Weak nails or Weakness of the nails, meaning that the nails quickly become cracked, chipped, split, or peeled, can be observed as a sign of aging or in response to the long-term use of nail polish or exposure to moist conditions (including frequent swimming or dishwashing). In addition, many medical conditions can affect the shape or texture of the fingernails.
It a common condition primarily seen in women, means weak, cracked, chipped, split, or peeled-off nails. This phenomenon is called onychoschizia, or splitting of the fingernails. Check out the common symptoms, causes, treatments, and home remedies for Weak nails.
Weak and dry nails are the result of insufficient moisture. They are most commonly caused by repeated washing and drying of fingernails.
On the other hand, soft and weak nails are caused by too much moisture, often from excessive exposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover.
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Table of Contents
Causes of Weak Nails
Other causes of weak nails include:
Age: Nails often change with age and often become dull and weak. In addition, while toenails usually get thicker and more complicated, fingernails often get thinner and more fragile.
Iron Deficiency: This condition always occurs when the body does not get enough iron, leading to low red blood cell levels. Your doctor can measure and supplement your ferritin levels when they are calm.
Hypothyroidism: In addition to weak nails, symptoms of low thyroid levels can include fatigue, hair loss, depression, weight gain, and constipation. Your doctor will treat hypothyroidism with the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine, which can be taken by mouth.
Raynaud’s Syndrome: This condition can affect nail health, characterized by poor circulation in the extremities. Your doctor may recommend calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine or nifedipine or alternatives such as losartan, fluoxetine, or sildenafil.
Home Remedies For Strengthen Weak Nails
Weak nails are a sign of aging. However, if your nails break often or are deformed in shape, it might indicate various medical conditions. Besides this excessive water exposure, dryness or thick coats of nail polish or remover can cause them to chip off. You have many nail strengthening creams and gels available in the market. But before trying out those expensive products to improve your nails, here are a few home remedies that might help you deal with Weak nails.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil bestowed with healthy fatty acids is an excellent natural moisturizer that helps nurture and strengthen weak and Weak nails. Moreover, it makes the cuticles lessen and intense peeling and dryness. Besides this, it also fortifies the nail beds and promotes their growth.
Take 1 or 2 teaspoon of coconut oil, warm it mildly and apply on each nail while massaging gently for 4-6 minutes. This will enhance blood circulation and retains moisture in the nails. Repeat this thrice daily for the best result.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The vast reserves of essential nutrients such as potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins in apple cider vinegar support keeping nails strong and healthy. Apart from this richness of malic acid, acetic acid exhibits potent antiseptic and antifungal properties that help ward off nail infections.
Take equivalent amounts of water and apple cider vinegar in a bowl, soak nails in this mixture for a few minutes and gently push down the cuticles. Do this once daily; after a week, nails will become firmer.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil’s antiseptic solid properties help cure Weak nails caused by fungal infections. It also works wonders in treating discolored nails and aids in repairing and strengthening damaged nails. Other essential oils with nail healing and maintaining properties include lavender oil, jojoba oil, lemon, and frankincense oil.
Take a few drops of tea tree oil and add a teaspoon and a half of vitamin E oil, mix well and apply this solution on the nails, and massage gently for a few minutes. Leave it for 20 minutes, wash well with water, dry well, and apply moisturizer. Do this twice a day for a month for the best results.
lemon juice
Lemon juice enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants works well to nourish and strengthen weak nails. In addition, it facilitates nail whitening, removes stains, and makes them look whiter than ever.
Take three tablespoon of olive oil and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to a mixing bowl; Heat it for a few seconds until warm. Apply this solution to nails before bed with a clean cotton swab, wear gloves and leave on overnight. Do this once a day for two weeks for better results.
sea-salt
Sea Salt is enriched with essential minerals for strengthening weak nails, softening cuticles, and adding shine to nails.
In a mixing bowl, add two tablespoons of sea salt, a few drops of lemon essential oil, and wheat germ oil, mix well and dip nails in this mixture for 15 minutes. Pat dry, apply hand cream and clean with warm water. Do this simple remedy thrice a week for the best results.
Precautions
Avoid Exposure of your Nails to Water: Washing hands more often can make your nails weak, so avoid doing this frequently.
Stop Using Nail Polish Remover: The chemicals present in nail polish remover can dry out nails leading to an increased risk of Weak nails. Instead, read about 11 expert tips for healthy nails.
Eat a Healthy Diet: One of the critical reasons for Weak nails is the lack of proper nutrient supply to the body. Consume foods rich in biotin (vitamin B7) and omega-3 fatty acids and include flaxseeds, nuts, beans, eggs, pumpkin seeds, broccoli, and milk.
Wear Gloves: The chances of breaking nails are high in case of winters (although it might be year-round for some). In such cases, wearing gloves works wonders for your skin and nails.
Conclusion
Nail Weakness is a common complaint characterized by weak inelastic nails that split, flake, and crumble. It may result from factors altering nail plate production and damaging the already keratinized nail plate. It is frequently idiopathic. Also, it can be caused by many nutritional deficiencies, systematic and dermatological diseases, traumas, and drugs. Occupational and environmental factors that produce progressive dehydration of the nail plate have an essential role in nail Weakness.
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