Brittle nails

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List of terms related to Brittle nails

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: Onychorrhexis; longitudinal split of nail

Overview

Brittle nails is a condition where the nails are fragile and break frequently.

Causes

Common Causes

It can be due to an infection or a nutritional disorder, but they can also be an indication of several other medical conditions, including iron deficiency, anemia, hypothyroidism, impaired kidney function, circulation problems, and biotin deficiency.

Causes in Alphabetical Order

• Anemia
• Anorexia nervosa
• Biotin deficiency
• Bulimia
• Circulation problems
• Excessive strong soap and water exposure
• Hypothyroidism
• Impaired kidney function
• Infection
• Iron deficiency
• Nail polish remover
• Nutritional disorder
• Oral retinoid therapy
• Witkop syndrome

Diagnosis

Physical Examination

Brittle nails can also be considered as nails that show signs of splitting.

Image shown below is courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

• 
  Splitting

Epidemiology and Demographics

Brittle nails affects up to 20% of the population.

Treatment

Primary prevention

Some solutions that have been proposed include vitamin supplements, gelatin, glucosamine, reducing the use of nail polish, and ensuring proper moisture.

See also

• Beau's lines