symptoms

Brittle nails - Causes and Symptoms

Related articles: Brittle nails

Definition

Brittle nails are characterized by changes in structure and shape, which make them free of elasticity and prone to breakage. Part of the symptomatology of nutritional deficiencies, dermatological diseases, traumas and systemic pathologies are found.

Fragility can occur with vertical streaks and fissures ( onicoresses ) or with progressive flaking of the more superficial layers ( onyx scia lamellina ). In the latter case, the lamina appears friable and undergoes a real fragmentation starting from the free edge of the nail, which takes on a jagged appearance. Onicoresses and onicoskacy are common in the female sex and in the elderly; they can be the consequence of repeated micro-traumatisms, dermatological disorders and contact with chemicals with very acid or alkaline pH for professional reasons (eg chemists, health personnel, photographers and painters). Fragility can be transient (due to the action of external or temporary factors) or persistent.

Often, at the origin of the fragility of the nails there have been deficiencies, incorrect eating habits or drastic diets that cause a general decay of the organism. This symptom is observed, in particular, in case of vitamin (A, E, C and B6) and mineral (iron, zinc, selenium, copper, phosphorus and calcium) deficiencies.

In addition to nutritional problems, brittle nails may depend on dermatological diseases, such as psoriasis, alopecia areata and lichen planus. Furthermore, the friability may be a consequence of the invasion of the nail plate by pathogenic fungi, in the case of onychomycosis.

Nail disorders and fragility can also occur during anemia, allergies, thyroid disorders, vasculopathies (which alter the vascularization of the matrix), eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia) and particularly debilitating pharmacological treatments.

Aging is also a common cause of fragility, especially if environmental factors are added that favor nail dehydration. Prolonged contact with water and repeated use of solvents, soaps and detergents impoverish, in particular, the hydro-lipid film of the skin of the hands and the keratin of the nails, making them more dry and ready to break. Smoking and onychophagia often worsen the situation.

Finally, brittle nails may depend on an excessively frequent and aggressive manicure.

Sometimes, the fragility of nails causes it to flake

Possible Causes * of Brittle Nails

  • Contact allergy
  • Alopecia areata
  • Anemia
  • Nervous anorexia
  • Bulimia
  • whitlow
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Lichen planus
  • Onicofagia
  • Onychomycosis
  • Progeria
  • Psoriasis
  • Sjögren syndrome
  • Turner syndrome