Brittle & Peeling Nails: Medical Causes & What They Mean

Nail abnormalities, including brittle and peeling nails, can have many causes. Paying attention to the health of your nails may help you diagnose dangerous conditions.

Types

• Brittle and peeling nails can be caused by thyroid conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, a skin condition called psoriasis and malnutrition, especially deficiencies in protein, calcium, zinc, iron and biotin.

Significance

• Being aware of the health of your nails can help indicate your general health, and may signal a warning that something is wrong.

Prevention

• Prevent nail damage by avoiding biting or picking at your nails, clipping hangnails, cutting your toenails frequently and wearing shoes that fit properly.

Treatment

• While appropriate treatment varies by the underlying condition, you can strengthen your nails by consuming the vitamin biotin and using nail polish that contains protein.

Warning

• If your nails have red streaks in the nail bed, a condition called splinter hemorrhages, seek medical care immediately.