Brittle Nails: Causes and What May Help

Brittle nails are common and do not automatically mean you need a supplement. Frequent wetting and drying, chemical exposure, trauma, age and health conditions can all play a role.

Common contributors

Repeated water exposure and harsh chemicals can weaken nails. Protecting hands during wet work and moisturizing nails and cuticles can be useful basic measures.

Could nutrition matter?

It can, particularly when there is an actual nutritional deficiency or inadequate intake. But appearance alone cannot tell you which nutrient, if any, is missing.

When to seek evaluation

Get professional advice for persistent changes, pain, swelling, separation, marked discoloration, thickening or changes affecting multiple nails without an obvious explanation.

Continue to splitting and peeling nails, nail nutrition or supplement basics.