excessive exposure to water – Frequent hand-washing, dish-washing, swimming, etc. can strip nails of moisture and oils leading to brittleness.
– Harsh chemicals – Household cleaners, nail polish remover, etc. can dry out and weaken nails over time.
– Nutritional deficiencies – Lack of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats can impair nail growth and cause brittleness. Iron, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B7 (biotin), calcium, and essential fatty acids are particularly important.
– Dehydration – Inadequate water intake can lead to brittle nails.
– Medical conditions – Hypothyroidism, eczema, psoriasis, anemia, and Raynaud’s phenomenon are some health issues associated with brittle nails.
– Aging – Nails naturally become more brittle with age as growth slows and circulation decreases.
– Incorrect nail care – Vigorous filing, trimming cuticles too short, using acrylics or gel polish, and improper nail polish removal can damage nails.
– Genetics – Some people are simply predisposed to weaker nails that are prone to brittleness.
Symptoms of Brittle Nails
The main symptoms of brittle nails include:
– Cracking, splitting, peeling, or breaking nails
– Rough nail texture with ridges or grooves
– Flaking or crumbling nails
– Seeing white spots or stains on nails
– Nail separation from the nail bed
– Tenderness or pain when nails break
You may first notice nails chipping at the tips and edges. As brittleness progresses, cracking and peeling will extend further down the nail towards the cuticle. Your nails may split vertically down their length as well. Severe brittleness can lead to nails that seem to shred and fall apart easily.
Treatments for Brittle Nails
Fortunately, a variety of home remedies and medical treatments can help strengthen weak, brittle nails.
**Home remedies:**
– Moisturize nails daily with coconut, olive, or jojoba oil
– Apply a hydrating hand cream after washing hands
– Wear rubber gloves for wet tasks like dishwashing
– Avoid harsh nail products with acetone, formaldehyde
– Take biotin supplements to boost nail growth
– File nails gently in one direction
– Use a glass nail file rather than metal filers
– Avoid excessive manicures and acrylic or gel polish
– Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
**Medical treatments:**
– Vitamin or mineral supplements to correct deficiencies
– Prescription creams containing urea, lactic acid, or lanolin
– Oral medications such as biotin, collagen supplements, or OTC nail strengthening polish
– Humidifiers to add moisture to the air
– Professional acrylic, gel, or silk nail overlays to reinforce nails
– Medicated nail creams or ointments if brittleness is caused by a medical condition
**Preventative nail care:**
The best way to manage brittle nails is to provide your nails extra care and avoid damage in the first place. Trim nails regularly so they do not snag and break. Use grooming products gently and minimize use of harsh soaps, chemicals, hot water, etc. Wear gloves when needed for wet work. Keep nails short if they are very brittle. Strengthen the nail surface with a monthly nail hardener. And ensure you get sufficient vitamins, minerals, and moisture through diet and supplements.
Fungal Nail Infections
Fungal nail infections, also called onychomycosis, are another very common nail disorder. They occur when microscopic fungi called dermatophytes get under the nail and into the nail bed, infecting the nail itself. Fingernails and toenails can both be affected. Mild cases cause yellowing and thickening of the nail. More serious infections lead to extensive nail damage.
Causes of Fungal Nail Infections
Fungal infections take hold when the fungi have a chance to get under the nail. Risk factors include:
– Damp, moist environments – Using public showers, swimming pools, locker rooms
– Injury to the nail – Manicures, pedicures, nail biting, picked cuticles
– Reduced circulation – Diabetes, peripheral artery disease,Raynaud’s
– Weakened immune system – Cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, medications
– Sweaty feet, socks, and shoes – Provides ideal environment for fungi
– Use of occlusive footwear – Like rubber boots or tight shoes
– Age – More common after age 50 as nail growth slows
– Family history – Susceptibility can run in families
The fungi thrive in warm, damp places. Dark, moist areas under the nail allow them to multiply. Once under the nail, they are hard to eradicate and can spread to infect the entire nail over time.
Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infections
Signs and symptoms of a fungal nail infection include:
– Thickened, discolored nails
– Brittle, crumbly, or ragged nail texture
– Distorted nail shape
– Debris gathering under nails
– White or yellow streaks in nails
– Nails separating from the underlying nail bed
– Foul nail odor
In mild cases, the nail may just appear yellowish. As infection worsens, thickening and darkening of the nail occurs and nails may appear brown, black, or green. Advanced infections cause extensive thickening and distortion of the nail. There is often nail debris and fragmentation. The nail may eventually become misshapen, malformed, or crumble away in places.
Treatments for Fungal Nail Infections
Prescription medications are required to properly treat fungal nail infections. Over-the-counter ointments typically do not penetrate deep enough into the nail to eradicate the fungi. Options include:
**Oral antifungal medications**
– Terbinafine – Most effective oral treatment, up to 80% cure rate
– Itraconazole – Also highly effective for fungal nails
– Side effects may include headache, upset stomach, skin rash
**Topical creams and nail polish**
– Ciclopirox – Applied daily to affected nails
– Tavaborole – Applied to nails every other week
– Efinaconazole – Applied to nails once weekly
– Laser treatment – Shined on nails to aid in eradicating fungus
**Removal of infected nails**
– Partial or complete nail removal for severe cases
– Allows antifungal medication to penetrate further
Treatment duration is typically 6-12 weeks or longer. Oral medications must be taken for the full course to prevent recurrence. Combining oral and topical treatments provides greater efficacy. Unfortunately, even after successful treatment, reinfection is common. Preventative steps should be taken to minimize this risk.
Prevention of Fungal Nail Infections
You can reduce your risk of fungal nail infections by:
– Keeping feet clean and dry
– Changing socks and shoes regularly
– Wearing moisture-wicking socks
– Wearing shower shoes in public areas
– Getting manicures/pedicures from reputable salons
– Disinfecting nail files, clippers, and tools
– Treating athlete’s foot promptly
– Avoiding nail injuries
– Wearing properly fitted shoes
– Managing chronic health conditions
– Stopping smoking which worsens circulation
Practice good nail hygiene and foot care habits. See a doctor at the first sign of any nail discoloration or thickening to start treatment early before infection worsens. Consult a dermatologist for tips on prevention and watch for recurrences.
Summary and Conclusions
Brittle nails and fungal nail infections are two very prevalent nail conditions. Understanding their underlying causes and contributing factors is important.
Brittle nails arise primarily from excessive moisture exposure, chemical damage, nutritional deficiencies, chronic medical problems, genetics, and aging. They can be quite painful when nails split and crack down to the nail bed. Home remedies focus on moisturizing nails and avoiding further damage. See a doctor if OTC options do not restore nail strength.
Fungal infections get started when microscopic fungi get under the nail. Risk factors include damp environments, nail injuries, poor circulation, weakened immunity, occlusive footwear, and age. Yellow, thickened nails that are distorted, foul-smelling, or crumbly signal a fungal infection. Prescription oral and topical medications are needed for treatment. Preventative care is crucial as reinfection is common.
Addressing brittle nails or fungal infections early provides the best outcomes. Seek professional medical advice if you are concerned about the health, appearance, or discomfort of your nails so appropriate treatment can begin. Consistent nail care and prompt attention to any emerging problems will help keep your nails healthy and beautiful.