Your nails say a lot about your health. If they are weak and brittle, discolored or ruffled, your numbers may indicate that something else is going on in your body.
Peeling nails are no different. While this is one of the annoying beauty problems you may be tempted to ignore, there are several reasons to peel nails. It could be the fault of your diet, manicure techniques or even an underlying condition.
But once you realize what’s going on, you can get proper treatment. “If you give TLC with your hands and nails, it may do the trick, but if not, see your GP or dermatologist for guidance,” says Shirin Peters, MD, founder of Bethany Medical Clinic in New York City. “Your dermatologist will ask questions about possible causes or exposure and any medical conditions or medications that may play a role.”
They can also cut your nail and send it to a dermatopathologist to be examined under a microscope to get a better idea of what’s going on.
Not sure why your nails peel? In advance, experts break out the most common reasons, plus what you can do to get it back to its former glory.
1. Your hands are regularly wet.
‘The most common cause [of peeling nails] repeated wetting or drying of hands, ”says Blair Murphy-Rose MD, FAAD, certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. “So it happens regularly with hairdressers, household cleaners and other work that needs to be soaked hands regularly.”
Your nails can also peel if you spend time in hot or humid places. “Too much moisture or prolonged exposure to moisture causes the nail to swell with water and become soft,” explains dr. Peters. “The end result is a soft and fragile nail that is prone to damage due to minimal trauma.”
To prevent this, dr. Wear gloves when washing the dishes, dry your hands and nails thoroughly after washing them and apply a vitamin E hand cream regularly to replenish lost moisture.
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2. You buffered your nails too much.
Just as moisture-laden nails tend to peel and tear, so can nails that are dried out from too much dehydration, according to Dr. Peters.
“Excessive dryness causes the nail to become brittle, so slight trauma easily damages the nail,” she explains. This means that a small bite can turn into a large tear if the nails are too dry.
Make sure you use a rich moisturizer or nail oil after lubricating your nails so that it does not dry out, says dr. Rose for.
3. The chemicals in your products are too harsh.
Certain chemicals (such as those needed for adhesive for gel or acrylic nails) and ingredients in everything, from hand soaps and disinfectants to detergent, can dry out nails and tend to peel, says Dr. Peters.
She recommends looking for products that are labeled “hypoallergenic” because they usually contain softer or natural chemicals. If you are not sure where to start, she likes the following options: Aveeno, Cetaphil or Dove care products; Seventh generation dish soap; Pigeon hand cleaner; and arm- and hammer-sensitive skin-free and clear detergent.
4. You have experienced nail trauma.
If you pluck polish, bite your nails or use your nails to open a can of seltzer, it may not sound very traumatic, but such activities can cause the nails to start peeling.
“Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, nail peeling generally occurs when cell-to-cell adhesion is interrupted,” says Dr. Rose. ‘Our nails are made up of very low-density compacted cells. The connection between one cell and other adjacent cells can be compromised as the bonds between them weaken. This is what happens when the nail peels. The cell-to-cell adhesion breaks down and the layers separate. ”
To prevent the separation from taking place, dr. Rose to use a nail booster like Ella + Mila First Aid Kiss Nail Strengthener or OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener – and use a soft, acetone-free nail polish remover instead of picking polish. bit by bit.
5. A nutrient deficiency can play a role.
“Exfoliating nails are associated with low calcium, as well as a deficiency of iron, vitamin D and B vitamins such as biotin,” says Dr. Peters. “These vitamins help keratin – from which the tissue nails are made – to become stronger.”
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins is a good place to start tackling nutritional deficiencies, but you can also ask your doctor if you can benefit from using certain supplements.
6. A thyroid problem can be blamed.
While typical signs of a thyroid disorder include weight changes, anxiety, fatigue and brain fog, exfoliating nails can also be a red flag on which to check your thyroid levels.
“Thyroid diseases cause a slower turnover of the skin and nails, so that older nail tissue stays longer, which causes the nails to become brittle,” explains dr. Peters.
7. You have a fungal infection.
“Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, can cause various types of nail dystrophy, including nail peeling,” says Dr. Rose. According to experts from the Mayo Clinic, you may also experience thickening of the nails and white or yellow-brown discoloration.
If you think you have a fungal infection, make an appointment with your dermatologist, as it can be difficult to treat. Your doctor can confirm that you have an infection and will probably prescribe oral antifungal medication to cure the nail.
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