Introduction
Flaking nails are not only an aesthetic problem of the feminine world: since ancient times, nails have symbolized a weapon of defense and attack. The saying "defend oneself with nails" therefore seems to have a foundation of truth: if, however, the nails appear fragile and begin to fall apart, the meaning behind this common way of saying collapses.
Healthy nails
A healthy and resistant nail reflects an optimal condition of health, as well as a physiological balance; on the other hand, an alteration at the level of the nail may be a sign of disturbances of various degrees in the body.
Healthy and strong nails generally have a rosy color and a shiny appearance and have characteristics such as hardness, strength and elasticity. These characteristics are due to the presence of keratin, a protein consisting of long chains of amino acids (including cysteine, glutamic acid and arginine), of trace elements such as zinc, iron, copper, and vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin E): when these substances are no longer sufficient, the nails are affected, appearing thin and fragile, and flaking off easily.
Features
Characteristics of Unfolding Nails
The flaking of the nail surface layers is technically called " onyxia lamellina ".
In detail, in the nails that suffer from lamellar onicoschizia there is a splitting of the nail plate, due to which the more superficial layers tend to flake and detach from the rest of the nail.
In this way, the nail becomes more and more fragile and the free margin appears fragmented.
Incidence
The problem of flaking nails is widespread and occurs with greater incidence in women between the ages of 20 and 40. Furthermore, this disorder tends to occur only at the level of the fingernails.
Causes
Causes of nails that fall apart
The causes that lead to the flaking of the nails can be many and varied. In most cases, the nails tend to flake because they are excessively dehydrated and, even in this case, the causes that cause this dehydration can be different.
However, the main factors that lead to the onset of this disorder will be briefly described below.
Food shortages
The weakening of the nails, often accompanied by the exfoliation of the same, could be a sign of a deficiency of vitamin A and calcium; to make nails stronger, vitamin B6 also plays an important role. The nails that peel off may reflect, therefore, a state of malnutrition: consequently, a correct diet is the first remedy that one should take to have more beautiful and resistant nails.
Aging
Aging also lends itself to being a common cause of fragility and exfoliation of the nails: if other biological factors are added to the unstoppable advance of the biological clock, dehydration of the nails is favored.
Traumas and chemicals
Flaking nails can be a consequence of traumatic events; even contact with chemicals at low or very high pH, and micro fractures can cause an alteration of the substances that make up the nails, promoting the fragility and exfoliation of the surface layers.
Cosmetics
The habit of using poor quality nail polishes and nail polishes can worsen the health of the nails, making them appear drier, brittle and easily flaking. In addition, to remove the enamel, solvents are used that dehydrate the nail, further compromising its strength.
However, even the use of quality enamels can lead to flaking nails. This occurs especially if the enamel is used excessively or if when the product is to be applied again the one previously given is not eliminated.
Disorders and Diseases
Nail fragility and the consequent flaking can also be caused by some disorders or basic pathologies, therefore, they can represent a symptom of it.
Thyroid disorders (such as, for example, hypothyroidism) are one of the main causes of pathological origin that lead patients to have nails that fall apart.
In other cases, on the other hand, flaking of the nails can occur as a result of situations characterized by strong psycho-physical stress.
Remedies and Treatments
As can be easily understood, the treatment of flaking nails depends heavily on the cause causing the disorder.
In the event that the nails that fall apart depend on dehydration, it is advisable to apply a moisturizing cream, which compensates for the losses of the substances that make up the structure. If this is not enough, it is very useful to use compresses with olive oil, or with shea butter, or even with cocoa butter.
If the main cause of flaking nails falls into a nutritional deficiency, it is necessary to supplement the diet with vitamin and mineral supplementation.
In the case in which the triggering cause is of pathological origin, on the other hand, the resolution of the problem of flaking nails is closely related to the resolution of the underlying disease: when the disorder is treated, the nail will return stronger.
Useful tips
Leaving aside the cases in which the problem of flaking nails is caused by pathological factors, to prevent this disorder, sometimes, it may be sufficient to follow some simple tips, such as:
- Wear gloves when coming into contact with aggressive substances (laundry detergents, dish detergents, household cleaning products, etc.);
- Use delicate and quality products for cleansing nails and hands;
- Use quality enamels and, why not, help yourself with the application of reinforcing enamels (for more information: Types of Enamel);
- Avoid tearing off flaking portions of nail, so as not to further damage the nail plate. To remove the exfoliated portions, in fact, it is advisable to use a file that is not too aggressive. However, even the use of the file must not be excessive, so as not to thin and / or excessively attack the nail.
Finally, if despite these simple tips the nails continue to be fragile and continue to exfoliate, the only other alternative is to cut them often and keep them short.
If despite this, the phenomenon of flaking nails continues to persist, it may be useful to ask the doctor's advice in order to exclude the presence of any pathologies not yet diagnosed.
