Weak Nails: Why Your Nails are Weak and Methods to Strengthen Your Nails
Suffering from Weak Nails? Here is What You Need to Know About the Causes of Weak Nails, and How to Make Nails Stronger.
Nail Care
Many people notice their nails becoming weak or brittle, but do not understand why this is happening or how to treat it. In this article, we will delve into what causes weak nails and the remedies available to strengthen nails.
Maintaining short nails is important since doing so minimizes nail surface area so that water and chemicals cannot be easily absorbed. Additionally, using a fine emery board to file your nails prevents irregularities and breakages which are what causes weak nails. Moreover, refrain from picking and biting your nails since any sort of irritation of the nails can contribute to brittle nails. To strengthen your nails, you can put on reasonable amounts of nail hardener. Finally, if you want to use a nail polish remover, try to do so less frequently and to choose one that is acetone-free.
Bottom Line
Brittle nails is usually a minor condition that can be treated with simple lifestyle changes and at-home remedies. In rare cases, the symptoms of brittle nails can be signs of a more serious disease or infection. For this reason, if any of the above treatments do not strengthen your nails within a few weeks, you should contact your doctor immediately.
What are Brittle Nails?
Brittle nails is a condition in which fingernails and toenails become weak or brittle. Some symptoms of the weakening of the nails include the cracking, thinning, chipping, splitting, and peeling of the nails. If you find yourself saying “my nails are weak,” you probably have brittle nails.What causes Weak Nails?
There are a variety of causes of weakening nails. Some of what causes weak nails are daily habits and exposure to extreme climates. In other instances, more severe medical issues, such as infection, can lead to brittle nails.Activities and Conditions
Generally what causes weak nails are specific activities that expose your nails to harsh conditions. Due to its chemical composition, using nail polish remover containing acetone on a regular basis, for example, commonly weakens nails. For this same reason, frequent contact with chemical agents – such as those found in cleaning products – weakens nails. Moreover, repeated extreme weather conditions can deteriorate nails. Severe cold and heat alike take a heavy toll on your nails. Finally, soaking your nails in water for extended periods of time commonly leads to brittle nails since doing so tends to cause your nails to split. Accordingly, regular swimming and dishwashing can lead to brittle nails.
Medical Issues
Infection is another cause of brittle nails. When bacteria grow under your fingernails, it can result in an infection. Left untreated, infection will worsen into brittle nails. If an infection is what causes weak nails, more professional treatment will be required. Lastly, aging is another cause of brittle nails. Since the symptoms of brittle nails can be similar, or even identical, to those of more serious diseases, be sure to visit your doctor if the below treatments do not alleviate your symptoms.How to Strengthen Your Nails
If you have brittle nails, you may have to make some daily changes to improve your condition. Stronger nails require that you take actions to protect and strengthen your nails. Below you will find a list of three different methods according to which you can cultivate stronger nails.Wear Gloves
To limit excessive contact with chemicals, extreme weather conditions, and water, gloves can be useful. If you are working with chemicals for your line of work, for example, it may be best to wear a pair of heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands while you labor. Similarly, if you are out in very cold or hot temperatures, wear gloves to regulate the temperature of your hands. Finally, if you are washing dishes or swimming for prolonged periods of time, consider investing in waterproof gloves so that your fingers will not weaken.Remember that Nail Care is Key
To strengthen your nails, proper nail care is crucial. Some of the changes that you can make to develop stronger nails include the following: keep your nails short, use a fine emery board to file your nails, refrain from picking and biting your nails, apply a nail hardener, and utilize a nail polish remover free of acetone.Maintaining short nails is important since doing so minimizes nail surface area so that water and chemicals cannot be easily absorbed. Additionally, using a fine emery board to file your nails prevents irregularities and breakages which are what causes weak nails. Moreover, refrain from picking and biting your nails since any sort of irritation of the nails can contribute to brittle nails. To strengthen your nails, you can put on reasonable amounts of nail hardener. Finally, if you want to use a nail polish remover, try to do so less frequently and to choose one that is acetone-free.
Take Supplements and Skin Care Products
Another way to generate stronger nails is by taking supplements and skincare products. A vitamin known as biotin is one supplement that, when ingested, can strengthen nails. Similarly, applying various moisturizers can treat the symptoms of brittle nails. It is advisable that you use moisturizers that contain alpha-hydroxy or lanolin acids. Should you experience any allergic reactions or adverse effects while taking supplements or applying skincare products, contact your doctor immediately.Bottom Line
Brittle nails is usually a minor condition that can be treated with simple lifestyle changes and at-home remedies. In rare cases, the symptoms of brittle nails can be signs of a more serious disease or infection. For this reason, if any of the above treatments do not strengthen your nails within a few weeks, you should contact your doctor immediately.
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