Brittle nails occur for a variety of reasons. They may be a normal sign of aging or the result of polishing your nails too frequently. When the weather is cold, brittle nails may result from dryness. Weak nails also can be signs of a health issue, such as hypothyroidism or anemia.
Furthermore, what vitamin is lacking for brittle nails?
Vitamin C
A deficiency in vitamin C can result in brittle nails, as well as slowed nail growth ( 18 ). Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and cannot be produced by your body.
Keeping this in consideration, why are my toenails thick and brittle?
Primarily, fungal infections affect a person’s toenails. A type of fungal infection called onychomycosis is one of the most common causes of thick nails. Fungal infections often grow in toenails because they thrive in warm, moist environments.
How do you strengthen brittle toenails?
15 Tips for Stronger Nails
- Take a biotin supplement. …
- Minimize exposure to water. …
- Stay hydrated. …
- Pay attention to your diet. …
- Be careful about the products you use. …
- Avoid using gel or acrylic nails, if possible. …
- Give your nails a break from polish. …
- Keep your nails on the shorter side.
How can I hydrate my toenails?
To moisturize your toenails, Elle suggests using a cuticle cream, petroleum jelly, or vitamin E oil. Put it over the entire nail, including the cuticle, and gently rub it in.
What deficiency causes brittle nails?
Weak nails are most likely associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, calcium, iron, or fatty acids. Norris explains that it’s best not to take iron as a supplement unless you know you’re deficient. Instead, start taking a multivitamin that includes calcium and B vitamins.
Can vitamin D deficiency cause nails?
Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (al. S. M., 2011) – Deficiencies specifically in vitamins A, D, E, and K typically will cause nails to be softer, termed hapalonychia.
What your toenails say about your health?
Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Does Vicks Vapor Rub soften toenails?
One common thing that comes up are products that contain menthol. So Vicks VapoRub is a common nail remedy for nail fungus. It probably won’t help. But it won’t hurt anything either.
Will Vicks Vapor Rub kill toenail fungus?
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment. Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus.
How do you fix crumbling toenails?
Home-based treatments
- Clean the affected area with soap and water daily.
- Groom your nails regularly. …
- Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails.
- Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day.
What to put on dry brittle toenails?
If the toenails look dry, cracked and brittle from long-term polish use, you can apply a vitamin E oil or lotion, rubbing it gently into the nail and cuticle to moisturize them. Allow it to absorb and dry fully before wearing shoes.
Why do old people’s toenails get thick?
Unfortunately, thickening toenails are a by-product of aging, in most cases. As we age, our toenails – and fingernails – slow their growth rate, and the nails thicken because the nail cells, called onychocytes, sort of pile up.
Can you fix pincer toenails?
Pincer nails are a common type of ingrown toenail. They occur when the sides of your nails become curved inwards and dig into the surrounding skin. … No matter the cause of the pincer toenail, podiatrists have a treatment method to fix it. The most common method is a simple ingrown toenail procedure.